Music Placement Surveys

Who takes it?

The Theory Diagnostic Placement Survey can be administered to any prospective Music Majors, Minors, and Musical Theatre Majors wanting to test into a level of music theory higher than Theory I.

The placement survey does not affect acceptance or scholarship distribution in any way. It is merely a diagnostic tool to determine the academic level of each student for music theory course registration. The placement survey can only be taken once.

When is it available?

The placement survey is available throughout the academic year and can be administered in the Conservatory for prospective students who have already begun the music application process or incoming freshmen/transfers. The survey takes an hour and a half and must be completed during the office hours of 9 a.m.–4 p.m. The survey can also be taken at home with a proctor if needed.

If they decide to take it, Music Majors, Minors, and Musical Theatre Majors should complete this survey at the Conservatory (or at home with an approved proctor) by May 1. The survey may be taken when the student comes to campus at the start of their semester, though it is highly recommended that it be taken sooner than later as the last day to add classes will be at the end of the first week of the semester.

What does the exam cover?

The survey covers material from our basic-level theory courses. The best way to prepare would be to review:

• Key Signatures
• Scales
• Collegiate level terminology
• Time signatures
• Rhythms
• Circle of fifths
• Identification and construction of intervals
• Identification and construction of triads and 7th chords
• Roman numerals and figured bass
• 2-part counterpoint
• Basic 4-part writing

Additional Resources

• Clendinning & Marvin's "The Musician's Guide to Theory and Analysis"
• Musictheory.net
• Musicards.net
• Teoria.com

Who takes it?

The Aural Skills Placement Survey can be administered to any prospective Music Majors, Minors, and Musical Theatre Majors wanting to test into a level of music theory higher than Musicianship I.

The placement survey does not affect acceptance or scholarship distribution in any way. It is merely a diagnostic tool to determine the academic level of each student for musicianship course registration. The placement survey can only be taken once.

If they decide to take it, Music Majors, Minors, and Musical Theatre Majors should complete this survey at the Conservatory (or at home with an approved proctor) by May 1. The survey may be taken when the student comes to campus at the start of their semester, though it is highly recommended that it be taken sooner than later as the last day to add classes will be at the end of the first week of the semester.

When is it available?

The placement survey is available throughout the academic year and can be administered in the Conservatory for prospective students who have already begun the music application process or incoming freshmen/transfers. The survey takes 26 minutes total and must be completed during the office hours of 9 a.m.–4 p.m. The survey can also be taken at home with a proctor if needed.

If they decide to take it, Music Majors, Minors, and Musical Theatre Majors should complete this survey at the Conservatory (or at home with an approved proctor) by May 1. The test may be taken when the student comes to campus at the start of their semester, though it is highly recommended that the test be taken sooner than later as the last day to add classes will be at the end of the first week of the semester.

What does the exam cover?

The placement survey covers material from our basic-level musicianship courses. The best way to prepare would be to hone your sight-singing skills with private practice (solfege or numbers), and review dictating/transcribing:

• Melodic Lines
• Harmonic Intervals
• Triads
• Seventh chords
• Sight-singing melodies

Additional Resources

• Ear Training Exercises

Who takes it?

All non-classical piano Music Majors and Minors (including Composition majors with piano emphasis) have the option to take this survey. If a student is content with starting in Introduction to Keyboard, they do not need to complete the survey.

The placement survey does not affect acceptance or scholarship distribution in any way. It is merely a diagnostic tool to determine the academic level of each student for keyboard course registration. The placement survey can only be taken once.

When is it available?

The placement survey is available throughout the academic year and can be administered in the Conservatory for prospective students who have already begun the music application process or incoming freshmen/transfers.

Submit a recording of you taking the placement survey on the attached PDF. Please be sure that the video shows your hands and your face. You will only need to complete one survey on the PDF. So, for example, if you were trying to test out of Keyboard 2 and into Keyboard 3, you would only need to complete the Keyboard 2 survey. You can send the video to Dr. Hung at lishan.hung@biola.edu using Google Drive.

If they decide to take it, Music Majors and Minors should complete this survey remotely by May 1 (Please note that this survey is only offered remotely). The survey may be taken when the student comes to campus at the start of their semester, though it is highly recommended that it be taken sooner than later as the last day to add classes will be at the end of the first week of the semester.

What does the exam cover?

Students may email lishan.hung@biola.edu for more information on what the Keyboard Placement Survey covers.

Additional Resources

If a prospective student desires additional keyboard training in preparation for the survey, we recommend they take lessons from a qualified local piano teacher in their area.