
What is a good score on the AP Music Theory exam?
The mean score (3.1) on the AP Music Theory exam was also above passing. Of approximately a fifth of test takers (20.3%) received the top score of 5 with another 18% scoring a 4. Only 12.9% of students received a score of 1 on the exam. If you’re curious about other score distributions, see our post Easiest and Hardest AP Exams.
What is the difference between AP Music Theory progress checks and exam questions?
Unlock progress checks so students can demonstrate their knowledge and skills unit by unit and use My Reports to highlight progress and additional areas for support. Exam questions assess the course concepts and skills outlined in the course framework. For more information, download the AP Music Theory Course and Exam Description (CED).
Where can I find paired practice Music Theory AP tests?
Because the test materials consist of both a written test and digital sound files, it can be difficult to find paired practice material, but the College Board Music Theory AP website does provide one complete test with included sound files from the 1998 exam administration.
How many sets of questions are in the AP Music Test?
Approximately 13 sets of 4–6 questions. Approximately 10–12 individual multiple-choice questions. Questions that assess students’ ability to use symbols and terms to describe features, procedures, and relationships in performed music.

Is AP Music Theory hard to self study?
While self-studying for AP Music Theory is no simple task, it is entirely possible to do. In order to succeed, you must have passion and patience. It is especially helpful to have some sort of advisor to consult during the process, which helps with the motivation factor as well.
Is AP Music Theory worth taking?
Taking AP Music Theory will most definitely prepare you to be successful on this test, which is a definite plus. However, because of this requirement, a specific score on AP Music Theory may not necessarily place you out of an entry-level theory course and may only grant general credits.
How hard is it to get a 5 on the AP Music Theory exam?
To achieve a 5 on the AP® Music Theory exam, you will need a combination of hard work, dedication to learning the material, and a strict study plan.
What percentage is a 5 on AP Music Theory?
21% 20%The following data reflect all 16,169 students worldwide who took the AP Music Theory Exam this year on any exam date prior to June 12....Total group score distributions, 2021 vs. 2019.AP Score20192021521%20%418%18%325%23%223%23%1 more row•Jul 12, 2021
What is the hardest AP class?
The Three Hardest AP ClassesAP Physics 1. Despite a reputation as one of the most difficult AP classes, Physics 1 is also one of the most popular—137,229 students took it in 2021. ... AP U.S. History. AP U.S. history is one of the hardest AP classes in the humanities and in general. ... AP Chemistry.
What is the easiest AP exam?
The five easiest exams for self-study are as follows: AP Human Geography. AP Psychology. AP US Government and Politics. AP Comparative Government and Politics.
Is AP Music Theory the hardest AP?
May 2021 test scores show that 61.2% of test-takers earned a 3 or above on the AP Music Theory exam. AP Music Theory is definitely not one of the 10 hardest AP classes. However, some students may find acquiring music analysis skills difficult.
How do I ace the AP Music Theory exam?
2:335:50How I Got a 5 in AP Music Theory | Exam Tips - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStudents. So the biggest suggestion here is to memorize. And know all the rules that are prescribedMoreStudents. So the biggest suggestion here is to memorize. And know all the rules that are prescribed in the book. And that you learn in class. And these rules pertain to part writing and the things you
What are the easiest AP classes to take in high school?
Students commonly self-study for classes like AP Psychology, AP Environmental Science, and AP Human Geography. The exams for these subjects are relatively short and generally require little to no prior knowledge of the subject matter. This favors students who can learn the vocabulary and memorize the material.
What is the longest AP test?
How Long Are AP Exams?ExamDurationAP Biology3 hoursAP Calculus AB3 hours, 15 minutesAP Calculus BC3 hours, 15 minutesAP Chemistry3 hours, 15 minutes29 more rows•Jan 26, 2020
How long does the AP Music Theory exam take?
The AP Music Theory Exam assesses student understanding of the skills and learning objectives outlined in the course framework. The exam is just under 3 hours long and includes 75 multiple-choice questions, 7 free-response questions, and 2 sight-singing tasks. This part is 45% of the Exam Score (70 minutes).
How long is the AP Music Theory exam 2022?
2 hours, 40 minutesThe 2022 AP Music Theory exam will be 2 hours, 40 minutes long.
Is AP Music Theory the hardest AP class?
May 2021 test scores show that 61.2% of test-takers earned a 3 or above on the AP Music Theory exam. AP Music Theory is definitely not one of the 10 hardest AP classes. However, some students may find acquiring music analysis skills difficult.
How many credits is AP Music Theory worth?
Students who pass AP Environmental Science earn 4 units of credit....Advanced Placement (AP)College Board Advanced Placement TestsAP Music TheoryPassing Score3Minimum Semester Credits Earned16Semester Credits Toward GE Breadth Certification3American Institutions and/or GE Breadth AreaC151 more columns
What should you know going into AP Music Theory?
