Skip to main content
University College
Department of Performing Arts and Technology

Music Theory Placement

NC State offers several music theory courses, all of which combine the principles of
traditional music theory with topics of musicianship—foundational knowledge and skills
that deliver a balanced music education. Courses are divided into 2 skill sets:

  • Written theory courses teach the skills needed to read, write, analyze, and compose music
  • Aural theory (or aural skills or ear-training) courses teach the skills necessary to listen, remember, differentiate, perform, and improvise music

Written theory (each 3 credits):

  • MUS 120 (Intro to Music Theory) is an online and self-paced course designed for the general student who wants a fundamental understanding of the principles of written and aural theory.   This course has no prereqs or coreqs.
  • MUS 103 (Theory and Musicianship I) is a face-to-face course designed for MUT majors, music minors, and any student interested in a fundamental understanding of written theory as well as core topics of musicianship for a balanced musical education.  This course has no prereqs or coreqs, although students are encouraged to take MUS 104 simultaneously.
  • MUS 153 and 203 (Theory and Musicianship II and III) follow MUS 103 sequentially and introduce more advanced concepts in written theory and musicianship.  Each has its own prereqs and coreqs.

Aural theory (each 1 credit):

  • MUS 104 (Theory and Musicianship Lab I) is the ear-training lab for MUS 103 where students develop aural comprehension in the principles of written theory, comparable to the conversation labs required in some foreign language courses.   MUS 103 or “credit by exam” is either a prereq or coreq for MUS 104.
  • MUS 154 and 204 (Theory and Musicianship Lab II and III) are advanced ear-training labs that accompany MUS 153 and 203 respectively.   Each has its own prereqs and coreqs.

Credit by exam

Any student can receive “credit by exam” for MUS 103 by taking the Music Theory and Musicianship Proficiency Test (MTMPT).  Taken in a classroom setting, this is an online test that assesses your knowledge of the principles of written theory and musicianship taught in MUS 103.  A passing score is 70%.   For MUT majors and music minors, passing the test qualifies you for MUS 153.

The online MTMPT must be taken face-to-face during a designated time established by the theory coordinator.  The test consists of 75 multiple-choice and T/F questions and is timed at 90 minutes.  Students should bring to the test (1) a laptop computer with internet capability, (2) a Smartphone for two-factor DUO authentication, and (3) a pencil.  Blank staff paper for taking notes will be provided. 

Note that the test regulations follow university policy.  A student may not take the exam if any of these conditions exist:

  1. The student has previously failed the exam
  2. The student has previously failed MUS 103
  3. The student is enrolled in MUS 103 past the last day to drop

Students who have taken the AP Music Theory Exam should first consult NC State’s Advanced Placement policy for allowable credit earned toward MUS 103 and 104. For these students, the MTMPT is not required pending the confirmation of scores.

Review the frequently asked questions below to learn more about how to access and take the Music Theory and Musicianship Proficiency Test (MTMPT).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the MTMPT operate under the Honor Code?

Yes, the MTMPT operates under the Honor Code of NC State. You are required to comply with the university policy on academic integrity found in the Code of Student Conduct.

Violations of academic integrity will be handled in accordance with the Student Discipline Procedures. Specifically, no outside materials, electronic devices, musical instruments, study-aids, assistance or collaboration of any kind may be used or accessed during the test, EXCEPT for blank staff paper to take notes. Any attempt to print, provide, sell or otherwise circulate the MTMPT is prohibited and considered a violation of academic integrity.

Are accommodations available for students who need them?

Yes. To qualify for a testing accommodation, you must (1) be registered with the Disability Resource Office (DRO) at NC State University and (2) request an accommodation for the MTPT. Visit the DRO website for more information.  Arrange for registration confirmation with DRO to be sent to Tom Koch, music theory coordinator, tdkoch@ncsu.edu.

    What is the format of the MTMPT?

