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Skidmore College
Music Department

Music Theory Placement

What music theory class should I take ?

Diagnostic exam: In order to place students into the appropriate level of pre-theory or required theory course, the department will administer a theory diagnostic exam during the first class session of MU 141 and MU 241.

Pre-registration: During pre-registration, students should use the following guidelines to predict which course level will probably be appropriate for their skill level.

MU 141: You will probably be placed into MU 141 if:

  • you do not read musical notation fluently, and
  • you have little or no formal background in rudimentary music theory (notation, key signatures, scales, intervals, chords, etc.)

MU 241: You will probably be placed into MU 241 if:

  • you are an experienced performer or you read notated music in bass and treble clefs, and
  • you have reasonable working knowledge of some but not all of rudimentary theory (notation, key signatures, scales, intervals, chords, etc.).

Questions: Please contact the following faculty with questions about these courses: