Course Overview
AP Music Theory is an introductory college-level music theory course. Students cultivate their understanding of music theory through analyzing performed and notated music as they explore concepts like pitch, rhythm, form, and musical design.
Course and Exam Description
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AP Music Theory Course and Exam Description
This is the core document for this course. Unit guides clearly lay out the course content and skills and recommend sequencing and pacing for them throughout the year.
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AP Music Theory Course and Exam Description Clarifications and Corrections
This document provides teachers with clarifications and/or corrections for the AP Music Theory Course and Exam Description.
Course Resources
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AP Music Theory Course and Exam Description Audio Files
Audio files containing the recorded sample questions for the AP Music Theory Course and Exam Description are also available.
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AP Music Theory Course Overview
This resource provides a succinct description of the course and exam.
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AP Music Theory Course and Exam Description Walk-Through
Learn more about the CED in this interactive walk-through.
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AP Music Theory Course at a Glance
Excerpted from the AP Music Theory Course and Exam Description, the Course at a Glance document outlines the topics and skills covered in the AP Music Theory course, along with suggestions for sequencing.
Course Content
Based on the Understanding by Design® (Wiggins and McTighe) model of curriculum development, this course framework provides a clear and detailed description of the knowledge and skills necessary for student success in AP Music Theory, evaluated in the context of the AP Music Theory Exam, and aligned with college expectations. The framework specifies what students must know, be able to do, and understand, with a focus on big ideas that encompass core principles and processes of the discipline. The framework also encourages instruction that prepares students for advanced music theory coursework, as well as lifelong musical engagement and practice.
The AP Music Theory framework is organized into eight commonly taught units of study that provide one possible sequence for the course. As always, you have the flexibility to organize the course content as you like.
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Unit |
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Unit 1: Music Fundamentals I: Pitch, Major Scales and Key Signatures, Rhythm, Meter, and Expressive Elements |
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Unit 2: Music Fundamentals II: Minor Scales and Key Signatures, Melody, Timbre, and Texture |
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Unit 3: Music Fundamentals III: Triads and Seventh Chords |
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Unit 4: Harmony and Voice Leading I: Chord Function, Cadence, and Phrase |
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Unit 5: Harmony and Voice Leading II: Chord Progressions and Predominant Function |
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Unit 6: Harmony and Voice Leading III: Embellishments, Motives, and Melodic Devices |
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Unit 7: Harmony and Voice Leading IV: Secondary Function |
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Unit 8: Modes and Form |
Course Skills
The AP Music Theory framework included in the course and exam description outlines distinct skills that students should practice throughout the year—skills that will help them learn to think and act like musicians.
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Skill |
Description |
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1. Analyze Performed Music |
Apply musical terms, concepts, and relationships to performed music (aural). |
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2. Analyze Notated Music |
Apply musical terms, concepts, and relationships to notated music (written). |
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3. Convert Between Performed and Notated Music |
Apply conventions of musical notation and performance in converting music between aural and written forms. |
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4. Complete Based on Cues |
Complete music based on cues, following 18th-century stylistic norms. |
AP and Higher Education
Higher education professionals play a key role in developing AP courses and exams, setting credit and placement policies, and scoring student work. The AP Higher Education section features information on recruitment and admission, advising and placement, and more.
This chart shows recommended scores for granting credit, and how much credit should be awarded, for each AP course. Your students can look up credit and placement policies for colleges and universities on the AP Credit Policy Search.
AP Course and Exam Development
The AP Program is unique in its reliance on development committees for their initial and ongoing voice in course and exam development. These committees, made up of an equal number of college faculty and experienced secondary AP teachers from across the country, are essential to the preparation of AP course curricula and exams.
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How AP Develops Courses and Exams
Learn what the development committees do and the methodology they use to develop AP courses and exams.
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