The Music Theory AP course teaches the mastery of pitches, intervals, scales and keys, chords, meter, and rhythm. You will need to apply this mastery towards complex and creative tasks such as: melodic and harmonic dictation. composition of a bass line for a given melody, implying appropriate harmony.
What does AP Music Theory do?
You'll learn to describe, analyze, and create more complex harmonic progressions in the form of four-part (SATB: soprano, alto, tenor, and bass) voice leading. Topics may include: The use of predominant chords in a harmonic progression. Specific predominant chords and their uses.
What Does AP Music Theory Cover?
AP Music Theory covers the fundamentals of music theory and teaches students how to analyze musical pitch, rhythm, form, and design. Learners pract...
When Should You Take AP Music Theory?
Depending on your school, you might be able to take AP Music Theory as early as 10th grade. Some schools require students to take a year of music t...
Should I Take AP Music Theory?
Students who love music and have a background in music theory and performance should consider taking AP Music Theory. If you don't have music exper...
Is AP Music Theory worth it?
Taking an AP class, while challenging, can be worthwhile for many students. AP Music Theory can enhance your knowledge of music theory, show colleg...
Is AP Music Theory a fine art?
Colleges use a variety of criteria to decide whether to grant credit for AP exam scores. Some colleges grant fine arts or music credit for achievin...
Are there any prerequisites for AP Music Theory?
Officially, no. However, the course assumes familiarity with the basics of music theory, notation, and performance. Students can acquire this knowl...
How hard is it to score a 4 or 5 in AP Music Theory?
Part of the reason the sub-score system is necessary is that not every student who takes this exam is going to have absolute pitch. Ear training is critical to scoring a 4 or a 5 on this exam because those questions are consistently the most difficult for students. In fact, for the past six years, Total Registration’s annual analysis of AP exam scores notes aural theory as being students’ weakest point nearly every year:
What is written theory in music?
Written theory primarily tests a student’s ability to analyze a score. Aural theory tests a student’s ear, including their ability to identify pitch and rhythm. Because the two do not perfectly correlate, the composite score for the AP Music Theory exam will include a sub-score for each.
How many times do you play a melody in dictation?
This note will not have a stem, as students will need to provide the exact rhythm after listening to the dictation prompt. Following this, a melody is played between 3-4 times.
What is barrier exam?
Barrier exams, which are somewhat common in fine and performing arts fields, essentially determine whether a student will be permitted to their course. If a student cannot pass their barrier exams after a set number of attempts (usually 2-3), then they may not continue on that course of study. 2.
How to study dictation?
One reliable way to study dictation is by listening to a piece and following its sheet music. As you listen to the piece, follow along as closely as you can.
Is AP Music Theory exam difficult?
While this particular exam has historically been considered one of the more difficult ones, each year more and more students earn scores of 3 and higher.
Do you have to take a barrier exam to study music?
Further, many universities also require second- or third-year students to take a barrier exam. Barrier exams, which are somewhat common in fine and performing arts fields, essentially determine whether a student will be permitted to their course. If a student cannot pass their barrier exams after a set number of attempts (usually 2-3), then they may not continue on that course of study. 2
When is the AP Music Theory exam?
On Wednesday, May 13 at 12 pm, the College Board will administer the 2020 AP Music Theory exam. For a comprehensive AP exam schedule, along with study tips, and more check out our blog 2020 AP Exam Schedule: Everything You Need to Know.
How many students take the AP Music Theory exam?
The AP Music Theory exam is one of the least common exams taken among self-studiers and enrolled students alike. In 2019, only about 19,000 of the over 2.8 million students taking AP exams took the AP Music Theory exam. Because of this, you might be struggling to find as many resources on the AP Music Theory exam as more popular exams.
What is the best study guide for AP Music Theory?
Ask an Expert: For a more specific idea of where to focus your studying, you should consider using a commercial study guide. Because the AP Music Theory course remains one of the less popular courses amongst students, there are not many choices of high quality commercial study guides. One solid option though is Barron’s AP Music Theory with MP3 CD, 2nd Edition. This study guide consistently receives high reviews for its effective summary of the material and test taking strategies specific to the AP Music Theory exam. It comes with two full-length exams including both aural and non-aural sections.
How long is the second section of AP Music Theory?
This section is approximately 25 minutes long and follows a timed recording with repetitions and pauses. You’ll then have 45 minutes to answer the remaining three free response questions about: part writing from figured bass, part writing from Roman numerals, and harmonization of melody.
What are the three elements of musical design?
