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College of Fine Arts & Communication
School of Music

Music Theory and Aural Skills

Music Theory and Aural Skills

All undergraduate music degrees include classes in Music Theory and Aural Skills. These courses are designed to increase your musical skills and knowledge about how music "works,” about how composers combine scales and chords to create music, and so much more! 

This page provides detailed information for students new to the School of Music.

First-Semester Music Majors

Beginning in Fall 2025, all first-semester music majors enroll in MU 1115 Aural Skills I. Upon passing with an A, B, or C, students progress to MU 1116 Aural Skills II and MU 1315 Music Theory I.

 

Although there is no longer a Theory Placement Exam, incoming first-semester music majors will be invited to join a Canvas site titled TXST New Music Majors. The site provides a complete review of music fundamentals, including:

  • Staff: solfege and letter names on multiple clefs
  • Intervals: perfect, major, minor, augmented, and diminished intervals
  • Triads: major, minor, augmented, and diminished triads
  • Scales: major and minor scales
  • Key Signatures: key signatures for major and minor keys
  • Circle of Fifths

In the Canvas site, begin with the Online Practice Exam. After reviewing your test results, complete modules on specific topics, as needed.

Credit for AP Music Theory

Students who earn a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Exam receive credit for MU 1112, MU 1115, and MU 1315.  Moreover, these students may choose to skip MU 1115 and MU 1315, so as to start with MU 1116 Aural Skills II and MU 1316 Music Theory II. Be certain that AP scores are sent to TXST.

Students who score a 3 on the AP Exam receive credit for MU 1112.

For more information, visit the Testing Evaluation and Measurement Center.

Transfer Students

  1. Transfer with four semesters of Music Theory & Aural Skills completed at another institution: 
    1. Your transcript will be evaluated by an advisor
    2. You will not be asked to re-take courses for which you already have credit
    3. Complete the Theory Proficiency Exam as soon as possible after arriving at TXST
  2. Transfer with fewer than four semesters of Music Theory & Aural Skills completed at another institution:  
    1. Your transcript will be evaluated by an advisor
    2. You will not be asked to re-take courses for which you already have credit
    3. Enroll in the “next” course: if you already have credit for two semesters of Music Theory & Aural Skills, for example, then register for third-semester courses
  3. Transfer with no college-level credits in Music Theory & Aural Skills: 
    1. Follow the instructions for First-Semester Music Majors

If after reading the detailed information above you have questions, then please contact:

          Dr. Cynthia I. Gonzales (“Dr. G”)