OBERLIN COLLEGE

PL1
CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC
MUSIC THEORY PLACEMENT TEST 1 (PL1)
Test Score ______
PRINT: __________________________ ___________________________________
First Name Last Name
ID # __________________ DATE: ______________ INSTRUMENT _____________
DEGREE PROGRAM (CIRCLE ONE): BM BA DD P. DI P. A. DI P.
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Please do not open the test until after you have read the instructions.
1. This is a 45-minute, timed test measuring not only what you know about
music fundamentals but also how well you know it; that is, how quickly you
can respond. Therefore, work QUICKLY but ACCURATELY. It is a violation
of the Honor Code to use more than 45 minutes to complete the exam.
2. It is important that you COMPLETE SOME FROM EACH of the FIVE
PARTS of the test. The amount of time recommended for each part is
shown below. Watch your own time carefully. If you finish a part before the
time is up, go on to the next part. There is an extra five-minute window so
that you may go back and complete or check your work.
INDIVIDUAL PARTS SCORING TIME ALLOTTED
SUMMARY
1. Notation and Musical Terms _____ (60) 6 minutes
2. Meter and Rhythm _____ (48) 7 minutes
3. Scales and Keys _____(102) 9 minutes
4. Intervals _____(100) 11 minutes
5. Triads _____ (90) 7 minutes
_________ (400)
3. Remember to write and sign the HONOR PLEDGE at the end of the test.
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PART I: NOTATION and MUSICAL TERMS
1. Identify each note by letter name, including a sharp or flat sign after the letter name where necessary.
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Music Theory Placement Exam PL 1
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2. Match two terms in the list below with each clef sign by putting a number in each blank.
A number may be used more than once.
3a. Identify each note by
letter name.
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1. bass clef
2. treble clef
3. tenor clef
4. alto clef
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3b. Identify the pitch that actually sounds for each note
indicated; include a sharp, flat, or natural sign with
each letter name.
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5. soprano clef
6. C-clef
7. F-clef
8. G-clef
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4. Write each pitch name, within the staff, with accidental.
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c double-sharp e double-flat b sharp g flat
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6. Write in the correct meter signature for each of the following examples, according to the way the beats
are grouped by notation, melodic contour, etc. Choose from the following:
2 3 2 3 4 5 3 5 6 9 12
2 2 4 4 4 4 8 8 8 8 8
PART 2: METER and RHYTHM
5. The terms in the numbered list below are descriptions of the internal organization of various meters.
Match them with the meters listed by putting a number in each blank provided. Then write a note that
represents the beat value in the meter as you have defined its type.
Types of meter meter type beat value
1. duple simple Example: 6/8 4 q.
2. triple simple
3. quadruple simple
4. duple compound
5. triple compound
6. quadruple compound
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PART 3: SCALES and KEYS
7. Add accidentals as necessary to produce the scales indicated. DO NOT USE A KEY SIGNATURE, and
DO NOT ALTER THE FIRST NOTE WITH AN ACCIDENTAL. The entire scale must be correct.
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Major
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Major
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Harmonic minor
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Melodic minor
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8. Still without using a key signature:
Write the Major scale of which Write the Harmonic minor scale
D# is the leading tone. of which C# is the dominant pitch.
Melodic minor
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Melodic minor
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Major
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Harmonic minor
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Write the scale of the relative minor key Write the scale of the parallel key to Ab minor.
to Db majornatural form.

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9. Identify the key signatures shown below.
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10. Write the key signatures indicated, in the grand staff, using correct form.
M.
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M.
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mi.
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11. Give the exact name for the intervals below, using the method of abbreviating the names given above.
Eb M.
P = perfect
M = major
mi = minor
A = augmented
d = diminished
F# M.
thus:
Db M.
P5 = perfect fifth (omitting "th")
M2 = major second (omitting "nd")
mi3 = minor third (omitting "rd")
A12 = augmented twelfth (etc.)
d7 = diminished seventh
g mi. g# mi. eb mi.
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PART 4: INTERVALS
In this part of the test, use the following abbreviations for clarity and to save time:

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12. Write the intervals names. DO NOT CHANGE THE GIVEN NOTE.
Write above the given note.
whole tone
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M 7
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mi 10
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mi 6
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A 11
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Write below the given note.
13. Name each melodic interval indicated in this example; the first interval is given.
mi 6
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M 10
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mi 7 d 3
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15a. The M10 is a compound interval; the corresponding simple interval is the ______________.
The d12 is a compound interval; the corresponding simple interval is the _______________.
The P4 is a simple interval; the corresponding compound interval is the _______________.
The A6 is a simple interval; the corresponding compound interval is the _______________.
15b. An interval that is enharmonically equivalent to an A4 is a(n) __________________.
An interval that is enharmonically equivalent to a mi3 is a(n) __________________.

An interval that is enharmonically equivalent to a M6 is a(n) __________________.
An interval that is enharmonically equivalent to a M3 is a(n) __________________.
14. Name the inversion of each of the following intervals.
M 3
2
P5 A4 mi 6 M 2 d 7 A 6
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PART 5: TRIADS
16. Name the root and the quality (major or minor) of the following triads.
Here are sample names: C M, Bb mi, F# mi, etc.
17. Name the root and quality (major, minor, or diminished) of each of the following triads.
Sample names include b dim, C# M, eb mi.
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18. Write each triad in root position unless indicated otherwise. You may write them in three voices
(as they appear in No. 16, above, not as in No. 17.)
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****************************** This is the end of the test. *********************************
Use the remaining time to complete and check your work.
Please write out and sign the Honor Pledge, which is:
I have adhered to the honor code in this examination.
Gb M. f# mi. bb mi.
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D M.
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f mi.
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c# dim.
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