Wisconsin Music Teachers Association

Affiliated with the Music Teachers National Association

Wisconsin Music Teachers Association

Music Theory Test Information

The study of music theory and history is an essential component of a comprehensive musical education. Teaching the relevance and application of these concepts to your students develops a solid understanding and appreciation of music, allows them to perform with increased sensitivity, and opens the door to achieving a high level of musical excellence!

All students who participate in WMTA District Auditions are required to take a Music Theory Test.

Music Theory Test Levels

Pre-Elementary: Study Guide ~ Practice Test ~ Aural Exam

Elementary A: Study Guide ~ Practice Test: Piano ~ Treble ~ Bass ~ Alto ~ Aural Exam

Elementary B: Study Guide ~ Practice Test: Piano ~ Treble ~ Bass ~ Alto ~ Aural Exam

Elementary C: Study Guide ~ Practice Test ~ Aural Exam

Intermediate A: Study Guide ~ Practice Test ~ Aural Exam

Intermediate B: Study Guide ~ Practice Test ~ Aural Exam

Intermediate C: Study Guide ~ Practice Test ~ Aural Exam

Advanced A: Study Guide ~ Practice Test ~ Aural Exam

Advanced B: Study Guide ~ Practice Test ~ Aural Exam

Advanced C: Study Guide ~ Practice Test ~ Aural Exam

Comprehensive Theory Guide – This document contains the material covered at each level organized by topic/section to assist teachers in determining the appropriate theory level for their students.

Practice Tests Answer Key

Requirements for D2, D2-NM, & D3 Track

Theory level is chosen by the teacher according to the student’s level of musical knowledge. It does not necessarily need to correspond to the difficulty level of the student’s repertoire.

Requirements for State Track

Minimum theory level is required according to student’s grade in school:

  • Grade 1-3: Pre-Elementary
  • Grade 4: Elementary A (piano) ~ Elementary A (vocal/instrumental)
  • Grade 5: Elementary B (piano) ~ Elementary A (vocal/instrumental)
  • Grade 6: Elementary C (piano) ~ Elementary A (vocal/instrumental)
  • Grade 7: Intermediate A (piano) ~ Elementary B (vocal/instrumental)
  • Grade 8: Intermediate A (piano) ~ Elementary B (vocal/instrumental)
  • Grade 9: Intermediate B (piano) ~ Elementary C (vocal/instrumental)
  • Grade 10: Intermediate C (piano) ~ Elementary C (vocal/instrumental)
  • Grade 11: Intermediate C (piano) ~ Intermediate A (vocal/instrumental)
  • Grade 12: Advanced A (piano) ~ Intermediate A (vocal/instrumental)
  • Adult: No minimum level required

Students who audition on multiple instruments (i.e. piano & voice) may take two different levels of theory tests according to the minimum requirements for each instrument. Points earned will count toward WMTA awards for each separate instrument. Alternatively, students may take only one test (the higher level required), and points earned will count toward both instruments.

Students must score at least 80% on their theory test to qualify for the State Competitions (in addition to earning at least 14 performance points)

Information for all Tracks

  • Students must progress to the next test level when they have scored at least 90% for two successive years on the same level. However, they may progress to the next level sooner if desired.
  • If more than one teacher is involved in a student’s audition, they should confer to determine the appropriate test level.
  • Students who discover they took an ineligible level of theory test must take the appropriate level or forfeit the theory points. Students will be given an opportunity to take the correct test on Auditions day or at a later date (not to exceed one week).

Supplementary Theory Resources

Go to District Auditions Page