Tips To Pass The Praxis II Music Exam

Passing the Praxis II Music Content Knowledge (5513) isn’t about cramming—it’s about covering a wide range of skills with confidence. Here are four focused, high-impact tips that actually move the score.

1. Study smart across ALL domains (not just your strength)

The test pulls from multiple areas: music history, theory, performance, and pedagogy. A lot of people lean too heavily on what they already know (like choir or instrumental). Don’t.

Spend time daily rotating through:

• Basic theory (intervals, chords, key signatures)

• Music history (major composers + time periods)

• Teaching strategies (especially elementary/general music)

2. Train your ear (this is where many lose points)

The listening section can sneak up on you. Practice:

• Identifying instruments by sound

• Recognizing musical styles (Baroque vs. Romantic vs. Jazz)

• Hearing intervals and chord qualities

Use apps or YouTube drills daily—even 10 minutes helps. Your ear sharpens faster with consistency than long sessions.

3. Practice timed questions (strategy matters)

This test is as much about pacing as knowledge.

• Don’t get stuck—flag and move on

• Eliminate obvious wrong answers quickly

• Aim for about 1 minute per question

Take at least 2 full-length practice tests under real conditions. You’ll start to see patterns in how questions are asked.

4. Think like a teacher, not just a musician

A big portion focuses on how to teach music, not just knowing it. Brush up on:

• Age-appropriate activities (Kodály, Orff, Dalcroze basics)

• Classroom management in music settings

• Assessment strategies

If a question asks, “What should a teacher do?”—choose the answer that is student-centered and developmentally appropriate, not just musically correct.