AP Music Theory FAQ
The AP Program
What is the history, purpose, and mission of the AP Program?
What does AP stand for?
What is the College Board?
What are the benefits of taking AP classes?
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Prepares students for college level study
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Allows students to experience more success in college
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Can help students save time and money in college by providing college credit
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Helps students explore their passions more deeply
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Aids in the college admissions process
What are some challenges to the AP Program?
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The exams have a high failure rate (students may be overextending themselves)
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Perpetuates the achievement gap and racial disparity in education and college preparation
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Students in higher-income communities have access to better resources than students in lower-income communities
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AP does offer financial assistance and fee waivers for the exam
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College credit is not guaranteed
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Some claim that the AP tests require too much curriculum in too little time
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AP courses are currently being revised to focus more on critical thinking and analysis
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Creation of the AP Capstone program (Wakefield High School does not currently offer the AP Capstone program)
How does the AP Program compare with IB / Dual Credit programs?
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AP is more rigorous and demanding
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AP curriculum is standardized worldwide
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AP gives you the opportunity to take the standardized AP Exam
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Honors level does not provide college credit
How does taking the AP exam translate to college credit?
What if my parents or guardians have questions about College Board Programs?
AP Music Theory - The Course
What is the mission and vision of the AP Music Theory class at Wakefield High School?
Who can take AP Music Theory?
Anyone can participate in AP courses, as long as you have completed the prerequisites as dictated in the Wakefield High School Program of Studies. (Music Theory and Composition 1 and 2 or the equivalent). There is financial assistance for the exam available for students who qualify.
Who can take AP courses?
Should I take the AP Music Theory course?
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is willing to accept a challenge
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is willing to put in the extra time and work
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takes the AP class that is the best fit for them (do you love music?)
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is able to devote extra time to course work
Does everyone who takes AP Music Theory go on to major in music?
What will I learn in AP Music Theory?
What kind of activities will we be doing in AP Music Theory?
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Discussion / Inquiry / Analysis: Students will be given a musical example to discuss (it may be a listening example, a score, or combined score with aural stimulus). We’ll start with open ended discussion, in which the students can share observations with their classmates. Students will then be encouraged to ask questions about the piece, either of their classmates or of the instructor. Students will then be asked to analyze specific portions or aspects of the piece (e.g. analyze the chord structure or the phrase structure.) -
Defend your analysis: Students will be given a musical example in which to analyze form. Each student will craft their analysis individually, then will be tasked with presenting their analysis to the class, and asked to defend their decisions. Students may end up changing their analysis based on their classmates' response. -
Collaborative project: Students will collaborate to compose a piece for the entire class to perform, based on a set of parameters.
How will AP Music Theory prepare me for college?
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explore college level curriculum with a college level textbook and instructional devices
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delve deeper into a subject you love (music!)
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show colleges you have a passion for music and you are engaged in challenging coursework
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increase your scholarship opportunities
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(with a score of 3 or above on the exam), indicate to colleges that you have gained a level of skill and expertise that is consistent worldwide
How can I prepare to take AP Music Theory?
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learn how to take effective notes and stay organized in class
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learn how to study and prepare for exams
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learn how to use your time wisely, in and out of class
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try to collaborate with other students: share ideas, compare notes, discuss the coursework
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make sure you have a strong mastery of the basic skills learned in Music Theory 1 and 2
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start to focus on higher level thinking skills: analysis, investigation, critical thinking, comparing & contrasting
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start to listen to music with your “music theory brain”
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start to perform music with your “music theory brain”
AP Music Theory - The Exam
When is the exam?
How much does the exam cost?
How is the exam graded?
What are the benefits of taking an AP exam?
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Best assessment for the subject matter
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Can provide access to college credit or access to a higher level college course in that subject
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Standardized test that exhibits academic rigor to college admissions and professors
What if I am an anxious test taker?
How is the AP Music Theory exam formatted?
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Approximately 13 sets of 4–6 questions.
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Approximately 10–12 individual multiple-choice questions.
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Questions that assess students’ ability to use symbols and terms to describe features, procedures, and relationships in performed music.
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Students will also be assessed on their ability to detect discrepancies in pitch and rhythm when comparing notated and performed music.
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Questions that assess students’ ability to use symbols and terms to describe features, procedures, and relationships in notated music.
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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).
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Both instrumental and vocal music are represented.
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The seven questions include:
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2 melodic dictation
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2 harmonic dictation
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1 part writing from figured bass
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1 part writing from Roman numerals
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1 composition of a bass line/harmonization of a melody
Will I be able to get college credit if I get a 3 (or a 4, or a 5)?
How will this year be different, due to the pandemic?