    1. The test contains 75 multiple-choice and T/F questions.
    2. The test is timed at 90 minutes; open attempts are submitted automatically after 90 minutes, and unanswered questions are counted as wrong.
    3. The test must be taken in one 90-minute sitting and can only be taken once.  Anyone who does not pass cannot take the test again.  Only a single login is permitted. 
    4. You are not required to answer questions sequentially and may return to unanswered questions or to change answers. Only when you hit “Submit all and finish” will you not be allowed to return to the test.
    5. During the test, DO NOT click on the “back” or “refresh” button on your browser.  You are permitted only to use blank staff paper to take notes during the test. Otherwise, no electronic devices, musical instruments, study aids or assistance of any kind are permitted during the test. If you are found to be using any of the above items, you are in violation of the Honor Code and disciplinary action will be taken.

    What topics does the MTMPT cover? 

    There will be at least one question on each of the following topics. Note that no test questions require listening. 

    • Historical periods of Western music
    • Tempo, dynamic, and other expression marks
    • Musical textures
    • Octave designations
    • Voice types and ranges
    • Signs of repeat
    • Enharmonic equivalents
    • C clefs
    • Half and whole steps
    • Simple and compound meters
    • Time signatures
    • Rhythmic values
    • Beams and barlines
    • Equivalent rhythmic notation
    • Major scales
    • Minor scales
    • Scale degrees
    • Diatonic names
    • Identifying the keys of melodies
    • Key signatures
    • Relative and parallel keys
    • Transposition
    • “White key” modes
    • Interval qualities
    • Interval inversions
    • Simple and compound intervals
    • Consonant and dissonant intervals
    • Triad qualities
    • Triad positions
    • Figured bass symbols of triads
    • Lead sheet notation
    • Dominant 7th chords

    The following topics will NOT be on the test:

    • Roman numeral notation
    • Harmonic analysis
    • Part-writing
    • Nondominant 7th chords
    • Nonharmonic (embellishing) tones
    • Phrase structure
    • Cadences
    • Modal transposition
    • Nondiatonic scales
    • Asymmetric meters

    Are there study guides to prepare for the MTMPT?

    These websites offer basic tutorials and practice exercises useful to a first-year theory student. 

    What happens if I lose internet access during the MTMPT (or other electronic vagary)?

    First, immediately attempt to re-login to the test and continue. If you are unable to do so, contact the proctor immediately and explain what happened.

      What happens after I take the MTMPT?

      1. You must receive 70% or above to pass (53 or more correct answers). The software will notify you immediately after you submit the test if you passed. All scores are final. To minimize the sharing of test data, you will not be able to review your results, or the questions you may have answered incorrectly, or the answers to questions. 
      2. If your grade is below 70%, you will be prompted to enroll in MUS 103. 
      3. If your grade is 70% or above, email Dr. Koch that you have passed the test and are requesting credit for MUS 103.  If interested, let him know you would like to attempt the Music Theory and Musicianship Lab (MUS 104) Proficiency Test.  Also, note that you qualify for MUS 153, although this course is not a requirement for the music minor program.

      Where do I sign up for the MTMPT?

      Email Dr. Koch that you are prepared to take the 90-minute test.  You and he will arrange a time for you to take it in a secure and proctored setting. On the day of the test, arrive 5 minutes before your testing time with your laptop, phone, and pencil.  If you arrive late or not at all, you may forfeit your opportunity to take the test.

      1. When instructed, click the Test link and log in using your unity ID.
      2. At the top, you will see “Enrollment options.”  Enroll first by clicking Enroll me at the bottom of the screen.
      3. At the top of the next screen, you will see the Music Theory and Musicianship Proficiency Test link, click that link.  
      4. At the bottom of the next screen, click Attempt quiz now. You will be asked to enter the “quiz password.” The password is theory123. Only access the test when you are absolutely ready to take it.t.

      Theory Lab I Proficiency Test

      Students who pass the MTMPT are eligible for the Music Theory and Musicianship Lab Proficiency Test to receive “credit by exam” for MUS 104.   This is a 1-hour face-to-face test that assesses your aural perception skills in the following areas:

      • Sight-singing in simple and compound meters, in major and minor keys
      • Melodic dictation in major and minor keys
      • Rhythmic dictation in simple and compound meters
      • Scale degree identification in major keys only
      • Scale form identification
      • Chord quality identification

      Students interested in taking the test should contact the music theory coordinator for testing information.

      Questions?

      Please contact Dr. Koch with any additional questions about music theory placement.

      Dr. Tom Koch

      Teaching Professor

      919-515-0149