Music Theory Placement Exam - The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music

Music Theory Placement Exam

ATTENTION: The Music Theory Placement Exam will open in June 2026. Review this page to prepare for the exam.

Who needs to complete the exam...

Have questions? Email Us! Please include your name and 9-Digit University ID (UID) in your email.

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Incoming students who are required to complete the Music Theory Placement exam in Summer 2026 will receive an email from the Office of Student Affairs in early June 2026. They will also receive an invitation to the Bruin Learn course to access the exam.

The Music Theory Placement Exam is required for the following major programs:
  • Global Jazz Studies B.A.
  • Music Composition B.A.
  • Music Education B.A.
  • Music Performance B.M.
  • Musicology B.A.

Depending on the results of the placement exam, students will be placed in one of the following School of Music theory courses: Music 3, 20ABC, OR 21ABC. Students who do NOT receive a passing score on the exam must enroll in Music 3 (Preparatory Music Theory) to be eligible to enroll subsequently in Music 20ABC OR Music 21ABC.

NOTE: Students who do NOT complete the Music Theory Placement Exam will be automatically placed in Music 3 at New Student Orientation.

Please review ALL the instructions below before attempting to complete the exam.

 

Music Theory Placement Exam

Accessing Bruin Learn

*LOG INTO UCLA BRUIN LEARN HERE*

 

The Music Theory Placement Exam is housed on UCLA Bruin Learn. All students who are required to complete the Music Theory Placement Exam in Summer 2026 will receive an email invite to access the exam site on Bruin Learn. This invitation email will be sent to your official email connected to your MyUCLA Profile. Please double check your official email on MyUCLA, so you stay up to date on all important announcements.

If you need assistance navigating Bruin Learn, please refer to the informational video below. Have questions? Email us!

Watch video here: “Intro to Bruin Learn for Incoming Students”

The Music Theory Placement Exam is a written exam that covers the following topics:

  • Scales and Key Signatures
  • Rhythm notation
  • Notation on a Grand Staff 
  • Interval and Chord Identification

Students should NOT use outside resources (e.g. google, ChatGPT, etc.) to answer questions on the exam. This exam is to determine your previous Music Theory knowledge and assess which course level is most appropriate for you. If you use outside resources to answer exam questions, you will be putting yourself at a disadvantage if you are placed into a higher course level than you are prepared for.

How to study for the exam:

  • Review the Circle of Fifths and scale, chord, and interval structure
  • Practice identifying and naming the above using free websites or apps
  • Practice writing notes on staff paper that are legible and accurate

EXAM DEADLINE: June 25, 2026 at 5 PM PDT

 

Students will have 45 MINUTES to access and complete the exam. Make sure you allot time to download and upload the exam to Bruin Learn within the exam time.

Before starting the exam, decide whether you will PRINT the exam to complete it on paper OR DOWNLOAD the exam to complete it digitally.  If you print out the exam, please allow enough time at the end to digitally scan and upload the exam.

Students will have ONE ATTEMPT to complete the exam. We recommend having all materials — such as a writing utensil. staff paper, etc. — ready before starting the exam.

Before submitting your exam, please RENAME your file to “Last Name_First Name_UID_Music Theory Placement Exam”.

When ready, submit your exam on Bruin Learn before the end of the 45 Minute time limit. NOTE: Please ensure you upload all the pages of the exam upon submission, as exams will be graded based on what is received.

If you have trouble uploading your exam within the allotted time limit, please contact our office as soon as possible.

After you submit your exam on Bruin Learn, it will be graded and you will be assigned to the appropriate Music Theory course. Your course placement will be shared when you attend New Student Orientation so you can plan your course enrollment for Fall 2026 accordingly. Exam scores will not be released to students at any point.

If you do not complete the Music Theory Placement Exam before the June 25, 2026 deadline, you will automatically be placed into Music 3 at New Student Orientation.

Have questions about your Music Theory course placement?  Email us!

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