Conservatory Admissions > Auditions > Theory Placement >
Music Theory Placement Tests
Undergraduate Test
The Peabody has an extensive music theory program, so undergraduates can enter the school with little or no formal training in that subject. However, we have found that most anyone acceptable to Peabody knows the basics of music theory. For this reason, we give a music theory placement test to those who audition on campus. There is a second test available as an option for those who are looking for advanced placement. Results of this test are generally not used in making accept/reject decisions, although we do look at them in a few agonizing cases each year when the outcome is in question, and when we need to draw on all available information to make a decision.
We like to include Theory placement test results in our acceptance letters, but recent advances in our computer system are getting in the way. We can still give you results over the phone or by email. You can find sample theory tests and more detailed information at the link below.
Life is easier in the first year of Peabody if students know the basics of music theory. I am happy to report that most students who make use of the self-study materials improve their theory placement during re-tests at orientation time when they arrive on campus. Students auditioning by tape, or at regional auditions, do not take placement tests until orientation, so they lose the benefit of getting early results. However, we always include the list of self-study materials in acceptance packages, so you will have an opportunity to brush up your skills before taking the test at orientation.
AP Theory Test
Note for those who have taken the AP Theory Test: We accept AP credits in most academic subjects if you earned a four or five on the test. However, we do not accept AP credits in music theory. Peabody offers courses on several levels for first-year study, so we need to get a more finely tuned "reading" on your level of development in order to arrive at an accurate placement.
Graduate Test
Graduate students are assumed to have a theory background, so the graduate level placement tests are diagnostic--meaning that the results help us place (or exempt) you from review classes that will meet your needs. Occasionally test results come into play in making accept/reject decisions. If an applicant needs more theory study than can be accomplished during the normal (usually two year) curriculum, we cannot in good conscience accept him or her. The good news is that the vast majority of our graduate applicants (even those who have been out of school for a while) test within range of our review courses.
Link to: Sample Theory Tests
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