Dr. Brian Patrick Timmons

Prepare for the Praxis Music Exam with confidence.

I provide individualized, expert tutoring for the Praxis Music: Content Knowledge (5113) exam, designed specifically for music education majors, career-changers, and repeat test-takers.

With over 28 years of experience in music education, a doctorate in music education, and extensive work mentoring preservice teachers, my approach goes beyond test tricks. We focus on musical understanding, test strategy, and anxiety-aware pacing so you walk into the exam prepared—not overwhelmed.

Online tutoring available nationwide.

Who This Tutoring Is For

This tutoring is especially effective for:

• Music education majors preparing for Praxis 5113
• Alternative route or career-change candidates
• Students retaking the Praxis after a non-passing score
• Test-takers with extended time or break accommodations
• Strong musicians who struggle with timed exams or test anxiety

Praxis Music (5113) Content Areas We Cover

Tutoring is aligned directly with ETS’s Praxis Music framework:

• Music Theory & Analysis
  • Major/minor, modes, harmonic function
  • Duple vs. triple meter, rhythm analysis
• Listening & Aural Skills
  • Style recognition
  • Instrument identification
  • Error detection
• Music History & Literature
  • Western art music
  • Jazz, popular, and world music
• Performance & Pedagogy
  • Classroom and ensemble contexts
  • Rehearsal strategies and score awareness

Instruction is diagnostic and targeted—we focus on what you need most.

Support for Test Anxiety & Accommodations

Many capable musicians underperform on standardized exams due to anxiety—not lack of knowledge.

I specialize in working with students who have:

• Extended time accommodations
• Scheduled breaks
• Documented severe test anxiety

Our sessions emphasize:

• Pacing strategies for extended-time testing
• Breaking multi-step questions into manageable parts
• Building confidence through repetition and familiarity
• Reducing cognitive overload during listening sections

This approach helps students use their accommodations effectively—not just have them.

What Makes This Tutoring Different

• Doctorate-level expertise in music education
• Extensive experience mentoring preservice teachers
• Deep familiarity with Praxis exam structure and pitfalls
• Emphasis on understanding, not memorization
• Supportive, non-judgmental environment for anxious test-takers

How Tutoring Works

• One-on-one online sessions (Zoom)
• Customized weekly or short-term plans
• Practice materials aligned to Praxis question types
• Flexible scheduling around coursework or student teaching

Get Started

If you’re preparing for the Praxis Music exam and want a clear plan, focused support, and a calm approach, I’d be happy to help.

•  Contact me below to schedule a free consultation