AP Music Theory

AP Music Theory is a course offered to 10th-12th grade students with a minimum of 3 consecutive years (and must currently be enrolled) in choir, orchestra, or piano.  This course teaches the compositional and formal "nuts and bolts" of music.  To use analogy, if performing an instrument is like driving a car, AP Music Theory is like an automotive class--students learn how all the parts fit together and work to make the "car" run.  The class is taught as a "flipped classroom."  That is, students review lecture videos at home.  At school the concepts discussed in these lecture videos are discussed and skills are practiced.  Additionally, standards-based grading is used.

Unit 1: Music Fundamentals I - Pitch, Major Scales and Key Signatures, Rhythm, Meter, and Expressive Elements ~ 16-18 Instructional Periods

Unit 2: Music Fundamentals II - Minor Scales and Key Signatures, Melody, Timbre, and Texture ~ 20-23 Instructional Periods

Unit 3: Music Fundamentals III - Triads and Seventh Chords ~ 13-15 Instructional Periods

Unit 4: Harmony and Voice Leading I - Chord Function, Cadence, and Phrase ~ 15-17 Instructional Periods

Unit 5: Harmony and Voice Leading II - Chord Progressions and Predominant Function ~ 13-15 Instructional Periods

Unit 6: Harmony and Voice Leading III - Embellishments, Motives, and Melodic Devices ~ 11-13 Instructional Periods

Unit 7: Harmony and Voice Leading IV - Secondary Function ~ 10-12 Instructional Periods

Unit 8: Modes and Form ~ 10-11 Instructional Periods

AP Exam Date: Monday, May 11, 2026 (PM)

Final Composition Project Recital: Monday, May 18, 2026 (during class)