Transfering Music Theory

<p>Does anyone know of a school that offers Music Theory 3 or 4 as an Internet course? Also possibly any other core music classes like Music History.</p>

<p>Are you talking about using these online or transfer courses for a music major? At MOST schools, core course in the music major MUST be taken at the university in which the student is enrolled. In fact, music majors can't even get credit for the AP Music Theory exam. In other words, you can't transfer in credits for music theory, music history, sight singing, ensembles, and private music studies...unless you have been accepted as a transfer student from another music program in which you matriculated. In other words, if you were a music major at School A and you were accepted as a transfer student to School B, your courses would be reviewed and if equivalent would likely transfer. However, no schools I know of allow matriculated music students to take core courses elsewhere and transfer them in for credit towards a music degree. Maybe someone else has a different experience.</p>

<p>I have to concur with thumper, it is extremely difficult to have music credits applied from one school to another unless you are an accepted transfer. The process includes a review of the syllabus, course description, and in the case of theory, would most likely involve a test at the last course level taken to verify proficiencies. </p>

<p>One possibility MIGHT be Manhattan School of Music, who have a unique program here Manhattan</a> School of Music: Distance Learning Overview. I do not know the parameters of the program, what is involved, or if any of the credits are potenially transferable. Given the prestige of Manhattan and Zuckerman, I'd imagine the chances might be a bit better than a school accepting a summer theory or history course from Podunk U.</p>

<p>Even if you are a transfer student, chances of transferring a theory course are low; almost any school will place you in theory (or exempt you from it) based on an exam, no matter how many or few courses you've already taken.</p>

<p>Some schools will allow credit for intro theory based on an AP score, but it usually for a 5.</p>

<p>Catera, my kids got a 5 on the AP music theory exam. DS, the music major, got nothing for the AP score, but did have the advantage of some good theory knowledge heading into his theory placement exams as a freshman...but NO credit. DD will get music credit but only if she does NOT minor in music. If she minors in music, she will have to fulfil the requirement at her U...no credit for the AP exam per se. As Fiddlefrog pointed out...both took theory placement exams, and therefore had to take less theory...but they still didn't get any college credits for the AP exam (dd will get this credit if she does not minor in music).</p>

<p>I agree with all that is said above about most schools making you test out of music theory there, rather than transfer the credits from another university... But, if your school will let you check out Berkeley School of Music online courses. They offer online music theory.</p>

<p>Do you mean Berklee?</p>

<p>Even if you did very well in a theory course elsewhere, every school has its own sequence and vocabulary, and your preparation will not likely be appropriate for the next level. Even when students are coming into graduate programs, if they are staying at the same school, they will be in much better shape, no deficiencies or remedial work. Some skills are more easily helpful, for instance keyboard and sight-singing/choral experiences. If you are not a music major (or minor) the AP credits may count as elective hours. Lorelei</p>

<p>Yes, I do mean Berklee :( -- oops -- typing fast before going to teach class -- I did not mean Berkeley in CA... but the Berklee School of Music in MA...</p>

<p>I go to Webster University in Missouri and this is how they handle things. Incoming students usually come from Jefferson County community college which is a horrible college with a poor music program. Webster accepts their theory 1-4 no questions asked. If you have not taken any theory they test you to make sure you can manage theory 1. If not you go into a zero credit class for a semester and then start theory 1. If you score high enough on the test and want to try they will give you a separate test to see if you can start in 2 or 3.</p>

<p>Here's how they handle money. Webster charges a flat rate for all students who take thirteen or more credit hours of $15,000. If you take twelve or fewer it is significantly less. I worked this system by taking twelve credit hours a semester and transferring other credit hours from a community college. This worked very well and I saved a butt load of money. Not to mention the fact that I could create whatever schedule I wanted by picking and choosing what college I wanted to go to for what credit.</p>

<p>Now after I have planned this out so far I have found that I can transfer over all the rest of my credits for my degree except the last 12 which have to be taken at Webster. That is why I am trying to find a college somewhere where I can a few music classes online to finish my requirements so when I go back all I will have to take is some PE classes and graduate which if I ace will leave me with a 3.9 gpa.</p>

<p>Thanks for the help so far, but I was thinking more along the lines of cheaper, possibly community, internet classes. And also I have already taken theory one and two. I'm just looking for three and four.</p>

<p>Thanks for the explanation. What kind of music degree are you pursuing??</p>

<p>Violin performance</p>