The Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) Music examination is designed to assess the knowledge and skills of individuals seeking admission to an educator preparation program, certification in Georgia, or wanting to become qualified in teaching music.
Click “Start Test” above to take a free GACE Music practice test, and check out our premium-quality GACE test prep resources by clicking the links below!
Exam Outline
The GACE Music exam is made of four testlets, which you can take individually in different sessions or all at once in one session. The total combined time limit is 2.5 hours, and the total number of questions is 100.
Aural Analysis Skills
(Testlet 304)
There are 30 selected-response questions in this testlet, and you’ll be timed at 45 minutes. These questions test your knowledge and abilities regarding the following:
- Analyze melodic features such as scales, tonal centers, intervals, phrasing, contour, and ornamentation.
- Examine harmonic elements including chord qualities, harmonic progressions, cadences, intervals, and non-chord tones.
- Evaluate rhythmic, metric, and tempo-related characteristics in recorded music.
- Analyze elements of musical form and textural organization.
- Identify musical genres and stylistic traits from diverse cultures and historical periods.
- Examine instrumentation and stylistic features associated with music from various cultural and historical contexts.
- Identify vocal timbres and the distinguishing features of choral ensembles and small vocal groups.
- Identify instrumental timbres and the characteristics of different types of instrumental ensembles.
- Analyze expressive components such as dynamics, articulation, tempo changes, and stylistic nuances.
- Detect performance inaccuracies using a printed score as reference.
Composition and Music Theory
(Testlet 305)
There are 20 selected-response questions in this testlet, and you’ll be timed at 30 minutes. These questions test your knowledge and abilities regarding the following:
- Identify scales, modes, tonal centers, melodic intervals, and key signatures in written or recorded music.
- Recognize harmonic intervals, chord qualities, and common chord types.
- Interpret note values, rests, time signatures, and other elements affecting musical duration and meter.
- Analyze melodic construction, including phrase shapes, contour, and melodic devices.
- Evaluate harmonic functions such as cadences, progressions, and the use of non-chord tones.
- Analyze rhythmic features including meter, rhythmic patterns, and stylistic rhythmic devices.
- Identify pitches and key signatures accurately using a given clef.
- Interpret musical symbols and terminology.
- Demonstrate understanding of musical forms, textures, stylistic characteristics, and compositional techniques.
- Apply principles of arranging and composing for different voices, instruments, and ensemble types.
- Demonstrate knowledge of improvisational methods and approaches in various musical contexts.
- Use music technology to create or modify musical works.
Music Education and Performance
(Testlet 306)
There are 30 selected-response questions in this testlet, and you’ll be timed at 45 minutes. These questions test your knowledge and abilities regarding the following:
- Demonstrate knowledge of major pedagogical approaches in music education and how they guide instructional decision-making.
- Plan and sequence developmentally appropriate music-learning activities for diverse classroom settings.
- Demonstrate techniques for teaching and performing on general classroom instruments and basic accompanying instruments.
- Use music technology tools for listening, creating, recording, and performing, with awareness of ethical and instructional considerations.
- Apply formative and summative assessment methods to evaluate student progress and inform future instruction.
- Explain connections between music, other arts disciplines, varied contexts, and everyday life experiences.
- Identify vocal ranges, classifications, and ensemble types, and apply healthy vocal production techniques.
- Recognize characteristics of string, wind, brass, percussion, and keyboard instruments and apply foundational performance techniques.
- Address common performance issues in vocal and instrumental ensembles and apply corrective strategies.
- Demonstrate knowledge of conducting patterns, expressive gestures, and cueing techniques for ensemble leadership.
- Analyze and interpret musical scores to identify potential performance challenges and support ensemble preparation.
- Select appropriate repertoire for a variety of ensembles, classes, and purposes while observing copyright and publication laws.
Music History and Culture
(Testlet 307)
There are 20 selected-response questions in this testlet, and you’ll be timed at 30 minutes. These questions test your knowledge and abilities regarding the following:
- Demonstrate understanding of musical styles, genres, instrumentation, performance practices, and cross-cultural influences found in music from different historical eras and world traditions.
- Identify major composers, influential musicians, and representative repertoire from a wide range of cultures and historical periods.
- Compare and contrast musical characteristics across genres, cultures, and stylistic periods.
- Explain the various social, cultural, technological, and historical factors that shape how music is created, used, and valued in society.
Check Out Mometrix's GACE Music Study Guide
Get practice questions, video tutorials, and detailed study lessons
Get Your Study Guide
Exam Registration
To register for the exam, you need to use your MyPSC account. If you do not have an account, create your account to receive your Georgia certification number. After you register for the Music exam on MyPSC, create an ETS GACE testing account. Your ETS account lists the test(s) you are approved to take. You will register for the exam through your ETS GACE testing account.
Fees
You can register to take the tests individually ($42.50) or combined ($169). Your test fee includes a $25 registration fee and a $28 test center fee. Individuals taking the GACE exam at an international testing site are subject to an additional $50 test site fee.
Test Day
On test day, you should arrive at the testing center about 30 minutes before your scheduled exam. If you arrive later than the listed reporting time on your admission ticket, you will not be able to take the exam and your testing fees will be forfeited.
During the check-in process, you will be asked to provide at least one form of valid identification, which must contain your photo and signature. Once the check-in process is complete, you will be asked to place all personal items in a secure locker outside the testing room.
Once you are ready, the proctor will lead you to the testing area and provide some short instructions before starting the exam.
How the Exam is Scored
When you have completed your exam, you are given the option to report or cancel your scores. They cannot be reinstated if you choose to cancel your scores.
You should also receive an unofficial score report right after the exam. Your official report will be made available about three weeks after the testing window closes.
Passing Score
Your final score for the full exam will be a scaled score between 100 and 300. For the GACE Music exam, the passing score is 220.
Check Out Mometrix's GACE Music Flashcards
Get complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts
Get Your Flashcards
FAQs
Q
How many questions are on the GACE Music exam?
A
There are 100 questions on the exam.
Q
How long is the GACE Music exam?
A
The time limit for the exam is 2.5 hours.
Q
What is the passing score for the GACE Music exam?
A
To pass the exam, you must achieve a minimum scaled score of 220.
Q
How much does the GACE Music exam cost?
A
The examination fee is $42.50 for each testlet, or $169 for the combined test.
Mometrix Test Preparation is not affiliated with or endorsed by any official testing organization. All organizational and test names are trademarks of their respective owners.