4. Musical Design: Texture, timbre, and expression contribute to the overall design and character of a piece of music or musical performance. The texture of a musical passage arises from the way its layers are produced and distributed, and how they interact to form the totality of sound. Timbre refers to the distinct sounds of specific instruments and voices, arising from the physical manner in which those sounds are produced. Expressive elements are related to musical interpretation and include dynamics, articulation, and tempo.
What is the structural aspect of music?
Form: Music exhibits a structural aspect known as form, in which a musical composition is organized in a hierarchy of constituent parts. The specific ways these parts are related, contrasted, or developed produce the unique profile of an individual composition.
How many units are in AP music theory?
The AP Music Theory Course is divided into eight units. Below is a suggested sequence of the units from the College Board, along with a short description of what’s covered in each one.
When is the AP Music Theory exam 2021?
2021 Exam Information. AP Music Theory Exams will be administered in early May, late May, and early June. This subject does not have an at-home version of the exam—students’ access to musical instruments, software, and other tools means that a full-length exam can't be securely and fairly administered at home.
What are the styles of stimulus materials?
All stimulus materials represent a variety of historical style periods, including baroque, classical, romantic, late 19th or 20th century, and contemporary (world music, jazz, or pop).
What are the hardest AP classes?
United States History, Biology, English Literature, Calculus BC, Physics C, and Chemistry are often named as the hardest AP classes and tests. These classes have large curriculums, tough tests, and conceptually difficult material.
What is the highest AP score?
Since pass rates don't actually tell us much, what about the 5 rate? Remember, a 5 is the highest possible AP score (read more about AP scores here ). Shouldn't we be able to find the hardest AP tests by looking at the exams with the lowest 5 rates?
How to get info on AP classes?
To get info about an AP class, first talk to your guidance counselor. Ask for the class's syllabus, the class's passing rate on the AP exam for the last few years, and what other students tend to say about the class. This will give you an idea of how well-taught a class is. Your guidance counselor can also recommend good prerequisite classes and teachers.
What to consider before taking AP classes?
Also consider other classes, your extracurricular commitments, work schedule, and family commitments before signing up for any of these AP classes. You don't want a tough AP class to overload an already busy schedule.
What is the 5 rate for AP English?
The 5 rate, in fact, a decent way to spot some difficult exams, including AP English Literature and Biology. They both have very low 5 rates (9.3 for English Lit, 9.5% for Bio). But on the flip side, a relatively easy exam, AP Environmental Science, has a low 5 rate of 11.8%.
Is biology a tough AP class?
This means AP Biology teachers have to pack a ton onto their syllabi for this class, including time for experiments. The huge volume of info, coupled with the fact that Biology can be conceptually difficult, makes this a tough AP course.
Is Calculus BC easier than AP English Literature?
We are not ranking these since their difficulty will vary quite a bit based on the student. For example, if you're a math whiz, Calculus BC will likely be easier than AP English Literature. But the opposite could be true for another student.
How to study for AP music theory?
The best way to study for an AP exam like music theory is by using AP test prep books and lectures on particular topics on sites like YouTube. The brands I would recommend are Barron's and Kaplan. The tests from the Barron's prep books are harder than the actual exam but are good practice and they give you a good rundown of all the materials expected on the exam. Kaplan also gives you a good review or material.
Is music theory bad?
Music theory tends to be an intemidating subject for people but when everyone knows basically nothing (like in high school), it's not that bad. But once we got to college, half the class already had a good grasp on it and the other half were still like 'what is the theory of music
Is it easy to make grammatical mistakes?
Grammatical mistakes can be easy to make. But fear not! Our team at Grammarly has compiled a handy list of common grammatical errors to help make your writing accurate, clear, and(Continue reading)
Can I go into theory 2 with a 5?
I’ve assessed many first-year college students for placement in the music theory series, and even with an AP score of 5, they very rarely pass directly into Theory II. This is mostly because AP Music Theory often does not cover species counterpoint and/or their aural skills are not advanced enough for Theory II. Do not let that possibility disappoint you, though, because it is best to start a college/university-level theory series with Theory I, even if some of it is review. The review will only help you become more fluent.
Can I take music theory classes in college?
But if you do have at least some background in music theory and eartraining, if you're academically minded, and you're willing to devote a lot of time and energy, I would say go for it! Even if you don't score extremely well on the AP test, the class might help you test out of basic music theory classes in college. Most colleges have you take their own placement test for music theory anyway.
Can I take AP music if I have no musical background?
Of course, there's no one answer for everyone. If you have no musical background, I would highly recommend you do NOT take this class. Even for musicians, at least at my school, it is often called the hardest AP class.
Can you run a note reading class?
The class starts off running, assuming you have a basic working knowledge of note reading, rhythm, and scales. If you don’t have that background, you won’t understand anything until you do.
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