Graduate Student Orientation

Graduate Theory, History and Piano Diagnostic Examinations

Completed after application is submitted in January

The Graduate History Exam

To prepare for the history portion of the Graduate Diagnostic Exam, students should review their undergraduate music history courses. Be prepared to discuss each historical period, including compositional trends, representative composers and works. There will also be a listening portion, requiring identification. Allow one hour for this exam. 

The Graduate Theory Exam

The study guide for this exam is here: Graduate Diagnostic Examination Study Guide

Written portion: Allow two hours for this exam. 

Piano Proficiency Exam (only for those who will take piano as elective studies in their program)

Completed after you arrive to begin study at WSU
A description of this exam and a pdf of the Star Spangled Banner Harmonization are here:  Piano Proficiency, Star Spangled Banner Harmonization