INTRODUCTION
The AP Music Theory course corresponds to one-to-two semesters of typical, introductory college music theory coursework that covers topics such as musicianship, theory, and musical materials and procedures. Musicianship skills, including dictation and listening skills, sightsinging, and harmony, are an important part of the course. Through the course, students develop the ability to recognize, understand, and describe basic materials and processes of tonal music that are heard or presented in a score. Development of aural (listening) skills is a primary objective. Performance is also part of the curriculum through the practice of sight-singing. Students learn basic concepts and terminology by listening to and performing a wide variety of music. Notational skills, speed, and fluency with basic materials are emphasized.
COURSE PATHWAY
You must have completed Music Theory I or receive a teacher recommendation to take this class. This class is an elective credit, meaning you do not have to take it to graduate high school. This class is typically available to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.
COURSE BREAKDOWN
Above, you can access a more in-depth overview of the AP Music Theory units.
AP Music Theory is divided among 8 units, which you can view using the link on the left.
Additionally, AP Music Theory teaches students 4 skills that they will be tested on during the AP Exam:
Analyze Performed Music
Analyze Notated Music
Convert Between Performed and Notated Music
Complete Based on Cues
Apart from the skills, there are 4 Big Ideas that AP Music Theory emphasizes as well:
Pitch
Rhythm
Form
Musical Design
EXAM OVERVIEW
The AP Music Theory Exam assesses student understanding of the skills and learning objectives outlined in the course framework. The exam is just over 2 hours long and includes 75 multiple-choice questions, 7 free-response questions, and 2 sight-singing tasks. The details of the exam, including exam weighting and timing, can be found below:Â
REVIEW MATERIALS
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