Graduate Prospective Students

Diagnostic Exams

All students admitted to graduate degree programs in the School of Music of the ASU Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts must take graduate diagnostic exams in music theory and history. Diagnostic exams are given twice a year, in August and January. The results of the exams are advisory only; however, you may not take graduate-level history and theory courses until you have taken the exams. The results of the diagnostic exams are sent to your advisor, and students consult with their advisors to determine appropriate history and theory studies.

Music Theory Areas Tested

• Aural skills
• Form
• Analytical skills: 19th-century music
• Analytical skills: 20th-century music

Music History Areas Tested

• Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque music
• Classic, Romantic and 20th-century music