AP Music Theory?

College Majors Music Major
1

<p>Hi, I'm a sophomore in high school, and I'm planning to take the AP Music Theory test. I've played french horn for 4 years, have a basic grasp of music theory, and have perfect pitch. Do you suggest that I self-study for the exam or that I take an online course for it (like Stanford's EPGY program)? Also, do you recommend any study guides for the AP test? Thanks :)</p>

2

<p>I think some type of course would be very helpful, especially if you want to do better than a 3 or a 4. The written portion is not too bad but the aural portion takes some practice, even for people with perfect pitch. Especially if you do not have any piano background or are not used to dictation when chords are coming at you, then getting some practice with this will be very helpful. I don’t know of any specific AP study guides but you used to be able to buy old exams from the College Board website.
[AP</a> Central - AP Music Theory Course Home Page](<a href=“Supporting Students from Day One to Exam Day – AP Central | College Board”>AP Music Theory Course – AP Central | College Board)
A quick check finds that they have posted a free exam from 1998 with audio, but I don’t see any links to buy old exams. You could call them, but they do have lots of other resources posted.</p>

3

<p>Have you looked over the course description and other materials?</p>

<p>[AP:</a> Music Theory](<a href=“College Board - SAT, AP, College Search and Admission Tools”>AP Music Theory – AP Students | College Board)</p>

<p>[AP</a> Central - AP Music Theory Course Home Page](<a href=“Supporting Students from Day One to Exam Day – AP Central | College Board”>AP Music Theory Course – AP Central | College Board)</p>

<p>[AP:</a> Music Theory](<a href=“College Board - SAT, AP, College Search and Admission Tools”>AP Music Theory Exam – AP Students | College Board)</p>

4

<p>Barrons puts out a review book that is pretty good. It comes with a CD to help you practice the aural portion of the test.</p>

5

<p>My kids have both used the Barrons book and CD</p>

6

<p>Ok I’ll look those materials over. Thank you! :)</p>