• 48 questions

CSET Music Practice Test

Unofficial practice for CSET: Music, test codes 226 and 227: creating, performing, responding and connecting.

A melody in concert pitch begins on F. Which note is written for a B♭ clarinet so that it sounds that F?

Pick an answer, then press Check answer. Then you see Correct or Not quite, with the reason. Keys: 1 to 4 pick, Enter checks.

Print covers the next 40 questions. Share this set copies a link to the same questions in the same order.

Exam mode: 40 questions, no time limit.

More options

Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing or Pearson. Bank checked October 9, 2026.

Constructed-response prompts to print 5 lines, made to print

CSET: Music extended-response practice

Name ____ Date ____

Answer each prompt in 250 to 350 words. Unofficial practice prompts; none is from the real test.

Subtest I: creating and performing

  • You are given an eight-bar folk melody in G major. Describe how you would harmonize it for a beginning guitar class: the chords you would choose, where the cadences fall and why each choice suits the melody.
  • A middle school choir sings a two-part passage out of tune and out of balance. Plan one rehearsal segment to fix it: name the strategies you would use, their order and how you would judge the result.

Subtest II: responding and connecting

  • Choose a piece you know well. Describe its form, its texture and one compositional technique in it, and explain how each supports the expressive intent of the piece.
  • Compare how two musical traditions organize rhythm, for example a West African drum ensemble and a Baroque chamber group. Explain what each practice shows about the role of music in its community.
  • Pick one historical period or cultural movement named in the subject matter requirements. Explain how its music connects to another art form or to events of its time, with two specific musical features as evidence.

Source: Own prompts. The real test sets 1 extended response in Subtest I and 2 in Subtest II, each of 250 to 350 words (https://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/Content/StudyGuide/CA_SG_obj_226.htm); the topics follow the subject matter requirements (https://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/Content/StudyGuide/CA_SG_SMR_226.htm), both read 2026-10-09. Checked October 9, 2026.

How CSET: Music is scored 9 lines, made to print

How the sections count

What the program publishes about scoring, in our words. Unofficial; not a scoring guide of the real test.

The score

  • Two sections, one score On each subtest the 40 multiple-choice questions carry 70% of the score and the constructed responses carry 30%.
  • The scale Raw scores are converted to a 100 to 300 scale, and 220 is the minimum passing score.
  • One sitting A passing score has to be earned at a single administration; sections cannot be combined across sittings.
  • The Subtest I videos Two video recordings must be submitted for Subtest I to be scored. If they are not, or if either lacks audio and video within its first three minutes, the subtest is not passed.

What scorers look at in a written answer

  • Purpose How far the answer does what the assignment asks.
  • Subject matter knowledge Whether the subject knowledge is accurate and is applied to the task.
  • Support Whether the supporting evidence is fitting and of good quality.
  • Depth and breadth of understanding A fourth characteristic, named for some assignments only.
  • Each written answer is scored by two or more qualified California educators.

Source: Test Results Report Information (https://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/content/docs/CS_ScoreReport_Insert.pdf) and the test structure (https://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/Content/StudyGuide/CA_SG_obj_226.htm), both read 2026-10-09. Checked October 9, 2026.

Next step Another teacher music test: GACE MusicAnother set: MTTC Music Education

All 48 questions

Creating 12

  • A bass xylophone repeats the same four-note pattern, on the same pitches, under a whole song. What is that part called? Wikipedia, Ostinato (read 2026-10-09). Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 1 Creating, 1.1 Generate and Conceptualize Artistic Ideas and Work.
  • A draft melody is in E♭ major. Which minor key shares its key signature? Wikipedia, Relative key (read 2026-10-09); the notes were worked by rule and a second time. Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 1 Creating, 1.2 Organize and Develop Artistic Ideas and Work.
  • A melody in concert pitch begins on F. Which note is written for a B♭ clarinet so that it sounds that F? Wikipedia, Transposing instrument (read 2026-10-09); the notes were worked by rule and a second time. Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 1 Creating, 1.2 Organize and Develop Artistic Ideas and Work.
  • A score tells each player to choose the order of its fragments by rolling a die. Which word describes music made this way? Wikipedia, Aleatoric music (read 2026-10-09). Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 1 Creating, 1.2 Organize and Develop Artistic Ideas and Work.
Show all 48 questions (44 more)

