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Section 3: Test Summary and Framework
WEST–E Music: Instrumental (057)

The Washington Educator Skills Tests–Endorsements (WEST–E) are designed to measure a candidate's knowledge of the subject-area content contained in the test framework for each field. All WEST–E tests are fully aligned with the state's teacher endorsement competencies and, as applicable, the Essential Academic Learning Requirements.

Test Summary

This test summary describes general testing information as well as the approximate percentage of the total test score derived from each content domain. The test framework, organized by content domain, contains the objectives that define the content for the test.

Format Computer-based test (CBT)
Number of Questions Approximately 110 multiple-choice questions
Test Session 2 hours and 15 minutes (does not include 15-minute tutorial)
Passing Score 240 (scores are calculated in a range from 100 to 300)
Test Code 057

Pie chart of approximate test weighting outlined in the table below.

Table outlining sample test content and subject weighting by sub area and objective
Key Approximate
Percentage of Test
Content Domain Range of Objectives
I 19% Aural Skills 0001 to 0004
II 19% Music Theory 0005 to 0008
III 14% Music History and Culture 0009 to 0011
IV 33% Music Creation and Performance 0012 to 0018
V 14% Music and Other Disciplines 0019 to 0021

Test Framework

Aural Skills

Objective 0001: Recognize elements of melody and harmony in recorded music.

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Objective 0002: Recognize elements of rhythm, tempo, timbre, articulation, and dynamics in recorded music.

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Objective 0003: Demonstrate knowledge of historical, cultural, and stylistic contexts of recorded music.

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Objective 0004: Detect errors in a recorded musical performance.

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Music Theory

Objective 0005: Apply knowledge of music notation systems and vocabulary.

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Objective 0006: Apply knowledge of melodic and harmonic elements of music.

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Objective 0007: Apply knowledge of rhythmic and dynamic elements of music.

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Objective 0008: Apply knowledge of musical forms and styles.

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Music History and Culture

Objective 0009: Demonstrate knowledge of Western music from various historical periods.

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Objective 0010: Demonstrate knowledge of jazz, folk, blues, and popular music found within the United States.

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Objective 0011: Demonstrate knowledge of World music from diverse cultural sources.

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Music Creation and Performance

Objective 0012: Demonstrate knowledge of techniques for composing, improvising, and arranging music.

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Objective 0013: Demonstrate knowledge of basic performance techniques for string instruments.

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Objective 0014: Demonstrate knowledge of basic performance techniques for woodwind instruments.

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Objective 0015: Demonstrate knowledge of basic performance techniques for brass instruments.

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Objective 0016: Demonstrate knowledge of basic performance techniques for pitched and nonpitched percussion instruments.

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Objective 0017: Demonstrate knowledge of rehearsal techniques for soloists, chamber groups, bands, and orchestras.

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Objective 0018: Demonstrate knowledge of conducting and repertoire selection.

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Music and Other Disciplines

Objective 0019: Demonstrate knowledge of music as a form of communication.

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Objective 0020: Analyze how music relates to other arts disciplines and academic subject areas.

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Objective 0021: Demonstrate knowledge of careers related to music.

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