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Florida State / College of Music / Areas of Study / Music Theory & Composition / Departmental Exams / Graduate Music Theory and Composition Majors / Ph.D. Theory Diagnostic Exam
Ph.D. Theory Diagnostic Exam
The diagnostic examination is designed to determine your grasp of theoretical concepts and formal analysis. The diagnostic must be passed satisfactorily to be accepted officially into the doctoral program. The written diagnostic examination consists of:
- An essay (approximately 500 words) addressing both your research interests in music theory and your familiarity with the field.
- Analysis of two short pieces, one tonal and one post-tonal work.
The pieces for analysis will be distributed the Wednesday before Veterans' Day and the Wednesday before Spring Break, and the analyses and the essay on research interests will be due twelve days later.
An oral follow-up to the written exam will be administered with all theory faculty present. You may be asked questions 1) related to the written examination and 2) concerning your research interests and readiness to pursue the Ph.D. in music theory. As a result of this examination, you will formulate an appropriate course of study in consultation with your advisor.
