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Anyone have any tips on cramming for those pesky end-of-degree comprehensive exams? One for theory and one for history...

I have some time, but I want to get started...

I have already looked in to getting some tips from the profs here, but I am looking for outside input...

thanks,

cdo

Here is the best history study trick I know. It is perfect for testing out of graduate history courses when you enter a program and for preparing for comps.

You will need a Harvard Dictionary of Music.

Look up the entry for "History of Muisc." It is a short entry with five or six terms listed such as Medieval, Renaissance or Baroque. Each word that has an asterisk beside it has its own entry. Start with the first term that has an asterisk and look it up.

Under Medieval Music, you will find several more terms that have asterisks. These are the main points that you should memorize. Look them up, and track down any additional terms that are mentioned.

This is a fast and efficient way to study.

Additionally, you will need to know names of composers and their main compositions. For this, either use the Grout History of Music (using the index to match important composers with the terms you have already looked up). Memorizing five composers for each genre of music is a good start.

Finally, make a "History of Music Outline" as you look up each term. When you are finished, try to duplicate your outline from memory. After your first try, compare it to your master outline. Using a different colored ink, fill in any missed information. Then study only what you missed. Try again with another outline from memory. Repeat until you have memorized the whole outline.

This is an easy way to ace any history test, and is especially useful for placement exams. Remedial history sucks--better to spend three intensive days of studying than to sit through a semester of Grout.

Additionally, memorize the Groves dictionary article on your instrument, and other instruments in your family (Tuba, Trobmone, Trumpet, Horn if you are a brass player). Try to tie this information into other aspects of your exam. Part of the comprehensive exam process is to demonstrate your ability to tie one area of knowledge to another. Anybody can barf out memorized dates and composers. Try to show the reader/examiner that you have some interesting insight to add.

http://tinyurl.com/3e8vt


http://tinyurl.com/2ma8b

Is it for Masters or DMA/PHD?

uh, it is for a Master of Music...

Thanks to the responses so far, and keep em coming!


cdo

Mudman's idea sounds very good to me. I wish I had done that when I was going through those exams for my masters.

Hey everyone, I wanted to say thank you for all the information and advice on the music history and music theory cramming...

here is what I found on the internet, which I think would be good for anyone person who is studying for a test or a teacher who needs some good resources. Alot of these are interactive, which is nice...


http://www.dolmetsch.com/index.htm

http://www.musictheory.net/

http://www.aai26.dial.pipex.com/index.shtml

http://www.teoria.com/

http://www.murraystate.edu/qacd/cfac/mu ... /index.htm

http://www.earmaster.com/pro/index.htm

This last one is an ear training program I downloaded off the internet, and it pretty comprehensive. What is more, it has a free 21 day trial.

There ya go...

Even though my MA and Ph.D. are in a field other then music, some generic advice may be helpful.

Of course, study. Do not overlook the general, basic knowlege that you studied years ago and think you remember. I have seen graduate students do well on advanced concepts and get into trouble on basic information. You will most likely see a mix of general to very specific questions from a committee. You may also see some questions that are probing your ability to think on your feet and argue a point (in a professional manner) that has no clear answer.

Have a faculty member (if one is willing) grill you without mercy. If this is not possible other graduate students can do the dirty work. They must expose and attack your weakness and strength. Do this in the format that you will be taking your comps (written, oral or both). Have them evaluate your answers (again, without mercy). Do not get offended.

Remember that passing is important, feeling good about yourself before the exam is not. I passed all of the comps for my MA and Ph.D. on the first try and that felt great, but life leading up to the exams was not much fun.

If you have any say about the composition of your committee, make sure that they get along. At least, if possible, try to make sure that none of your committee has a real and profound dislike for your advisor.

Remember, most likely no one on your committee is a genius. They had to go through what you are facing, felt the pressure and studied as you are now. Survival is possible.

Feel free to e-mail me.

best of luck,
Mark

History of Western Music by Hugh Milton Miller, Dale Cockell

It's written to be a general outline and covers what you would want to know for an exam. It's a much easier/better study tool than the Grout.

Here is a link to the book:

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/bookse ... 1070&itm=3

Eating raw brocoli before a test or musical performance always did me well. It has something in it that nourishes the brain. I also recommend dropping out of college all together. All they teach is leftist propaganda.