Embedded Files
This page outlines the steps for how to set up your exam account, review and practice, take the exam, and access your results.
Current & Former NYU Students: If you completed a music degree in the Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions at NYU Steinhardt within the last five years, you are exempt from the music theory and history entrance requirements based on 1) passing scores on prior music theory and history exams, or 2) the successful completion of prior remedial coursework required by your former placement exam scores. Email the music theory program at smusic.theory@nyu.edu to request the exemption. Please include your N number in the email.
Please note that all DMA applicants are required to take the exam regardless of prior degrees from the department.
Follow the steps below to complete the Graduate Music Theory Entrance Exam:
Follow the steps below to complete the Graduate Music Theory Entrance Exam:
1) Set up your Account to Access to the Exam
1) Set up your Account to Access to the Exam
Create Your Account
To take the placement exam, you’ll need to purchase a subscription to the Auralia and Musition Cloud Student Bundle. The cost is $15 USD, and this subscription provides access to:
The placement exam
Music theory and ear training practice materials that can assist with review
Once purchased, the subscription lasts for eight weeks. During this time, you can complete the exam and access the practice materials. If you do not complete the exam within the eight-week period, you’ll need to renew the subscription to regain access.
To set up your account:
Visit the following link: https://www.risingsoftware.com/shop/cloudstudent/buy?sku=EXAM.
Enter the required information.
Use the school code and PIN below:
School Code: NYU-EXAM
PIN: AVBSW
Access the Software via a Web Browser
After creating your account, log in to the software:
Go to https://auralia.cloud/login.
Enter your username, password, and school code (NYU-EXAM).
The software operates directly through your web browser—no downloads are required. While it’s accessible on mobile devices or tablets, we strongly recommend using a laptop or desktop computer for the best experience and to minimize technical issues during the exam.
If you need technical assistance, including password recovery, visit the Auralia and Musition Cloud Support page. Their team will assist you as quickly as possible.
2) Complete the Pre-Exam System Check
2) Complete the Pre-Exam System Check
This step is essential and must be completed before taking the exam to ensure your device is properly configured, including sound settings, to access all sections of the exam. Skipping this step may result in technical issues that could disrupt your exam.
Go to https://auralia.cloud and log in using your username and school code (NYU-EXAM).
Begin by completing the system check to ensure the exam will run smoothly on your device:
Click on the "Tasks" button in the navigation menu.
Select "NYU Graduate Entrance Exam" from the list.
In the left-hand column, you’ll see "Grad Entrance Exam: Part 1 - Pre-Exam System Check".
Click "Start" in the upper-right corner to begin the system check.
3) Review & Practice
3) Review & Practice
You are encouraged to practice Parts 1a and 1b of the exam as many times as needed before taking the actual placement exam. Practicing will help you familiarize yourself with the format and ensure you are comfortable with the software.
How to Access the Practice Exam (See Image Below):
Click on the "Tasks" tab in the top-left navigation menu.
In the left-hand column, find "NYU Graduate Entrance Exam Practice."
Begin with Part 1a by clicking on it, then select "Start" in the upper-right corner.
Once you complete Part 1a, proceed to Part 1b by following the same steps.
Additional Review Materials:
Use the "Review Materials" section of this site (accessible via the top navigation menu) for additional resources, including:
Exam Breakdown: A detailed overview of each section of the exam, including what to expect in Parts 2 and 3.
Online Practice: Instructions on how to use the practice software and review materials effectively. Note that your practice work is for your benefit only—it will not affect your placement or exam score.
Texts: Links to free online music theory resources for review and preparation.
Note: There is no practice exam available for Parts 2 and 3. Please refer to the Exam Breakdown page for details on these sections and use the Review Materials to prepare thoroughly.
4) Take the Entrance Exam
4) Take the Entrance Exam
Important Information Before You Begin:
You can only take the exam once. It is critical to review the materials and practice using the software before starting.
The exam is divided into four sections: Part 1a, Part 1b, Part 2, and Part 3. Each section is timed and must be completed in a single sitting. Once you start a section, you cannot pause, log out, or resume later.
To ensure the best experience, make sure you are:
Fully prepared before starting
In a quiet environment with enough time to complete each section
Using a stable internet connection
Recommended Materials:
Headphones (for Parts 1b and 3)
Staff paper and a pencil for note-taking or scratch paper for dictation
A microphone-equipped computer and a space where you can sing aloud (needed for Part 3, which includes a sight-singing component)
How to Take the Exam:
Click on the "Tasks" button in the top-left navigation menu.
Select each exam section title to view its description and the content it covers.
Complete all four sections of the exam in the order listed:
Parts 1a and 1b
Part 2
Part 3
The final section (Part 3) includes a submission form that will allow you to finalize and submit your exam for grading.
Academic Integrity:
Accurate results are essential for effective placement. To maintain the integrity of the exam and ensure fair assessment, you must complete all work independently without the use of outside assistance, supplementary materials, or electronic devices.
5) Access Your Results
5) Access Your Results
The final section of the exam (Part 3) includes a submission form that must be completed to submit your exam for grading. Once your submission is received, your exam will be graded within two weeks. To ensure you receive your results on time, please complete the exam at least two weeks prior to when you need the results.
Your results can be accessed on the Results Page once they are available.
Q & A
Q & A
How is remediation handled?
Based on the exam results, some students are exempt from all remedial requirements. However, many students may be required to take one or more courses in music theory or aural skills. The Director of Music Theory assigns specific course requirements for students needing remediation. These requirements must be satisfied prior to graduation and should be completed as soon as possible.
Can students take remedial courses instead of the exam or to prepare for the exam?
No, students cannot take remedial courses in place of the exam or as preparation for it.
Can remedial courses be taken as pass/fail?
Yes, students may opt to take remedial courses on a pass/fail basis. For more details about pass/fail grading options, refer to the NYU Steinhardt Registration Policy page.
Can students write papers or complete independent projects instead of taking the required remedial courses?
No, students must fulfill remedial requirements by completing the assigned courses.
Can the exam be postponed?
In general, no. All students must complete the exam before beginning their first semester of study. It is essential to complete the exam early so that any required remedial courses can be taken during the first year, avoiding delays in graduation or progress toward other degree requirements. In exceptional cases, postponement may be granted by the Theory Director with a recommendation from the student’s Program Director.
Page updated
Report abuse