Gateway Questions for Oral Exam
All music majors must complete a Gateway Exam prior to registering for 400 level classes in music. The exam takes place during Finals/ Jury week at the end of the semester in which you become eligible to take the exam. It allows the faculty the opportunity to assess your progress as a music major and to ascertain the likelihood for successful completion of the degree. It also affords you an opportunity to assess your own goals and progress.
Eligibility to take the exam
As a general rule, students are ready to take the exam once they have completed 45-60 hours of college study. There are specific requirements for each concentration. If the student is taking any of these courses during the semester of the Gateway, he/she must have a note from the professor stating that, at midterm, the student was earning the required grade or better.
- Audio Production and Sound Engineering – Students must have a C or better in the following courses: A101, A301, A270 (Audio Production students only), A370 and a C or better in any 3 of the following courses: T113, T114, M201, M202
- Composition for the Concert Stage/Film and the Media – Students must have a B or better in at least one semester of composition lessons, a C or better in at least 3 semesters of ensemble, a C or better in at least one semester of ear-training, and a C or better in any 3 of the following courses: T113, T114, M201, M202.
- Music Business – Students must have a C or better in W131 Writing, S121 (Speech), L201 (Legal Environment of Business), and a C or better in any 3 of the following courses: T113, T114, M201, M202.
- Music Education – Students must have a C or better in F200, a B or better in at least 2 semesters of Applied Music in the student’s major instrument, a C or better in at least one semester of ear-training and a C or better in any 3 of the following courses: T113, T114, M201, M202
- Performance – Students must have a B or better in at least 3 semesters of Applied Music in their major instrument, a C or better in at least 3 semesters of ensemble, a C or better in at least one semester of ear-training, and a C or better in any 3 of the following courses: T113, T114, M201, M202
Scheduling the Gateway
Gateways take place during Finals/Jury week of the semester in which you are eligible. It is recommended that you speak with your music advisor early in the semester so you can plan your exam. Exams are scheduled for half hour intervals. Your major studio professor and your music advisor, as well as at least two other music faculty must be available to attend. Your music advisor can help you with this.
- Audio Production and Sound Engineering – see Professor Haertel about scheduling your exam during finals week. The exam will take place in the audio lab (060). Sign up for a half hour time slot. If you are taking a jury, you will need to schedule it at a different time.
- Composition for the Concert Stage/Film and the Media – see Dr. Stem about scheduling your exam during finals week. The Gateway will take place in the Recital Hall.
- Music Business – see Professor Haertel about scheduling your exam during finals week. The exam will take place in the Recital Hall. If you are taking a jury that semester you may do your Gateway at the same time. In either case, sign up for a half hour time slot.
- Music Education – see Dr. Nichols about scheduling your exam during finals week. The Gateway will take place in conjunction with your jury exam in your major instrument. It will take place in the Recital Hall.
- Performance – see Dr. Goldstein about scheduling your exam. The Gateway will take place in conjunction with your jury exam in your major instrument. It will take place in the Recital Hall.
The Gateway Exam
The Gateway Exam combines an evaluation of your Gateway project, be it a composition, demo CD or jury performance and an interview in which the faculty panel will ask you questions on music theory, music literature and your major subject area based upon the subjects you have completed successfully in these areas. In addition, faculty will review your overall academic record and your participation in and commitment to ensembles. The specific requirements for each concentration are listed below.
Audio Production and Sound Engineering
- Present a recording containing four pieces. One must be classical and one must be a project done outside class
- Present and discuss a five-page paper describing techniques, equipment and creative decision s involved in producing the recording
- An oral exam with five general music questions in the areas of music theory, music literature and the student’s major concentration. Faculty will choose these questions from a list of 10 potential questions supplied to the student in advance.
Evaluation: the recording will be evaluated on the following qualities:
- Instrument balance and tonality
- Ability to describe in detail the equipment used
- Ability to describe in detail the techniques used in creating the recording
- Ability to describe contextual reasons for the choices noted above
- Choice of material based on performance, recording quality and diversity of material
Evaluation: the paper, which must be presented at the exam, will be evaluated on the following qualities:
- Grammar
- Organization
- Quality of content
- Appropriate length
Evaluation: the oral exam will be evaluated on the following criteria:
- Correctness/appropriateness of the answer
- The level of detail in the response
- Ability to communicate ideas clearly and in an organized way
Composition for the Concert Stage / Film and the Media
- Present a portfolio (i.e. score and recording) of at least one composition that you have worked on during your study at IU Southeast. The recording can contain recorded performances of your work, MIDI representation, or a combination of the two.
- An oral exam with five general music questions in the areas of music theory, music literature and the student’s major concentration. Faculty will choose these questions from a list of 10 potential questions supplied to the student in advance.
Evaluation: the composition portfolio will be evaluated on the following qualities:
- Proper use of notation and legibility of the score(s)
- Concept formulation and execution
- Best use of the medium (i.e. chamber group, orchestra, or electronic) chosen for the composition
- Ability to describe the process used to compose the work(s)
- For Film and Media students: Effectiveness of work with accompanying visual media/concept
Evaluation: the oral exam with be evaluated on the following criteria:
- Correctness/appropriateness of the answer
- The level of detail in the response
- Ability to communicate ideas clearly and in an organized way
Music Business
- Present and discuss a five- page paper researching a music-related career. The paper should include: a job description, the pay range, educational requirements, job availability by geographical region, and the name of companies that provide the service. The paper should also discuss elements that would be involved in setting up a small business that offered the service (e.g. a start-up budget).
