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All incoming transfer students must also take the Theory Proficiency Exam.  It is administered at the beginning of each long semester.

The theory exam assesses knowledge and fluency in the basic harmonic and melodic skills commonly taught in the four-semester freshman and sophomore theory sequence.  Its purpose is to evaluate students' readiness for upper-division theory courses that require solid basic skills for success.  Skills are isolated approximately by semester of study; a student who transfers to UT Tyler after only two semesters of theory will not be tested on the content of the sophomore courses.  

There are two important considerations when reviewing for the exam.  The first is fluency.  Timed sections are designed to assess the student's speed and accuracy in rudiments, such as key signatures, scales, intervals, and chord spellings. Additionally, the exam is lengthy; a certain fluency will be needed to complete it in the allotted time.  The second consideration is to understand the underlying reasons and concepts that shape the theoretical principles of tonal harmony.  For example, why are second inversion triads commonly used only in certain, restricted ways?  Or, why are the fourth and seventh scale degrees the key-defining tones?  Or, how do the augmented sixth chords typically function?  Specific questions will address these principles.  No two theory programs will teach exactly the same approach to these principles; therefore, we are not seeking a particular "correct" answer in these cases, but rather evidence that the student has been exposed to and understands the principles.