Music Placement Exams
The Music Placement Exam is a diagnostic test designed to help us place you in the music theory, ear training, and keyboard courses that best match your current background. All incoming students—regardless of previous training—are encouraged or required to complete it so we can identify the class level in which you will be most successful.
During the exam, you’ll be asked questions related to music theory fundamentals, such as notation, intervals, scales, chords, and key signatures. Some programs may also include basic aural skills topics, like identifying intervals or rhythms. The exam typically takes a short amount of time and is completed online before the start of the term.
The Music Placement Exam score is not recorded on your transcript, and it has no impact on your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA). Its purpose is simply to ensure you begin your studies in the course level that reflects your current knowledge—whether you’re new to theory or have already studied music extensively. You cannot “fail” the exam; it is a tool to support your academic success.
After completing the exam, you’ll receive your placement results and information about the course level that aligns with your skills. These placements help ensure a smooth transition into your music studies and a strong foundation for future coursework.
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Placement exams will take place between Monday, May 4 and Monday, June 1, 2026.
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Students may only access these exams during this period. The deadline to complete the placement exams is 11:59 pm on Monday, June 1, 2026.
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You are not allowed to repeat a placement exam, or to take a placement exam for a failed or incomplete course.
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Placement exams must be taken during the official placement exam period before starting a music program.
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We do not offer late placement exams.
List of Placement Exams
You do not receive transfer credits or exemptions from the courses listed below if you took a similar course from a college, music conservatory or university. All students who are seeking transfer credits or exemption from these courses must take a placement exam.
If you decide not to take or miss the placement exams, you will register for the 100-level courses listed here in your first year.
For students whose programs include MUSP 140 or MUTH 150 as a required course or prerequisite, the following placement exams are mandatory: MUSP 140 and MUTH 150. All other placement exams are optional.
Accessing Placement Exams
Consult the List of Placement Exams to determine which placement exam you should complete.
- You can only access these exams on these dates: from 9 am Monday, May 4 to 11:59 pm Monday, June 1, 2026.
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Placement Exam |
Instructions |
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MUTH 150: Theory and Analysis 1(mandatory) (mandatory) |
Sign up instructions (TBC) before mid-April. |
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MUSP 140: Musicianship Training 1 (mandatory) MUSP 141: Musicianship Training 2 |
Sign up instructions (TBC) before mid-April. *Harpsichord, Organ, Piano students do not need to take MUJZ 170 and MUJZ 171 placement exams. They are exempt from these courses and will receive transfer credits for having already demonstrated keyboard proficiency. |
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Access the Jazz placement exams on MyCourses. Under “Ongoing courses”, select “Jazz Placement Test” and then “Quizzes” to access the jazz placement exams. |
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Students seeking exemption from MUJZ 170 & MUJZ 171 will be assessed in the classroom on the first day of class for MUZJ 170. No placement exam is offered in the summer months for jazz keyboard proficiency. *Jazz Guitar and Jazz Piano students do not need to take MUJZ 170 and MUJZ 171 placement exams. They are exempt from these courses and will receive transfer credits for having already demonstrated jazz keyboard proficiency. |
Placement Exam Results
Q: When do I receive the placement exam results?
A: You will receive the placement exam results within two weeks following the date you completed the exam.
Q: Where do I find the placement exam results?
A: If you pass the exam, you will receive transfer credits for the course which are recorded on your McGill transcripts and MyProgress; if you neither pass nor took the exam, no exemption notes will be recorded. You will be required to take the course in your first year.
Q: I have received the placement exam results. Which courses should I register for?
A: Refer to the 
Course Options based on Placement Exam Results, to determine which theory and/or musicianship courses you should register for in your first year.
