If you need help studying for the MTEL Music exam or just want some more information about what the test is like, you’ve come to the right place!
Click below to take a free MTEL Music practice test!
What’s on the Exam?
First, let’s talk about the questions on the MTEL Music test. There are 102 questions in total, with most being multiple-choice and some being open-response.
100 questions
Multiple-choice questions require you to select the correct answer from a list of four options. There will only be one correct answer per question.
Open-Response
2 questions
The open-response questions require you to write your answer instead of selecting from a list of choices. Your response to these questions is generally expected to be 150–300 words.
The time limit for the test is 4 hours. There aren’t any scheduled breaks, but you’re free to take a restroom break if needed!
Let’s take a closer look at the different sections of the test:
1. Music Theory and Analysis
33% of the exam
- Components of a score
- Elements of melody
- Elements of harmony
- Elements of rhythm, meter, and tempo
- Composition, arranging, and improvising
- Analyzing score elements in a musical recording
- Analyzing melody and harmony in a musical recording
- Analyzing elements of rhythm, meter, and tempo in a musical recording
- Analyzing elements of compositional forms in a musical recording
- Identifying performance errors in a musical recording
2. Music History, Literature, and Culture
33% of the exam
- Western music from the Middle Ages through 1750
- Western music from 1750 through 1900
- Western music from 1900 through present day
- Music from the US from 1650 through 1900
- Music from the US from 1900 through present day
- Music from various world cultures
- Characteristics of Western music throughout history
- Characteristics of music from the US throughout history
- Music criticism and aesthetics
3. Music Education
14% of the exam
- Choral and instrumental literature
- Conducting techniques
- Basic vocal and instrumental techniques
- Musical development of children
- Methodologies in music education
4. Integration of Knowledge and Understanding
20% of the exam
- Music theory and analysis
- Music history, literature, and culture
- Music education
How to Register
To register for the test, you’ll need to create an account on the MTEL website. Once your account has been created, you can submit your application to take the test.
When you submit your registration, you will need to pay the $139 testing fee.
MTEL Music Study Guide and Flashcards
Get practice questions, detailed study lessons, and complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts.
MTEL Scores
The MTEL Music test is scored using a scaled scoring method. Here’s how it works:
For every question you answer correctly, you get one point added to your raw score. At the end of the test, your final raw score will be converted to a scaled score. This scaled score will range somewhere between 100 and 300.
The reason your raw score is converted to a scaled score is because everyone that takes the test is given a slightly different set of questions. Since everyone has a different arrangement of questions, and because some questions are harder than others, converting your raw score to a scaled score ensures a more even playing field.
FAQs
How many questions are on the MTEL Music exam?
The exam contains 102 questions.
What is the time limit for the MTEL Music exam?
The exam is timed at 4 hours.
What is the passing score for the MTEL Music exam?
You’ll need to get a final scaled score of at least 240.
How much does the MTEL Music exam cost?
The testing fee is $139.