GACE Music

The Music assessment, offered as part of the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators, is divided into two tests.

The first test consists of 60 selected-response questions (80% of the test score) and 2 constructed-response assignments (20% of the test score). The content areas covered by the first test are aural skills, music theory, music creation. The topics covered by the aural skills subarea are: the following elements of musical performance: melody, harmony, rhythm, meter, texture, dynamics, expression, vocal performance, instrumental performance, historical context, cultural context, and performance errors. The topics covered by the music theory subarea are: music notation and vocabulary; melody and harmony; rhythm, meter, and tempo; and the various music forms, structures, and styles. The topics covered by the music creation subarea are: the techniques of improvisation, composition, and arrangement; evaluation of musical performance and composition; and the use of technology in musical research, composition, and performance.

The second test consists of 60 selected-response questions (80% of the test score) and 2 constructed-response questions (20% of the test score). The content areas covered by the second test are: music history and culture; music performance; and functions of music and relationships with other disciplines. The topics covered by the music history and culture subarea are: the characteristics, composers, works, and historical and cultural background of Western music from the medieval period to the present; and the musical traditions of Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. The topics covered by the music performance subarea are: vocal production and singing; wind and string instruments; keyboard and percussion instruments; ensemble performance; and rehearsal techniques and conducting. The topics covered by the functions of music and relationships with other disciplines subarea are: the intentions of music and music professions; and the relationships between music and the other arts and music and the other disciplines.

The examination must be completed within four hours. The total test score is placed on a scale of 100 to 300, with 220 as the lowest passing score. Scores are based on the number of selected-response questions answered correctly and the scores assigned by judges to the constructed responses. Test-takers will also receive performance indices indicating their success in each subarea of the examination. Scores will be available approximately a month after the date of the examination; unofficial results are posted on the internet, and an official score report is mailed to the test-taker, the Professional Standards Commission, and the institution specified by the test-taker during registration.

GACE Music Practice Questions

1. What is the term for a decorative note which is printed but not considered as part of the rhythm?

A: grace note
B: spinto
C: alla breve
D: tremolo

2. What is expressed by the musical term ritardando?

A: very fast
B: slowing down
C: moderate speed
D: speeding up

3. Which of the following composers was labeled an Impressionist?

A: Bach
B: Brahms
C: Debussy
D: Handel

4. Which form of music consists of a recurring theme alternating with contrasting material?

A: etude
B: ballade
C: rondo
D: nocturne

5. What is expressed by the musical term adagio?

A: speed
B: moderate
C: speeding up
D: slow

Answer Key

1. A. Grace notes embellish a musical score, but are not considered essential to the melody.
2. B. Ritardando is also written ritard. or rit.
3. C. Though he resisted the designation, Debussy was considered an Impressionist because of his emphasis on tone and color.
4. C. Rondos typically have either five or seven parts.
5. D. In relative terms, adagio is meant to be faster than larghetto and slower than andante.