Creating, continued

  • A student records a keyboard part as MIDI data in a digital audio workstation. What does the MIDI file hold? Wikipedia, MIDI (read 2026-10-09). Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 1 Creating, 1.1 Generate and Conceptualize Artistic Ideas and Work.
  • A student writes a basic twelve-bar blues in the key of C. Which three chords does the basic form rest on? Wikipedia, Twelve-bar blues (read 2026-10-09); the notes were worked by rule and a second time. Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 1 Creating, 1.1 Generate and Conceptualize Artistic Ideas and Work.
  • A two-bar motif is restated in the same voice one step higher, then one step higher again. What is this way of developing an idea called? Wikipedia, Sequence (music) (read 2026-10-09). Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 1 Creating, 1.2 Organize and Develop Artistic Ideas and Work.
  • In 6/8 time, how are the six eighth notes of a bar grouped? Wikipedia, Metre (music) (read 2026-10-09). Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 1 Creating, 1.1 Generate and Conceptualize Artistic Ideas and Work.
  • In C major, a figured bass part shows the single figure 6 under the bass note E. Which chord does it call for? Wikipedia, Figured bass (read 2026-10-09); the notes were worked by rule and a second time. Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 1 Creating, 1.2 Organize and Develop Artistic Ideas and Work.
  • What makes an ordering of pitches a twelve-tone row? Wikipedia, Tone row (read 2026-10-09). Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 1 Creating, 1.1 Generate and Conceptualize Artistic Ideas and Work.
  • Which scale is the natural minor scale with its sixth degree raised a half step, as on the white keys from D to D? Wikipedia, Dorian mode (read 2026-10-09); the notes were worked by rule and a second time. Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 1 Creating, 1.1 Generate and Conceptualize Artistic Ideas and Work.
  • Which three things does a lead sheet give? Wikipedia, Lead sheet (read 2026-10-09). Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 1 Creating, 1.2 Organize and Develop Artistic Ideas and Work.

Performing 12

  • A bar of 4/4 is counted "1 e & a 2 e & a 3 e & a 4 e & a". Which note value is being counted? Wikipedia, Counting (music) (read 2026-10-09). Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 2 Performing, 2.1 Select, Analyze, and Interpret Artistic Work for Performance.
  • A choir sight-reads in movable do. In G major, which pitch is sung as do? Wikipedia, Solfège (read 2026-10-09). Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 2 Performing, 2.1 Select, Analyze, and Interpret Artistic Work for Performance.
  • A concert program lists a string quartet. Which four players perform? Wikipedia, String quartet (read 2026-10-09). Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 2 Performing, 2.3 Convey Meaning Through the Presentation of Artistic Work.
  • A conductor gives one preparatory beat before the choir begins to sing. What is this beat called? Wikipedia, Conducting (read 2026-10-09). Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 2 Performing, 2.2 Develop and Refine Artistic Techniques and Work for Presentation.
  • A director turns down a song because most of its melody sits uncomfortably high for young altos, though its top note is within their range. Which criterion is at issue? Wikipedia, Tessitura (read 2026-10-09). Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 2 Performing, 2.1 Select, Analyze, and Interpret Artistic Work for Performance.
  • A fermata is printed over the final chord. What does it tell the performers? Wikipedia, Fermata (read 2026-10-09). Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 2 Performing, 2.2 Develop and Refine Artistic Techniques and Work for Presentation.
  • A singer reads a leap from C up to the A above it. Which interval is that? Worked by rule and a second time. Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 2 Performing, 2.1 Select, Analyze, and Interpret Artistic Work for Performance.
  • A viola part is written in alto clef. Where does middle C sit? Wikipedia, Clef (read 2026-10-09). Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 2 Performing, 2.1 Select, Analyze, and Interpret Artistic Work for Performance.
  • An audience claps on the backbeat of a song in 4/4, as is the practice in the style. On which beats do they clap? Wikipedia, Beat (music) (read 2026-10-09). Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 2 Performing, 2.3 Convey Meaning Through the Presentation of Artistic Work.
  • An ensemble tunes to the A above middle C at the usual standard. What frequency is that? Wikipedia, A440 (pitch standard) (read 2026-10-09). Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 2 Performing, 2.2 Develop and Refine Artistic Techniques and Work for Presentation.
  • Dots are printed above a row of quarter notes. How should the notes be played? Wikipedia, Staccato (read 2026-10-09). Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 2 Performing, 2.1 Select, Analyze, and Interpret Artistic Work for Performance.
  • Which list puts these tempo marks in order from slowest to fastest? Wikipedia, Tempo (read 2026-10-09). Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 2 Performing, 2.1 Select, Analyze, and Interpret Artistic Work for Performance.

