Placement Testing

Online Music Theory
The online music theory placement test is required for all bachelor of music students. Most students submit this test during their audition. Incoming students will be placed and registered for their assigned theory courses and sections based on this test score. Most students will be notified of their placement just before they arrive on campus.

The link below will take you to the exam site. You must log in using your ObieID, which is printed on the mailing label attached to your copy of the Big Book of Forms. Click on the “Academics” tab; there you will find that you are enrolled in a course titled Placement/Readiness Exams. Click this link for information on scoring, passwords, and dates of availability on the “What To Do” page.
Log In To Take Online Test

Aural Skills
Testing and placement for Aural Skills courses will take place during orientation week.
Go to the Placement Tests and Auditions Schedule

Students will attend an Aural Skills orientation session followed by individual testing. Placement will be based on sight singing rhythms and melodies (Solfege is not required). Based on this test score, incoming students will be placed and registered for their assigned aural skills courses and sections. Final aural skills placements should be posted outside Conservatory Bibbins 235 (2nd floor) the day after testing.

Preparation
The recommended workbooks for the best means of preparation are "Scales, Intervals, Keys, Triads, Rhythm, and Meter" by John Clough (pub. Norton) and "The Complete Musician" by Steven G. Laitz (pub. Oxford University Press).

The textbook used for many theory courses is "Harmony and Voice Leading" 3rd edition by Edward Aldwell and Carl Schachter (pub. Harcourt Brace Janovich.)

Transfer Credits and Placement Tests
New bachelor of music students who have transfer credits in theory and aural skills are still required to take the requested placement tests prior to and during orientation. For questions about transfer of credit, please schedule an appointment with the Office of the Conservatory Associate Deans once you arrive on campus. Note: You will have one calendar year from your entry in to Oberlin to make your transfer credit request. Transcripts must be sent in a sealed envelope from your previous school/institution to the Oberlin Office of the Registrar.

College of Arts and Sciences Students

Students admitted to the College of Arts and Sciences who are interested in Theory & Aural Skills courses will need to take the music theory and aural skills placement tests. Those who wish to take the (music theory test should take it online. Aural skills placement tests will be held during orientation. Theory & Aural Skills testing is not required for ensemble or secondary lesson auditions. For more information go to www.oberlin.edu/condean) Bachelor of music students however, will be given preference regarding class limit and section assignment.

Performance Diploma Students

Performance Diploma students are not eligible to take theory, aural skills, and music history until they have transferred into the Bachelor of Music degree. Please email the Office of Associate Deans if you have questions or concerns regarding this restriction.

Other Placement Tests and Auditions

Auditions for most courses, lessons, and ensembles are completed during orientation week.
Go to the Placement Tests and Auditions Schedule

About the Office of the Conservatory Associate Deans

The Office of the Associate Deans provides information about academic requirements, regulations, and procedures for Oberlin students pursuing course work in the Conservatory of Music. The office also processes paperwork related to many of these academic requirements and regulations.

Contact
condeans@oberlin.edu

For Conservatory and Double Degree students, the Office of Associate Deans coordinates academic advising; makes advisor/teacher assignments; provides information sessions for new and returning advisors; oversees students' academic standing by monitoring grade reports and communicating with students, their advisors, and the Academic Standing Committee; and offers information and advice about academic policy issues, and general academic requirements including: Change of Status and Change of Major, Course Overload and Part-time status, Transfer of Credit, Exception to Graduation, Emergency Incompletes and Exam Changes, and Individual Majors.
Go to the Conservatory Associate Deans Office Web Site