Graduate Exam

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.

1) Set up your Account to Access to the Exam

Create the Account

In order to take the exam, you will need to purchase a subscription to the Auralia and Musition Cloud Student Bundle. The cost is $15 USD. This purchase will give you access to the placement exam, in addition to music theory and ear training practice materials that you may find useful for review. Please note that once you purchase the subscription, you'll have eights weeks of access to the exam and practice materials. If you do not complete the exam within those eight weeks, you'll need to renew the subscription to complete your exam. 

To set up your account, visit the following link and enter the required information:

https://www.risingsoftware.com/shop/cloudstudent/buy?sku=EXAM. 

You will also need the school code and PIN:

School Code: NYU-EXAM

PIN: AVBSW

Access the Software via a Web Browser

The software works via a web browser and can be used on a computer or mobile device. Once you’ve created your account, you can visit https://auralia.cloud/login and login using your username, password, and school code.

If you need technical support at any time, including password recovery, please visit https://www.risingsoftware.com/cloudsupport/support and someone will respond as soon as possible.

Please do not download the desktop versions of the software, as the exams will not be as easy to find in that format. Our placement exam is designed to be viewed in a web browser.

The Music Theory Entrance Exam includes 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 begin, if you log out or close the page, you will not be able to resume that section. You will only be able to take each section once, so it is important that you are well-prepared before you begin, have enough time to complete the section in the stated time allotted, and have a stable internet connection. We recommend headphones for Parts 1b and 2, and staff paper and a pencil for use throughout the exam as scratch paper.  

Please complete all four sections of the exam in the order listed. The final section (Part 3) includes a submission form that will allow you to submit your exam for grading. Do not worry about “passing” or “failing” the entrance exams. If you encounter materials that you are unfamiliar with, just do your best. The placement exam is a diagnostic tool designed to help us determine if any additional theory or aural skills courses are needed so that you're able to complete the required courses for your degree and get the most out of your time here. If you are a DMA applicant, you do not need to complete the "History Placement Exam."

Accurate test results are essential so that you do not begin with a level that is too difficult or end up taking more courses than are necessary. It is important to do your best work, and that you do your work independently without the use of any outside help, other materials, or electronic devices. 

If you began coursework prior to Fall 2024, you must also complete the Graduate Music History exam (all sections, Parts 1–5). You will find the music history exam listed immediately below the music theory exam on the exam site. If you need any assistance accessing the exam, please reach out to the music theory program at smusic.theory@nyu.edu. 

5) Access Your Results

The last section of the exam (Part 3) includes a submission form. Once the form is received, your exam will be graded within 2 weeks. Please be sure that the exam is completed 2 weeks before you require the results. 

Access your results on the Results page here. 

Q & A

How is remediation handled? 

On the basis of the exam results, some students are exempt from all remedial requirements. Many students, however, may be required to take one or more courses in music theory or aural skills. The Director of Music Theory will assign specific course requirements for those students in need of remediation. These requirements must be satisfied prior to graduation, but should be completed as soon as possible. 

May students take remedial courses instead of the exam or in preparation for them? 

No. 

May students write papers or do other independent projects instead of taking the required remedial courses?

No.

Can the exam be postponed? 

Generally speaking, no. All students are required to complete the exam prior to the first semester of study. It is important that the exam is completed as early as possible so that if any remedial courses are required, they can be completed in the first year so as not to delay graduation or progress toward other degree requirements. Postponement may be granted in extraordinary circumstances by the Theory Director upon the recommendation of a student's Program Director.