Advanced Placement (AP) Music Theory is an elective music course for advanced music students that follows the College Board suggestions for curriculum and ultimately prepares students for success on the AP Exam in May. Students require the recommendation of an ensemble director or private lesson instructor. Students interested in enrolling should talk to a Hinsdale Central music teacher for more information.
It is strongly recommended for all students planning on a music major or minor in college. The curriculum is exactly what first-year music students study and, therefore, AP Music Theory students are prepared to succeed in their freshman year.
It prepares music students for music participation after hig school. Many Hinsdale Central students play or sing in collegiate ensembles, community bands or choirs, or church ensembles after graduation. In addition, music is a common double major for premed and prelaw students.
It is the last chance for non-majors to study music at this level. Most college majors leave little room for elective courses and, therefore, this is the last opportunity for many students to take an advanced music class.
It improves every student's ensemble and performance skills. A deeper understanding of music theory makes students better performers.
It trains your musical ear. The curriculum includes teaching sight-singing, melodic dictation, harmonic dictation, and critical listening skills.
It teaches the music fundamentals and skills that improve composition skills. Students in this class compose an invention in the style of Bach, a minuet in the style of Mozart, a piece based on a twelve tone matrix, and a theme and variation composition.
Passing scores on the AP Exam often receive college credit and the test and course cost far less to take than any college class. Some students pass out of music classes, others can enroll in more advanced classes, and some only receive general credit. If you are a Hinsdale Central student entering college with multiple AP credits it is possible to register as a sophomore, which guarantees enrollment in popular classes, or even graduate early, which saves a significant amount of money.