AP Music Theory

851.1 Advanced Placement Music Theory, Advanced Placement, Grades 11-12, Full Year, 5.00 credits

Advanced Placement Music Theory develops a student's ability to recognize, understand, and describe the basic materials and processes of music that are heard or presented in a score. This course is the logical choice for anyone who wants to study music at the college level or has an interest in learning about the structure and composition of music.  Topics include terminology, notational skills, basic composition skills, score analysis, aural skills and sight singing techniques. Building on this foundation, the course progresses to include more creative tasks, such as the harmonization of a melody by selecting appropriate chords, composing a musical bass line to provide two-voice counterpoint, or the realization of figured-bass notation.  The curriculum is guided by the College Board® standards for advanced placement.  Students are required to take the AP Exam at the end of the course. 

Prerequisites: The student's ability to read and write musical notation is fundamental to this course. These basic skills can be acquired by taking Piano Lab I.   It is also assumed that the student has acquired (or is acquiring) at least basic performance skills in voice or on an instrument.  Enrollment in Piano Lab, Chorus and/or Band is excellent preparation for AP Music Theory.