Proficiency Examination in Music Theory
The Music Theory Proficiency Examination is taken as one of two options to validate the academic competency requirement in the area of music theory for partially fulfilling SSVS’ Standard I Professional Preparation. The examination consists of 90 multiple-choice questions. A score of 75 percent or higher is considered a “pass.”
Sample Questions
Candidates are asked to identify, analyze, or complete statements about the following theory elements:
Intervals: perfect, major, minor, diminished, augmented
Chords: major, minor, diminished, augmented, Neapolitan 6th, Augmented 6th
Key signatures: major, minor
Scales: major, minor, scale degrees, diatonic triads
Cadences: authentic, plagal, incomplete
Tempo terms
Modes
Musical terms
Rhythmic examples
Proficiency Examination in Music History/Literature
The Music History/Literature Proficiency Examination is taken as one of two options to validate the academic competency requirement in the area of music history/literature for partially fulfilling SSVS’ Standard I Professional Preparation. The examination consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. A score of 75 percent or higher is considered a “pass.”
Sample Questions
SECTION I contains 25 questions. Candidates are asked to name the musical period best described in each statement. The musical periods include renaissance, baroque, classical, romantic, impressionistic and twentieth century.
Sample Question: Suite of five to seven movements including allemande, courante, saraband, gigue and other optional dance forms.
Answer: Baroque
SECTION II contains 10 questions. Candidates are asked to complete the following sentences by selecting the most appropriate term.
Sample Question: The tone row is an essential unit of melodic construction in music called A. Expressionism B. Impressionism C. Neo-classical D. Twelve-tone Answer: D
SECTION III contains 20 questions. Candidates choose an answer that best applies to titles or nicknames.
Sample Question: Diabelli Variations A. A set of piano variations by Diabelli B. A set of violin variations C. A set of piano variations by Beethoven
Answer: C Section IV contains 45 questions. Candidates classify composers in the proper period—Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionistic and Twentieth Century.
Sample Question: C.P.E. Bach
Answer: Classical Period
Proficiency Examination in Pedagogy
This examination is taken as one of two options to validate the academic competency requirement in the area of pedagogy education for partially fulfilling SSVS’ Standard I Professional Preparation. It contains 75 multiple-choice questions. A score of 75 percent or higher is considered a “pass.”
Sample Generic Questions:
Question 1: Which of the following pieces would NOT be an example of romantic repertoire?
A. Prelude in G Major by Chopin B. Scenes from Childhood by Schumann C. Gymnopédie by Satie D. Waltz by Grieg
Answer: C
Question 2: The pedagogue who wrote Nurtured by Love is: A. Robert Pace B. Shinichi Suzuki C. Frances Clark D. Tobias Matthay
Answer: B
Question 3: The Feldenkrais and Alexander methods are: A. Approaches to reading notation. B. Systems of treating physical injury due to misuse or overuse. C. Philosophies used in teaching musical concepts. D. Methods of using rhythm instruments to teach beginners.
Answer: B Question 4: If a student demonstrates perfect pitch, a teacher may assume the student will be
exceptionally gifted. True or false? Answer: False
Strings Instrumental Certification Examination Sample Questions
Suggest a program of study for a beginning student, outlining the process by which you would set up a healthy posture, positioning of the instrument, the left hand and right hand set-up, and possible method books, studies, or repertoire albums. Give reasons for your descriptions.
Question 2: Name THREE important twentieth-century books on string pedagogy and describe their
main contributions to our fund of knowledge.