Music Theory Placement
Placement exams for Music Theory Music & Theatre can be administered at any time for students entering the B.M. program in Music Education, Performance, or Composition. Students who choose not to take the placement exams will begin in Music Theory I in the fall semester of their first year at FHSU. Questions about the Music Theory placement process should be directed to Dr. Rolls at tmrolls@fhsu.edu.
Placement Exams Process
All incoming transfer students will take the proficiency exam for Music Theory I.
Students who earn 60% or higher on each section of the exam will receive a P (pass).
Students who earn 75% or higher on each section of the exam will receive a HP (high pass).
Students who receive a P on any exam do not need to take that course and will register in the next course in the sequence. A student who receives a P on the Theory I proficiency exam, for instance, will not need to take Theory I and will register in Theory II during the first available semester.
Students must earn a HP on an exam in order to take the exam for the next course in the sequence. A student who receives a HP on the Theory I proficiency exam, for instance, will not need to take Theory I and is eligible to take the Theory II placement exam.
Preparing for the Placement Exams
The Department of Music & Theatre at FHSU aims to provide a seamless transfer experience for incoming students. Success in the FHSU music curriculum requires an active fluency in theory skills, and the proficiency exam process ensures that students have these skills. The resources below are intended to help students review or develop essential theory skills and increase their chances of placing into the appropriate level of theory (or placing out of theory altogether).
Study Guides
Additional Resources for Review