Sample Questions from Previous Music Department Diagnostic Examination

The timed exam consists of two sections and typically requires 3 hours to complete. Sample questions are given below.

I. Score Analysis

1. Score Excerpt #1

a.     On a separate page, identify the form of the piece, and draw a form diagram that includes phrase structure and cadences.

b.     On the score, locate and label two different sequential passages.

c.     Briefly discuss the use of the key-area c minor in this piece (a few sentences).

d.    Identify the relative time period of the composition.

2. Score Excerpt #2

a.    For the final chord in the piece, briefly discuss its harmonic identity, its set-class properties, and its relationship to the piece as a whole.  You may wish to mark the score with relevant analytic information as part of your answer.

b.    Identify the relative time period of the composition.
 
Schlafend trägt man mich    --   Sleeping I am borne
in mein Heimatland.     --     to my homeland.
Ferne komm’ ich her,     --     From afar I come,
über Gipfel, über Schlünde,     --     over mountain, gorge,
über ein dunkles Meer     --   over a dark ocean
in mein Heimatland.     --     to my homeland.

3. Score Excerpt #3

a.     Mark all cadences in the score. How are they formed? Identify the structural voices, contrapuntal motion, and any suspensions.

b.     Explain the relationship between mm. 119-21 and mm. 122-24.

c.     Explain the relationship between mm. 111-19 and mm. 119-27.

d.    Identify the relative time period of the composition.

(A third score excerpt would be given here.)

II. Musicianship Skills and Essays

1.  Harmonize the following melody in four voices, chorale-style, using standard principles of voice-leading.  Provide a complete harmonic analysis.  Your harmonization must modulate and must include at least one suspension.

2.  Write two short essays, choosing from the following topics.  Include relevant specific examples of repertory, artists, composers, and cultural context where relevant.

a.  For any musical repertory of your choice, discuss relationships of text and music over a 100-year period.

b. Discuss any specific event that you believe is a defining moment in the history of music or music scholarship, and explain why.

c.  Characterize either the Baroque Era or the Romantic Era as a unified stylistic period.  In the course of your answer, include reference to specific musical compositions.