Skip to main content

Study Guide

Field 203: Vocal/General Music 
Test Design and Framework

Recommendation for individuals using a screenreader: please set your punctuation settings to "most."

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 outlined in the table below.

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 21 percent
roman numeral 2 Vocal Performance and Music Methodology 0004to0007 25 percent
roman numeral 3 Music Theory and Composition 0008to0011 23 percent
roman numeral 4 Music History and Culture 0012to0014 16 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 0015 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–Analyze 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—Vocal Performance and Music Methodology

Competency 0004–Understand the principles of singing.

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

Competency 0005–Understand choral and vocal ensemble rehearsal and performance techniques and repertoire.

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

Competency 0006–Demonstrate knowledge of conducting techniques and score reading.

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

Competency 0007–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 0008–Analyze musical notation.

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

Competency 0009–Understand elements of melody.

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

Competency 0010–Understand elements of harmony.

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

Competency 0011–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 0012–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 0013–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 0014–Demonstrate knowledge of music outside the Western music tradition.

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

Subarea 5—Pedagogical Content Knowledge

Competency 0015–Explain developmentally appropriate strategies to effectively address students' strengths and needs and inform instruction by analyzing instructional objective assessment strategies, activity plans, and student progress.

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