CSET — Music

The CSET — Music test is broken down into three subtests. The first subtest has 30 multiple-choice questions and 1 short-answer question dealing with artistic perception; 15 multiple-choice questions and 1 short-answer question dealing with historical and cultural foundations; and 1 short-answer question dealing with aesthetic valuing. The second subtest has 30 multiple-choice questions and 2 short-answer (video performance) questions dealing with creative expression; and 10 multiple-choice questions on connections, relationships, and applications. The third subtest has 40 multiple-choice questions and 2 short-answer questions on music methodology and repertoire.

The first CSET — Music subtest is broken down into three sections. The first section on artistic perception covers aural musicianship and written theory and analysis of Western music. The aural musicianship subsection tests a candidate's ability to recognize errors in solo and group musical pieces, and analyze the musical elements of any given work. The second section of the first subtest covers music history and cultural context and requires the candidate to be able to identify when and where a musical piece originates. The final section is on aesthetic valuing and the ability to apply models to critique a performance.

The second CSET — Music subtest is also broken into sections. The first section, creative expression, has subsections including instrumental and vocal proficiency, functional keyboard skills, conducting, composing and arranging, and improvising. Each of these subsections requires the candidate to apply the appropriate techniques and demonstrate competence in all categories. The second section covers connections, relationships, and applications. This section has subsections requiring an ability to integrate various disciplines, and explain how they interact with culture and disciplines outside of art. The second subsection deals with music-related careers and music in the classroom.

The third CSET — Music subtest examines the candidate's knowledge of music methodology both in instrumental technique, and in vocal technique. The candidate must have basic knowledge of music teaching methods, rehearsal technique, and musical evaluation. This section also requires an understanding of music of other cultures, styles and historical periods.

CSET Music Practice Questions