Test Information Guide

Overview and Test Objectives
Field 16: Music

Test Overview

Table outlining the test format, number of questions, time, and passing score.
Format Computer-based test (CBT); 100 multiple-choice questions, 2 open-response items
Number of Questions
  • Subarea I: 40–42 multiple-choice questions
  • Subarea II: 40–42 multiple-choice questions
  • Subarea III: 17–19 multiple-choice questions
  • Subarea IV: 2 open-response items
Time 4 hours (does not include 15-minute CBT tutorial)
Passing Score 240

The Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) are designed to measure a candidate's knowledge of the subject matter contained in the test objectives for each field. The MTEL are aligned with the Massachusetts educator licensure regulations and, as applicable, with the standards in the Massachusetts curriculum frameworks.

The test objectives specify the content to be covered on the test and are organized by major content subareas. The chart below shows the approximate percentage of the total test score derived from each of the subareas.

The test assesses a candidate's proficiency and depth of understanding of the subject at the level required for a baccalaureate major according to Massachusetts standards. Candidates are typically nearing completion of or have completed their undergraduate work when they take the test.

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

Test Objectives

Table outlining test content and subject weighting by sub area and objective.
Subareas Range of Objectives Approximate Test Weighting
Multiple-Choice
I Music Theory and Analysis 01–11 33%
II Music History, Literature, and Culture 12–24 33%
III Music Education 25–29 14%
80%
Open-Response*
IV Integration of Knowledge and Understanding 30 20%

*The open-response items may relate to topics covered in any of the subareas.

 

Subarea I–Music Theory and Analysis

Objective 0001: Understand the components of a score.

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Objective 0002: Understand the elements of melody.

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Objective 0003: Understand the elements of harmony.

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Objective 0004: Understand the elements of rhythm, meter, and tempo.

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Objective 0005: Understand musical composition, arranging, and improvising.

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Objective 0006: Analyze elements of a score in a musical recording.

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Objective 0007: Analyze the elements of melody in a musical recording.

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Objective 0008: Analyze the elements of harmony in a musical recording.

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Objective 0009: Analyze elements of rhythm, meter, and tempo in a musical recording.

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Objective 0010: Analyze elements of compositional forms and techniques in a musical recording.

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Objective 0011: Identify performance errors in a recording of a musical score.

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Subarea II–Music History, Literature, and Culture

Objective 0012: Demonstrate knowledge of Western (European) music from the Middle Ages through 1750.

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Objective 0013: Demonstrate knowledge of Western (European) music from 1750 through 1900.

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Objective 0014: Demonstrate knowledge of Western (European) music from 1900 through the present.

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Objective 0015: Demonstrate knowledge of music from the United States from 1650 through 1900.

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Objective 0016: Demonstrate knowledge of music from the United States from 1900 through the present.

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Objective 0017: Demonstrate knowledge of music from various world cultures.

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Objective 0018: Recognize characteristics of Western (European) music from the Middle Ages through 1750 in a musical recording.

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Objective 0019: Recognize characteristics of Western (European) music from 1750 through 1900 in a musical recording.

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Objective 0020: Recognize characteristics of Western (European) music from 1900 through the present in a musical recording.

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Objective 0021: Recognize characteristics of music from the United States from 1650 through 1900 in a musical recording.

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Objective 0022: Recognize characteristics of music from the United States from 1900 through the present in a musical recording.

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Objective 0023: Recognize characteristics of music from various world cultures in a musical recording.

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Objective 0024: Demonstrate knowledge of music criticism and aesthetics.

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Subarea III–Music Education

Objective 0025: Understand choral and instrumental literature.

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Objective 0026: Understand techniques of conducting.

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Objective 0027: Understand basic vocal and instrumental techniques.

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Objective 0028: Understand the musical development of children and adolescents.

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Objective 0029: Identify and understand methodologies in music education.

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Subarea IV–Integration of Knowledge and Understanding

Objective 0030: Prepare an organized, developed analysis on a topic related to one or more of the following: music theory and analysis; music history, literature, and culture; music education.

(Refer to objectives 0001 through 0029 and associated descriptive statements.)