Music Department Exams

Theory & Musicianship Placement Exam

Relevant to: All incoming transfer students

The Theory & Musicianship Placement Exam asses the incoming transfer student's theory and musicianship proficiency in order to better determine their placement within our theory sequence, as well as determines if they are ready for our upper division theory courses. All transfer students must take this exam before registering for upper division music theory courses.

In order to prepare for the exam, we suggest students review Chapters 1-34 of our theory textbook (), and Chapters 1-61 of our Aural Skills textbook (). Both at available at our bookstore and library.

The placement exam takes place during the Music Department Orientation day, usually a week before classes start. All incoming transfer students will receive information via email.

If you have any questions about the exam, please contact Inés Thiebaut:

Keyboard Musicianship

Relevant to: All Music Majors in the B.A. program


In order to graduate, all CSUEB Music students must complete three (3) semesters of group keyboard study (at a previous institution, or at CSUEB) OR complete all three levels of the Keyboard Musicianship Credit-By-Exam.

The most efficient way to fulfill this requirement is to complete the Keyboard Musicianship sequence (MUS 118, MUS 119, and MUS 218).

While some students elect to work on proficiency requirements independently, it is highly discouraged and may significantly delay graduation. Students who wish to demonstrate their mastery of proficiency may only do so during the first two weeks of semester while registered for the Keyboard Musicianship course they would like to challenge. In order to schedule a Credit-By-Exam, contact your music advisor ASAP.

Please follow the guidelines and use the examples below to prepare.