Use of Standardized Tests of Musical Aptitude with University Freshmen Music Majors

This investigation compared the reliabilities, intercorrelations, and appropriateness of use of three standardized music tests when administered to entering university freshman music majors. The three tests compared were Aliferis Music Achievement Test, Musical Aptitude Profile, and Iowa Tests of Music Literacy, Levels 5 and 6. All tests functioned with adequate reliability. Intercorrelations within and among tests revealed some overlapping between achievement tests, but little relationship with aptitude test content. Each test is basically multidimensional. It was concluded that a wide range of information could best be obtained by administering the Musical Aptitude Profile, and a music achievement test with suitable content. Although the Aliferis Test was the only one of the three tests originally designed for entering college music majors, the Musical Aptitude Test and the Iowa Test of Musical Literacy may also be appropriately employed.