About the MM Theory Competency Exam (MMTCE)

Required for All MM Students

As part of your enrollment, all incoming MM students are required to take the Master of Music Theory Competency Exam (MMTCE), which consists of two sections: Tonal and Post-Tonal. You may place out of each section individually. Please note that Graduate Diploma and Graduate Performance Certificate students who are interested in taking graduate theory courses are encouraged to take the MMTCE as a prerequisite.

This exam evaluates your skill in part-writing and analysis, melodic ear training, and harmonic ear training. Students who have not passed the exam by the end of the August testing period must enroll in Principles of Tonal Harmony & Form (MTHY 082) and/or Principles of Post-Tonal Harmony & Form (MTHY 082A) during the Fall 2025 semester. All MM students at NEC are required to pass either the exam or MTHY 082/MTHY 082A in partial fulfillment of their graduation requirements. Additionally, a passing score on the exam or a passing grade in the MTHY 082/MTHY 082A is a pre-requisite for all graduate music theory electives.

You will have two opportunities to take the MMTCE:

• June 5 at 10am or June 6 at 2pm (strongly recommended)

• August 25 at 10am or August 26 at 2pm (final opportunity)

We encourage you to take the exam in June so that you have a second chance in August if needed.  

To access the exam in June, go to www.artusimusic.com, create an account, click “Add or Drop Course,” and enter the following enrollment code: new-england-conserva_gradu-12

To access the exam in August, go to www.artusimusic.com, create an account, click “Add or Drop Course,” and enter the following enrollment code: new-england-conserva_gradu-13

Students who do not pass both sections of the MMTCE by the 26th of August will need to take Principles of Harmony & Form (MTHY 082 and/or MTHY 082A) in the Fall 2025 semester. This course provides foundational instruction in ear-training, tonal harmony, form, and post-tonal concepts.

June - Sign Up

Music Theory: June 5 at 10:00 am OR June 6 at 2:00 pm SIGN UP HERE - sign-ups will close on Monday, June 2 (12 PM EDT)

August - Sign Up

Music Theory: August 25 at 10:00 am OR August 26 at 2:00 pm SIGN UP HERE - sign-ups will close on Wednesday, August 20 (12 PM EDT)

Exam Instructions

Placement exam instructions are available here.

Review Course

To access the course:

1) Go to artusimusic.com and create an account

2) Click "Join or leave course" and enter the following enrollment code: new-england-conserva_gradu-9

If you use an NEC email address, your registration will be approved automatically; if you use another email address, you will need to wait for approval before you can view the review course.