Background required in Music Theory
Depending on your choice of papers and degree, you may or may
not be expected to have a certain level of musical ability before
starting your course of study.
Apart from the auditioned performance courses, there are two 100-level papers that require prior knowledge of music theory. This are MUSC 164 (Jazz theory 1), a compulsory paper in a degree majoring in Jazz, and MUSC 166 (Classical theory 1), a compulsory
paper in a degree majoring in Classical Performance, Composition, or some Music Studies specialisations. This page describes
the level of musical theory expected.
MUSC 164 Jazz Theory 1
To be eligible to enrol in this paper, you must either pass a diagnostic entrance test in theory, or have completed MUSC 160 Basic Musical Techniques with the minimal passing grade of B+. The level of MUSC 160 is approximately that of Grade V Theory from Trinity Guildhall, ABRSM or AMEB. The paper 133.109 offered extramurally by Massey University also provides a way of getting up to speed in music theory. A B+ pass in this paper qualifies as a waiver of the entrance test for MUSC 164.
MUSC 166 Classical Theory 1
To be eligible to enrol in this paper, you must either pass a diagnostic entrance test in theory, or have passed MUSC 160 Basic Musical Techniques with the minimal passing grade of B+. The level of MUSC 160 is approximates to Grade V Theory from Trinity.Guildhall, ABRSM or AMEB. The paper 133.109 offered extramurally by Massey University also provides a way of getting up to speed in music theory. A B+ pass in this paper qualifies as a waiver of the entrance test for MUSC 166.
Course Requirements
At the beginning
of MUSC 164 or MUSC 166 it is assumed that students have
a knowledge of, and quick facility with:
- major and minor key signatures up to four sharps and four flats
- transposing tunes in these keys
- triads and their inversions in these keys
- intervals found in these keys and an ability to distinguish between
major, minor, augmented and diminished versions of these intervals
when written down
- simple and compound time signatures, use of note values and rests including
beaming of tails or grouping of notes
- the technical names for degrees of the scale (tonic, supertonic, etc.)
- musical phrases and the recognition of perfect, imperfect, plagal and
interrupted cadences in written music
- reading with ease the treble, alto, tenor, and bass clefs
To be accepted into MUSC 164 Jazz Theory 1 or MUSC 166 Classical Theory 1 you must provide proof of:
- having passed Grade 5 theory (Trinity, ABRSM, or AMEB)
- OR having
achieved NCEA Music level three (including Module 3.5) [Practical Music: AS90530]
- OR having Bursary Music
- OR having obtained B+ or above in NZSM 160
- OR having been enrolled previously in an approved university "Materials of Music" or "Musicianship" paper.
As soon as you have sent off your enrolment application please
bring your documentation to the Enrolments Office, Hunter Building,
Victoria University, Kelburn Parade. Or you can post it to Enrolments
Office, Victoria University of Wellington, P.O. Box 600, Welington
6140.
Alternatively, students can sit an NZSM Entrance Test at a time suitable to the student, as long as this is before the enrolment deadline (10th January 2011. Intending performance students can sit the diagnostic theory test when they take their audition to enter the programme the year before they commence their degree.
Classical Performance students: Please contact Michelle Lewis to arrange a test, 04 463 5851 or michelle.lewis@nzsm.ac.nz
Jazz students: Please contact Sarah Smythe to arrange a test, 04 801 5799 Ext. 62440 or sarah.smythe@nzsm.ac.nz
Self Assessment tests
The following Self Assessment tests are intended to give students
practice material of the level of the MUSC 166 Entrance
test. The answers are available here also, so that you can judge
your preparedness for MUSC 166
 Download Self Assessment Test 1
Download Self Assessment Test 2
Download Self Assessment Test 3
Download Self Assessment Test 1 Answers
Download Self Assessment Test 2 Answers
Download åSelf Assessment Test 3 Answers
If you are concerned about your preparedness for MUSC 166
you might consider enrolling in NZSM
160 Basic Musical Techniques.
This paper is an intensive course running for five weeks
in January and February each year, intended to bring students up
to the required musical level for MUSC 166,
if a grade of B+ or better is achieved.
If you are unable to attend this course, School of Music staff
are able to suggest other methods of preparing for the entry
test.
Are there any courses available which do not require a knowledge
of music?
Yes! We welcome students who wish to take Music as a supporting
subject for another major or for general interest. Many music courses
may be credited to a BA degree, and there are a number of music
courses for which no prior knowledge of music is required. Those
offered in 2006 are:
For more information or if you have any questions please contact
us:
Phone: 04 463 5369
Facsimile:
04 463 5157
Email: music@nzsm.ac.nz
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Last Updated:
November 16, 2009
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