AP Music Theory

AP Music Theory is an introductory college-level music theory course for seniors. Students cultivate their understanding of music theory through analyzing performed and notated music as they explore concepts like pitch, rhythm, form, and musical design.

Units

Unit 1: Music Fundamentals I: Pitch, Major Scales and Key Signatures, Rhythm, Meter, and Expressive Elements

Unit 2: Music Fundamentals II: Minor Scales and Key Signatures, Melody, Timbre, and Texture

Unit 3: Music Fundamentals III: Triads and Seventh Chords

Unit 4: Harmony and Voice Leading I: Chord Function, Cadence, and Phrase

Unit 5: Harmony and Voice Leading II: Chord Progressions and Predominant Function

Unit 6: Harmony and Voice Leading III: Embellishments, Motives, and Melodic Devices

Unit 7: Harmony and Voice Leading IV: Secondary Function

Unit 8: Modes and Form

Materials and Resources