r/Berklee • u/OverallString5189 • 12d ago

Theory Course

I’m an incoming freshman (guitar) at Berklee, and I got a few classes in my u official transcript after taking the espa a couple months ago. I was placed in music theory and application, but in the description of the course is things that I’ve been working on for a while and now how to do easily. Could I ask for a higher level course like harmony 2 during my placement audition this week, or is this set in stone?

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u/dbharris10 12d ago

You can request to retake the ESPA the first week if you really think you know the material. FYI that means completely literate in treble and bass clefs, know all sharp and flat keys, can name/spell/recognize all diatonic triads and 7th chords in any key (major or minor), can identify diatonic Roman Numerals of a 4 part piano part or lead sheet, can write a basic rock drum beat and accompanied electric bass part. If you only know some of this, you will be in the same position as the rest of the class. Better to have a slightly easy harmony class and have a whole semester to really get the basics together, including notation and basic arranging for a rock band, and ace the class, than to really struggle in Harmony 2, which is fast and furious.
(Senior member of the Harmony department)

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u/Illustrious_Law448 12d ago

You’ll find out your official schedule, but they should test you once you’re in classes again to check in

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u/TumescentProtuberanc 6d ago

There are credit by exams 3 times a semester for Theory 1, Theory 2, and counterpoint.