Responding 12

  • A composer sets the word "falling" to a quickly descending scale. Which technique is this? Wikipedia, Word painting (read 2026-10-09). Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 3 Responding, 3.3 Apply Criteria to Evaluate Artistic Work.
  • A listener can tell an oboe from a clarinet playing the same pitch at the same loudness. Which element of music makes the difference? Wikipedia, Timbre (read 2026-10-09). Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 3 Responding, 3.1 Perceive and Analyze Artistic Work.
  • A movement brings back its opening refrain between contrasting episodes, in the pattern A B A C A. Which form is it? Wikipedia, Rondo (read 2026-10-09). Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 3 Responding, 3.1 Perceive and Analyze Artistic Work.
  • A phrase ends with the chords V7 to vi where the ear expects V7 to I. Which cadence is this? Wikipedia, Cadence (read 2026-10-09). Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 3 Responding, 3.3 Apply Criteria to Evaluate Artistic Work.
  • A piece is in F major, and its dominant seventh chord is built on C. Which four notes does the chord contain? Wikipedia, Dominant seventh chord (read 2026-10-09); the notes were worked by rule and a second time. Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 3 Responding, 3.3 Apply Criteria to Evaluate Artistic Work.
  • A second voice imitates the leader's melody exactly, entering one bar later. Which technique is this? Wikipedia, Canon (music) (read 2026-10-09). Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 3 Responding, 3.2 Interpret Intent and Meaning in Artistic Work.
  • A solo voice sings one melodic line with no accompaniment. What is the texture? Wikipedia, Texture (music) (read 2026-10-09). Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 3 Responding, 3.1 Perceive and Analyze Artistic Work.
  • How many semitones does a tritone span in equal temperament? Wikipedia, Tritone (read 2026-10-09); the notes were worked by rule and a second time. Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 3 Responding, 3.3 Apply Criteria to Evaluate Artistic Work.
  • In a film score, a short theme sounds each time one character appears. Which term names this device? Wikipedia, Leitmotif (read 2026-10-09). Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 3 Responding, 3.1 Perceive and Analyze Artistic Work.
  • In G major, an authentic cadence moves between which two chords? Wikipedia, Cadence (read 2026-10-09); the notes were worked by rule and a second time. Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 3 Responding, 3.3 Apply Criteria to Evaluate Artistic Work.
  • Under an aria, a ground bass steps down a fourth from the tonic to the dominant, over and over. What does this lament bass usually signify? Wikipedia, Lament bass (read 2026-10-09). Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 3 Responding, 3.2 Interpret Intent and Meaning in Artistic Work.
  • Which kind of triad is spelled C, E♭, G♭? Wikipedia, Triad (music) (read 2026-10-09); the notes were worked by rule and a second time. Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 3 Responding, 3.3 Apply Criteria to Evaluate Artistic Work.

