The Graduate Entrance Exams (GEE) in Music Theory, Aural Skills and History are mandatory for incoming music graduate students. Students who are awarded GEs in Music Theory are exempt from the Music Theory & Aural Skills portions.

Passing the GEE determines eligibility for graduate-level music history and theory courses. Exams are given before each fall term during Week of Welcome. Students must pass the GEE or complete remedial coursework. Failure to meet the requirement by the end of Fall term in the second-year results in dismissal from the program.

All courses (graduate and undergraduate) used to fulfill GEE requirements must pass the course with a B- or higher.

Music Theory & Aural Skills:

Students failing the GEE in Music Theory and/or Aural Skills (scoring below 70%) must take the undergraduate theory placement exam, the undergraduate aural skills placement exam, or both. Based on the placement exam results, students will enroll in the corresponding undergraduate music theory and/or aural skills courses to meet the GEE proficiency level. If a student is required to take MUS 231 Music Theory IV and/or MUS 234 Aural Skills IV, they may choose one of the following options:

  • Take MUS 231 and MUS 234 and pass with a B- or higher.
  • Retake the GEE in at the start of their second year.
  • Enroll and pass with a B- or higher the music theory/aural skills (MUS 399) review course offered over the summer.

To enroll in graduate music theory courses, students must pass both the music theory and aural skills Graduate Entrance Examinations (GEE) or complete the corresponding undergraduate coursework.

All undergraduate music theory and aural skills courses must be passed with a grade of B- or higher.

Music History:

Students scoring 50-69% on the Music History portion of the GEE must complete an extra music history survey course from the MUS 660-665 series, in addition to any required MUS 660-665 courses for their degree. The musicology faculty will select one to two survey courses based on the test results and identified weaknesses. These additional courses must be passed with a grade of B- or higher.

Students scoring below 50% on the Music History portion of the GEE will take MUS 267, 268, and 269. All undergraduate music history courses must be passed with a grade of B- or higher.