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Study Guide

Field 201: Instrumental/General Music 
Test Design and Framework

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The test design below describes general assessment information. The framework that follows is a detailed outline that explains the knowledge and skills that this test measures.

Test Design

Test overview, including duration of test, number of questions, and passing score.
Format Computer-based test ( C B T )
Number of Questions 80 selected-response questions and 1 constructed-response assignment
Time* 4 hours
Passing Score 240

*Does not include 15-minute  C B T  tutorial

Test Framework

Pie chart of approximate test weighting, detailed in the table above.

Sub area 1 20%, Sub area 2 27%, Sub area 3 23%, Sub area 4 15%, and Sub area 5 15%.

test weighting by number of questions per subarea part 1 of 2.
subareas range of competencies approximate percentage of test
selected-response
roman numeral 1 Listening Skills 0001to0003 20 percent
roman numeral 2 Instrumental Performance and Music Methodology 0004to0008 27 percent
roman numeral 3 Music Theory and Composition 0009to0012 23 percent
roman numeral 4 Music History and Culture 0013to0015 15 percent
this cell intentionally left blank. 85 percent
test weighting by number of questions per subarea part 2 of 2.
subareas range of competencies approximate percentage of test
constructed-response
roman numeral 5 Pedagogical Content Knowledge 0016 15 percent
this cell intentionally left blank. 15 percent

Subarea 1—Listening Skills

Competency 0001–Analyze the elements of music presented in a recorded example.

 start italics  The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.  enditalics 

Competency 0002–Analyze the elements of a musical performance presented in a recorded example.

 start italics  The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.  enditalics 

Competency 0003–Understand the historical or cultural context of a work in a recorded example.

 start italics  The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.  enditalics 

Subarea 2—Instrumental Performance and Music Methodology

Competency 0004–Demonstrate knowledge of string and keyboard instruments.

 start italics  The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.  enditalics 

Competency 0005–Demonstrate knowledge of wind and percussion instruments.

 start italics  The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.  enditalics 

Competency 0006–Examine band, orchestra, and small instrumental ensemble performance and repertoire.

 start italics  The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.  enditalics 

Competency 0007–Apply knowledge of techniques of conducting and score reading.

 start italics  The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.  enditalics 

Competency 0008–Understand principles of music methodology.

 start italics  The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.  enditalics 

Subarea 3—Music Theory and Composition

Competency 0009–Analyze musical notation.

 start italics  The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.  enditalics 

Competency 0010–Understand the elements of melody.

 start italics  The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.  enditalics 

Competency 0011–Understand the elements of harmony.

 start italics  The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.  enditalics 

Competency 0012–Apply knowledge of musical composition and arrangement.

 start italics  The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.  enditalics 

Subarea 4—Music History and Culture

Competency 0013–Demonstrate knowledge of Western music history from the Middle Ages through the Classical period.

 start italics  The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.  enditalics 

Competency 0014–Demonstrate knowledge of Western music history from the Classical period through the present.

 start italics  The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.  enditalics 

Competency 0015–Demonstrate knowledge of U.S. and world music outside the Western tradition.

 start italics  The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.  enditalics 

Subarea 5—Pedagogical Content Knowledge

Competency 0016–Analyze instructional objectives and activity plans, students' assignments and work, and assessment strategies and information in music education; and explain developmentally appropriate strategies to effectively address students' strengths and needs and inform instruction.

 start italics  The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.  enditalics