If you're considering majoring or minoring in Music, music theory courses are a required sequence in the curriculum. You should take the placement exam, as it may help you complete your major requirements faster and reach higher-level courses earlier.
PLEASE NOTE: Each music theory course is only offered in one semester (fall or spring) of each academic year, so make sure to plan well in advance if you're thinking about majoring or minoring in Music. See the Courses & Requirements page for more information.
The Music Theory Placement Exam is open to all students - no sign-up necessary! All of our music production courses require a music theory prerequisite.
If you’re interested in learning how to read, write, and analyze music, you should take the Music Theory Placement Exam. This low-pressure exam will help you enter the music theory class that is most appropriate for your skill level. Studying music theory is fundamental to all music-making because it enables you to understand how and why the music you love sounds the way it does. Regardless of what kind of music interests you, we urge that one of the first courses you take at Oxy be a music theory course.