New Student FAQs
FAQ for students interested in the A.S. in Music Degree Program:
- Do I need to audition to become a music major at QCC?
No. Our program is open to all students. However, the music department does administer both a Basic Musicianship Aptitude Test (BMAT) and the Music Theory Placement Exam (MTPE) to better advise and place students in the appropriate studio and theory class level.
- When are these ‘placement’ sessions offered?
- Who should take the BMAT and the MTPE?
Any student wishing to pursue the A.S. in Music Degree Program is required to attend one of the above placement session dates. Please come to the March 27 session if you wish to take advantage of early registration.
- What is expected of me for the BMAT and the MTPE?
First off, do not stress or worry about taking either the BMAT or MTPE. This is just a chance for the music department to observe your level of theory knowledge and your musical skills. You may have extensive and well-developed set of musical skills, or you may feel like you are a beginner. Many of our student begin the program without reading music. This is fine, but we need to know that.
During the session, you will be given a quick preliminary questionnaire and theory assessment to see if you have any prior music theory knowledge, including basic note reading skills. If you do, you will be given the more extensive Music Theory Placement Exam (MTPE) to see how far your music theory knowledge goes.
After this, you will be given a quick assessment of your basic musical aptitude (BMAT). This includes seeing if your musical ear can match pitch, if you have a basic sense of rhythm, and if you have a sense of musical phrase and gesture. The BMAT also gives you a chance to show us, the music faculty, your skill on an instrument of your choice.
You can sing for us or play something on an instrument you feel best represents your musical abilities, whether it be piano, guitar (acoustic or electric), drums, violin, trumpet, or anything you wish. We will provide a piano, drum set, mallet instrument such as a marimba, and an amplifier for electric guitar or bass. Any other instrument is your responsibility to bring.
You can play for us for just a minute, or if you have more to show, we can allow more time. If you feel you are an advanced student on an instrument, we would like you to perform two contrasting works to show us your stylistic diversity.
If you do not yet play an instrument, that is fine too. We would assess you to see if either piano, percussion or voice is the best instrument to have you start on.
When it is all done, you will receive a combined score on both the BMAT and MTPE representing the current level of your musical skills. Based on these results, an advisement sheet will be prepared by the department and given to you that can assist you and your advisor in choosing the best set of music courses to take given your current abilities.
