Music K–12

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Competencies and Skills and Blueprint

The test design below describes general testing information. The blueprints that follow provide a detailed outline that explains the competencies and skills that this test measures.

Test Design

table describing the format of the test, including test time, number of questions, and required passing score
Format Computer-based test (CBT)
Number of Questions Approximately 80 multiple-choice questions
Time 2 hours and 30 minutes
Passing Score A scaled score of at least 200

 

Competencies, Skills, and Approximate Percentages of Questions

Pie chart of approximate test weighting outlined in the table below.



table describing the competencies, skills, and approximate percentage of each competency's weight toward overall test score
Competency Approximate Percentage of Total Test Questions
1 Knowledge of music education fundamentals 30%
2 Knowledge of music standards-based curricula and pedagogy 38%
3 Knowledge of music performance assessment and evaluation 22%
4 Knowledge of music program management, ethics, and legal matters 10%

Competencies and Skills

Competency 1—Knowledge of music education fundamentals

  1. Identify and analyze elements of rhythm.

  2. Identify and analyze scales and melodic structures.

  3. Identify and analyze textures and harmonic functions.

  4. Identify and analyze musical forms.

  5. Interpret musical terms and symbols.

  6. Identify and apply appropriate conducting techniques through score study.

  7. Differentiate among eras, influential composers, and stylistic features in the Western musical tradition.

  8. Identify and differentiate between influential composers and stylistic features in music (e.g., American, electronic, popular, jazz, roots, world).

  9. Identify and differentiate among influential methodologies of music education (i.e., Dalcroze, Gordon, Kodály, Orff, Suzuki).

Competency 2—Knowledge of music standards-based curricula and pedagogy

  1. Identify standard techniques for vocal and instrumental performance.

  2. Determine vocal and instrumental classifications and ranges at various levels of physical development and maturation.

  3. Evaluate and select developmentally appropriate repertoire.

  4. Apply differentiated instructional strategies to facilitate students' musical independence, growth, and understanding.

  5. Determine techniques to develop students' skills in improvisation, arranging, and composition.

  6. Identify strategies for incorporating purposeful movement in music learning.

  7. Apply instructional strategies to facilitate cross-curricular and cultural connections.

  8. Identify strategies for integrating media and technology in music instruction.

Competency 3—Knowledge of music performance assessment and evaluation

  1. Evaluate qualities of individual and ensemble performances (e.g., tone quality, technical preparation, musical effect).

  2. Identify and apply methods for correcting inaccuracies in individual performances.

  3. Identify and apply methods for correcting inaccuracies in ensemble performances.

  4. Determine and apply techniques to measure and assess student progress.

Competency 4—Knowledge of music program management, ethics, and legal matters

  1. Identify and apply appropriate procedures for fiscal responsibility and accountability.

  2. Identify and apply ethical standards regarding plagiarism and copyright laws.

  3. Identify methods for student recruitment, selection, placement, and retention in music courses.

  4. Identify and evaluate strategies and resources for support and advocacy of music programs.

  5. Identify and apply effective classroom organization and inventory maintenance (e.g., instruments, uniforms, music library).