Test at a Glance
The Praxis® Music: Vocal and General Knowledge test is designed to assess a beginning music teacher's knowledge of music and music education. Examinees taking this test will typically have completed, or will have nearly completed, an undergraduate music education program including student teaching.
| Test Name | Music: Vocal and General Knowledge | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Test Code | 5116 | ||
| Time | 125 minutes | ||
| Number of Questions | 125 selected-response questions | ||
| Format |
The test consists of a variety of selected-response questions, where you select one or more answer choices; questions where you enter your answer in a text box; and other types of questions. You can review the possible question types in Understanding Question Types. |
||
| Test Delivery | Computer delivered | ||
| Test Name | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Music: Vocal and General Knowledge | ||||
| Test Code | ||||
| 5116 | ||||
| Time | ||||
| 125 minutes | ||||
| Number of Questions | ||||
| 125 selected-response questions | ||||
| Format | ||||
|
The test consists of a variety of selected-response questions, where you select one or more answer choices; questions where you enter your answer in a text box; and other types of questions. You can review the possible question types in Understanding Question Types. |
||||
| Test Delivery | ||||
| Computer delivered | ||||
|
|
Content Categories | Approx. # Questions | Approx. % Examination |
|---|---|---|---|
|
I.Music History and Literature
|
16 | 13% | |
|
II.Music Theory and Composition
|
18 | 14% | |
|
III.Music Performance
|
25 | 20% | |
|
IV.Music Pedagogy and Instructional Practices
|
49 | 40% | |
|
V.Professional Issues and Music Technology
|
17 | 13% |
|
|
||
| Content Categories | Approx. # Questions | Approx. % Examination |
|---|---|---|
|
I.Music History and Literature
|
16 | 13% |
|
II.Music Theory and Composition
|
18 | 14% |
|
III.Music Performance
|
25 | 20% |
|
IV.Music Pedagogy and Instructional Practices
|
49 | 40% |
|
V.Professional Issues and Music Technology
|
17 | 13% |
About the Test
The test content assesses key indicators of the beginning educator’s musical knowledge and professional readiness for K–12 music instruction required for individuals teaching courses to students in vocal/choral music or general music settings. Such knowledge is acquired through completion of an undergraduate music education program. The material in the test, therefore, is not appropriate for those hired in an adjunct capacity to teach a single element of the curriculum (e.g., those hired to teach only individual lessons or a class designed around only one aspect of musical knowledge.)
Materials appearing on the test reflect the diversity of the examinee's music instruction specialties as well as the cultural and demographic inclusiveness of modern music instruction. Materials included in the test reflect a balance of diverse topics related to basic musicianship for all music teachers as well as topics relevant specifically for those teaching vocal/choral and general music.
The content of the test is designed and developed through work with practicing vocal and general music teachers and teacher educators to reflect the music knowledge teachers need to teach vocal and general music, and on teacher preparation standards and relevant materials created by the National Association for the Schools of Music (NASM), the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), the College Music Society (CMS), the Society for Music Teacher Education (SMTE), and the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium.
This test may contain some questions that will not count toward your score.
Sample Test Questions
This section includes sample test questions and explanations of the correct answer. These sample questions illustrate the kinds of questions on the test. They are not representative of the entire scope of the topics that may be covered on the actual test in either content or difficulty nor do they include actual questions that will be on the test.
Use the audio files below to help you answer the sample questions in the Study Companion.
Question 1 audio (MP3)
Question 2 audio (MP3)
Question 4 audio (MP3)
Question 5, Choice A audio (MP3)
Question 5, Choice B audio (MP3)
Question 5, Choice C audio (MP3)
Question 5, Choice D audio (MP3)
Question 8 audio (MP3)
Question 9 audio (MP3)
Note: These sample questions are included in the Study Companion PDF. They are different than the sample questions in the Music: Vocal and General Knowledge (5116) Interactive Practice Test.
Interactive Practice Test
This full-length Music: Vocal and General Knowledge practice test lets you practice answering one set of authentic test questions in an environment that simulates the computer-delivered test.
- timed just like the real test
- correct answers with detailed explanations
- practice test results for each content category
Doing Your Best
Strategy and Tips for Success
Effective Praxis test preparation doesn’t just happen. You'll want to set clear goals and deadlines for yourself along the way. Learn from the experts. Get practical tips to help you navigate your Praxis test and make the best use of your time.
Develop Your Study Plan
Planning your study time is important to help ensure that you review all content areas covered on the test. View a sample plan and learn how to create your own.