<p>What are the experiences of those who have placed out of first year music theory or (less commonly) music history courses through placement tests? Has going into the second year courses been difficult? Did you take the second year courses during your first year or wait until your second year? </p>
<p>While I can see a big advantage in placing out (more time to practice and focus on other courses), I also see an advantage in taking the first year theory courses: fully solidifying basic understandings of harmony, part-writing, musical structures etc.; making upper year courses easier because the foundation is so solid; getting a good grade in the first year course.</p>
<p>With a bit of review, I think S could place out, but I tend to think that the advantages of taking the course outweigh the advantage of placing out. All thoughts on the issue are welcome!</p>
<p>DS placed out of both the first year of theory and the first year of piano. He chose to take the first year of both ANYWAY. While he placed out of them, HE didn’t feel all that confident in either. In retrospect, he was happy with his decision…especially with regards to theory. The pace of college theory accelerates rapidly and he is happy he took first year theory at the college level (he took AP theory in high school too…) because it was much more difficult than theory in high school had been.</p>
<p>This is a tough call, and the common wisdom is to take the first year course even though a student has the chops to test out. The reason being is each institution teaches theory to their own program structure, and while a student may think they have enough background, there are those that stumble even with a solid grounding in theory. Now, it might be extremely helpful if you can get your hands on the syllabi (sp?) from the last year or three of first year theory courses; should not be that difficult to do. Note that these will vary by actual instructor, but will follow the required mandates within the departmental curriculum structure. A review of the course offering, text(s) used, and perhaps some sample or actual tests from former students would go a long way in determining whether or not it’s a valid plan.</p>
<p>Same goes for music history. Mine had a thorough grounding, had read the standard college level texts cover to cover for pleasure prior to leaving high school. He probably could have tested out of both, but chose not to. He became the “goto” guy for those needing help in these areas and it quickly earned him his nickname of “the perfessor”. If you think I have a good memory, his is virtually photographic.</p>
<p>He did test out of an upper division theory requirement towards the end of his tenure, when time was getting tight and there were apparent conflicts in being able to get both the performance and education requirements completed.</p>
<p>Piano is another test out option, but again this is solely contingent on the student’s prior training and ability level.</p>
<p>A pure “know your kid” scenario, and I would follow the recommendation of his assigned advisor or studio instructor, with far more “hands-on” experiences that would be institution specific, which really is the driving factor.</p>
<p>My son placed out of both first year theory and first year ear training (or whatever this is called at the college level—I can’t remember). I think having successfully completed the highest level of each in his precollege program worked in his favor. He did go into second year for both classes, and did well. I agree that this is a very individual decision, and there is no definite “right” way. </p>
<p>For my son, placing out really made a big financial difference because he is on track to graduate in four years in what should have been a five year program (AP credits and summer classes, plus the placed-out years of theory and ear training really benefited him). </p>
<p>YMMV!</p>
<p>D placed out of first year theory, but took it anyways. Due to unforeseen circumstances she missed a semester, a theory class and graduated with an extra semester under her belt. (hindsight IS 20/20)
BUT, as a vocalist, that extra year of development and work set her up for some great opportunities in grad school.</p>