Connecting 12

  • A flute sounds a pitch at 300 Hz. In the physics of sound, what frequency lies one octave higher? Wikipedia, Octave (read 2026-10-09); the notes were worked by rule and a second time. Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 4 Connecting, 4.1 Relate Artistic Ideas and Works with Societal, Cultural, and Historical Context.
  • An orchestral piece with no words depicts a storm and then country people giving thanks. What kind of music is this? Wikipedia, Program music (read 2026-10-09). Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 4 Connecting, 4.1 Relate Artistic Ideas and Works with Societal, Cultural, and Historical Context.
  • The five-stroke clave pattern is the structural core of many rhythms in the music of which country? Wikipedia, Clave (rhythm) (read 2026-10-09). Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 4 Connecting, 4.1 Relate Artistic Ideas and Works with Societal, Cultural, and Historical Context.
  • Gamelan, made up mostly of metallophones and hand drums, is the traditional ensemble music of peoples of which country? Wikipedia, Gamelan (read 2026-10-09). Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 4 Connecting, 4.1 Relate Artistic Ideas and Works with Societal, Cultural, and Historical Context.
  • The Harlem Renaissance, a movement of African-American music, dance, art and literature centered in New York City, spanned which decades? Wikipedia, Harlem Renaissance (read 2026-10-09). Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 4 Connecting, 4.1 Relate Artistic Ideas and Works with Societal, Cultural, and Historical Context.
  • In a mariachi group, which instrument supplies the bass? Wikipedia, Mariachi (read 2026-10-09). Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 4 Connecting, 4.1 Relate Artistic Ideas and Works with Societal, Cultural, and Historical Context.
  • In Indian classical music the raga gives the melodic framework. What supplies the musical meter, often marked by hand claps? Wikipedia, Tala (music) (read 2026-10-09). Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 4 Connecting, 4.1 Relate Artistic Ideas and Works with Societal, Cultural, and Historical Context.
  • Musical impressionism took its name from a style in which other art? Wikipedia, Impressionism in music (read 2026-10-09). Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 4 Connecting, 4.1 Relate Artistic Ideas and Works with Societal, Cultural, and Historical Context.
  • Two drummers play three even strokes against two in the same span of time. What is this called? Wikipedia, Polyrhythm (read 2026-10-09). Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 4 Connecting, 4.1 Relate Artistic Ideas and Works with Societal, Cultural, and Historical Context.
  • Western art music written between about 1600 and 1750 belongs to which period? Wikipedia, Baroque music (read 2026-10-09). Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 4 Connecting, 4.1 Relate Artistic Ideas and Works with Societal, Cultural, and Historical Context.
  • Which jazz style of the 1940s is marked by fast tempos, complex chord progressions and virtuosic improvisation, and was not meant for dancing? Wikipedia, Bebop (read 2026-10-09). Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 4 Connecting, 4.1 Relate Artistic Ideas and Works with Societal, Cultural, and Historical Context.
  • Which texture is most typical of the Classical period, roughly 1750 to 1820? Wikipedia, Classical period (music) (read 2026-10-09). Outline: CSET: Music subject matter requirements, Domain 4 Connecting, 4.1 Relate Artistic Ideas and Works with Societal, Cultural, and Historical Context.

How this list was compiled: Our own questions, written to the published subject matter requirements of CSET: Music, Subtest I (test code 226) and Subtest II (test code 227), read 2026-10-09 on the program site of the California Educator Credentialing Assessments (test page https://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/TestView.aspx?f=HTML_FRAG/CA_CSET226_TestPage.html; test structure https://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/Content/StudyGuide/CA_SG_obj_226.htm; subject matter requirements https://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/Content/StudyGuide/CA_SG_SMR_226.htm): 20 multiple-choice questions on each of four domains, Creating and Performing in Subtest I and Responding and Connecting in Subtest II. This bank holds 12 on each. Definitions and dates were read in the Wikipedia article each question names; notes, intervals, chords and keys were worked by rule and a second time. Licence: Questions, choices and explanations are original work of this site.

How it works

This free CSET Music practice test asks 48 questions of our own, 12 on each of the exam's four domains. It is unofficial, and neither the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing nor Pearson has any part in it.

Read the full guide

Two subtests, four domains

Subtest I (226) covers Creating and Performing, 20 multiple-choice questions apiece, and Subtest II (227) covers Responding and Connecting the same way (test structure read October 9, 2026). Exam mode draws 40, the length of one subtest.

Subtest 1 practice

For a CSET Music Subtest 1 practice test, work the Creating and Performing topics: keys, meter, figured bass, lead sheets, transposition, clefs, solfège, tempo marks and tessitura. Responding and Connecting hold cadences, texture, form, periods and world traditions.

What the real test adds

Both real subtests use a headset, and each extended written answer runs 250 to 350 words. This page plays no sound; five prompts of our own print from under the questions.

Questions and answers

Does this CSET Music practice test use real exam questions?

No. All 48 were written here from the subject matter requirements, in words and note names. The program's sample questions and practice test were not opened, and what you get right on this page forecasts nothing.

How many questions are on the CSET Music test?

Subtest I has 40 multiple-choice and 3 constructed-response questions in 1 hour and 45 minutes. Subtest II has 40 multiple-choice and 2 constructed-response questions in 2 hours and 15 minutes.

What score do you need on each CSET Music subtest?

220 on a scale of 100 to 300, on Subtest I and again on Subtest II. In both, multiple choice is 70% of the score and the constructed responses, videos included, are the other 30%.

What are the CSET Music Subtest 1 video performances?

Two of the three Subtest I constructed responses are video recordings uploaded through your account: one of functional keyboard proficiency and one of vocal or instrumental proficiency. The assigned exercises for each testing window are in the program's procedures manual.

Can I take both CSET Music subtests on the same day?

The test page says a single test session may be used to take any one subtest, so the two are booked as separate sessions. Each is offered by appointment during select four-week testing windows.

More tests

Show 8 more

Browse Civics and Law