Music Theory Placement Test
Music Theory Placement Test
The purpose of the MTPT is to guide the Music Department in determining what theory training will best support your music study goals. We do not expect or require all students to be familiar with every topic covered on the exam before coming to Wellesley.
The MTPT tests knowledge of both classical and jazz music theory. Students who are untrained in jazz may skip over these sections, and students who are trained primarily in jazz may skip the more advanced classical sections, but all students are encouraged to complete as much of the exam as possible. Among the areas covered are: nomenclature and notation of intervals, scales, triads, and seventh chords, clef-reading, roman numeral analysis and chord labeling (classical and jazz), notation of musical rhythm, aural skills, basic musical terminology, and (for more advanced students) fundamentals of figured bass realization. In addition, students are asked to fill out a page of information about their musical background.
Reviewing for the Test
Those wishing to review for the test may want to refer to The Music Kit (fourth edition) by Tom Manoff, published by W. W. Norton. This text has excellent general theory information. If you prefer, you may simply review with any other basic theory text. Once again, the topics covered are: nomenclature and notation of intervals, scales, triads, and seventh chords, clef-reading, notation of musical rhythm, aural (listening/dictation) skills, basic musical terminology, and (for more advanced students) fundamentals of figured bass realization. The test, which will be administered twice in Jewett Auditorium during Orientation Week, takes approximately one hour. It is essential that students wishing to take courses or lessons in the Music Department take this test!
Test Schedule for Fall 2013:
TBD in Jewett Auditorium.