- Present a current resume. The resume should be directed toward a general music job, or the chosen profession of the student if that is known.
- An oral exam with five general music questions in the areas of music theory, music literature and the student’s major concentration. Faculty will choose these questions from a list of 10 potential questions supplied to the student in advance.
Evaluation: the paper and resume will be evaluated on the following qualities:
- Quality of content
- Organization
- Grammar
- Appropriate length
Evaluation: the oral exam will be evaluated on the following qualities:
- Correctness/appropriateness of the answer
- The level of detail in the response
- Ability to communicate ideas clearly and in an organized way
If the student is combining a jury exam with the Gateway, the results of the performance will be assessed only in an advisory way with regard to the Gateway.
Music Education
- Jury exam in the student’s major instrument. Vocalists are expected to present at least 3 arias/songs that include at least 2 languages. The music must be memorized and accompanied. Instrumentalists are expected to perform at least 3 works such as concert etudes, individual pieces or movements of a sonata or concerto. Both vocal and instrument juries should include a diversity of repertoire. The performance should be accompanied unless specifically written without accompaniment. The music does not need to be memorized.
- An oral exam with five general music questions representative of the student’s study of music theory, music literature, performance and music education thus far
Evaluation: the jury performance will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
- Technical skill
- Musicality
- Level of difficulty of the repertoire
- Ensemble
Evaluation: the oral exam will be evaluated on the following criteria:
- Correctness/appropriateness of the answer
- The level of detail in the response
- Ability to communicate ideas clearly and in an organized way
Performance
- Jury exam in the student’s major instrument. Vocalists are expected to present at least 3 arias/songs that include at least 2 languages. The music must be memorized and accompanied. Instrumentalists are expected to perform at least 3 works such as concert etudes, individual pieces or movements of a sonata or concerto. Both vocal and instrument juries should include a diversity of repertoire. The performance should be accompanied unless specifically written without accompaniment. The music does not need to be memorized.
- An oral exam with five general music questions representative of the student’s study of music theory, music literature and the major applied area thus far
Evaluation: the jury performance will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
- Technical skill
- Musicality
- Level of difficulty of the repertoire
- Ensemble
Evaluation: the oral exam will be evaluated on the following criteria:
- correctness/appropriateness of the answer
- the level of detail in the response
- ability to communicate ideas clearly and in an organized way
T113 – Music Theory I
- Students should be able to tell us the key signatures of any major or minor key.
- What is the difference between natural minor, harmonic minor, and melodic minor?
- Name two church modes and describe them.
- How do you create one of the following triads (we would pick one:) major, minor, diminished, augmented.
- How do you create one of the following 7th chords (we would pick one:) Major 7th, minor 7th, Major/minor 7th, diminished 7th, half-diminished 7th.
- Describe the difference between simple and compound meter.
- If they have had my class they should be able to define what it means when an instrument does not play in concert pitch (e.g. trumpet in Bb, Horn in F).
T114 – Music Theory II
- Name and describe 3 non-chord tones.
- What is an antecedent-consequent period.
- Name and describe three cadences.
- What does it mean for a V chord to resolve deceptively?
- What is a secondary or borrowed dominant?
M201 – The Literature of Music I
- How does your knowledge of forms/genres, such as fugues and sonata form, inform your performance of such pieces?
- Can you speak a little bit regarding the use and treatment of improvisation in the Baroque period?
- What is the performance practice regarding dynamics in the Baroque period? In the Classical period?
- Be able to compare and contrast the treatment of opera in the Baroque and Classical periods.
- Discuss some important changes in instruments during the Baroque period. How would your performance on your own instrument be affected by this knowledge?
M202 – The Literature of Music II
- How does the role of the composer change in the Romantic period? How does the concert experience itself change?
- Why is a conductor needed in the Romantic period?
- How does the Romantic emphasis on emotion change your performance style, especially compared to the Classical period?
- Why is the nineteenth century called "The Golden Age of Opera?" Discuss some important changes in opera during this time.
- How does your knowledge of program music inform your performance of such pieces?
Results of the Gateway
Students will be notified within the week of taking their Gateway of the results of the exam. Typically, this is done by e-mail. The results will also be shared with your major studio professor, your music advisor, your academic advisor in the School of Arts & Letters, and the Music Office staff.
There are three possible results of your Gateway exam:
- Pass – if the faculty panel passes you on your Gateway exam, the faculty and staff noted above will be notified to allow you access to register for 400 level music classes.
- Pass with Distinction – students who exhibit extraordinary knowledge/skill as well as an outstanding ability to communicate their ideas will receive a Pass with Distinction. This evaluation will be entered into your records and faculty and staff will be notified to allow you access to register for 400 level music classes.
- Not Pass – if the faculty panel does not pass you on your Gateway you will not be allowed to register for 400 level music classes. However, you may schedule a follow-up Gateway Exam the next semester during finals week. Typically, the faculty panel notifies you about perceived weaknesses so that you can work on improving your performance/presentation. There is a maximum of three attempts that are acceptable for the Gateway.
