The Praxis Music: Content and Instruction Exam is designed to evaluate the readiness to teach music to students in grades K-12.
This computer-delivered exam is 2 hours in length. Of the 2 hours, 25 minutes will be spent on the listening section, while 95 minutes on the non-listening section. The exam consists of 84 selected-response questions and 3 constructed-response questions. There may be some questions included that do not count toward your score.
Your score is based on the number of questions you get correct. There will be no penalty for questions answered incorrectly, so even if you are not absolutely sure of the answer to a question, always take an educated guess.
Accommodations are available for individuals with conditions that meet the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. Some of these testing accommodations include extended testing time, additional beaks, separate testing room, and large print test book and answer sheet.
What are the categories and topics covered on this exam?
- Music History and Theory: 32 selected-response questions
- Performance: 24 selected-response questions
- Instruction, Professional Issues, and Technology: 28 selected-response questions
- Instructional Activities: 3 constructed-response questions
Music History and Theory
Some of the topics that will be evaluated under this category include developments in musical style, the significance of the characteristics within the musical styles, variety of music in the world and its functions, written and aural music, basic music theory with regard composing, orchestrating, and arranging parts, the ways musical sounds change, and various formats of music history information.
Performance
Some of the topics that will be evaluated under this category include showing critical listening skills by pointing out errors, comprehending conducting techniques, notation and expressive elements and how they relate to score markings and style periods, methods on preparing musical score, accompaniment techniques, techniques for instrumental and vocal warm-ups, instrumental and tuning/intonation techniques, concert etiquette, and comprehend how acoustics and performance relate to each other.
Instruction, Professional Issues, and Technology
Some of the topics that will be evaluated under this category include various instructional strategies, considering local, state, and federal standards when planning instruction, classroom management techniques, differentiate instruction, accommodate different learning styles, alter instruction to ensure all students are included, assessment strategies, maintenance of instruments, improvisational techniques, fundamentals of composing and arranging, teaching musical concepts, aware of current music trends, ethical and legal issues of teaching, comprehending the importance of collaborations, and current technologies used in performance.
Instructional Activities
The topics that will be evaluated under this category include instrumental music instruction, vocal music instruction, and general music instruction.
What is the most convenient way to register for the exam?
Online registration is the easiest way to register for this exam. Payment options include credit and debit card or PayPal. Once you have registered, you will receive an admission ticket to take with you on test day.
If you do not have the means to register online, doing so via the mail or over the phone, are other options.
What is the cost of the exam?
The cost of the Praxis Music: Content and Instruction Exam is $146. If you are taking this exam from the state of Nevada, you will additionally pay a $5 surcharge.
What should I do the day of the exam?
Get to the center 30 minutes early. This will give you the time you need to take care of administrative tasks before testing. Ensure you bring the admission ticket you received at the time of registration, and a form of identification that has your name, signature, and clear and recent photo of you.
Examples of acceptable identification include a passport, passport card, driver’s license, national identification, and military identification card.
This exam does not require, nor are you allowed to bring a calculator. Other items that are prohibited include a cell phone, purse, or study materials.
What happens after I take the exam?
Approximately 10-16 business days after your testing window closes, your official score report will be available.
What happens if I don’t pass the exam?
After a 21-day waiting period, you can re-take the exam.
How Can I Prepare for the Praxis Music: Content and Instruction Test?
That’s a great question. We’ve broken down the answer into three parts.
- Do yourself a favor and study. Do not walk in unprepared. We have recommended prep materials below, but that only helps if you actually try. Plus, studying is actually proven to be the best antidote to test anxiety.
- Take care of yourself. Make sure you’re eating well, exercising, and sleeping. All of these things are scientifically linked to brain performance. If you take care of your body, you’ll be helping your grades.
- Get a study guide or set of flashcards. Some people study better a certain way. Find your study strengths and make the most of them. We’ve tried to make it easy for you by
- tracking down the best study guide and flashcard set for your exam. Below you’ll see
- links to both!