<p>Does anyone have experience with AP music theory that they're willing to share, like how the class was, the material, how the exam went. I'm taking it currently and it's the third day of school. I have a background of piano for 8 years and violin for 4 years. I was just wondering how hard it was for others because I heard it had the lowest passing rate of AP exams.</p>
<p>The class at my school was difficult, but not the hardest thing ever done. The test is difficult. There is a portion, or at least was last year, where you had to do a sight-singing, so that can be difficult for some people. It is hard, but if you truly enjoy the music and learning EVERYTHING about composition/music etc then it shouldn’t be too difficult to pass. </p>
<p>At my school, the class is easy, basically a completion grade, and very few people score above a 3. I received a 5 no problem because I already had the theory background from piano. I struggled with aural skills a little (got a 4 on the subscore), but it was very helpful that our theory teacher was also the choir director so she was definitely able to help us. She’s definitely the reason I nailed the sight singing! lol But it is a very, very, very difficult exam. I’d been playing piano since I was 4, oboe since age 9 (made it to state level), passed ABRSM grade 5 theory in 8th grade, and I thought the exam was tough. </p>
<p>It depends on your background. I am pretty much the opposite of @guineagirl96, as in my school about 98% of the kids who take the class get 5’s. You actually have to take an exam to get into the class! My teacher was intense and crazy, but he was able to finish the curriculum a month before the exam, despite us going outside the curriculum for a good month.</p>
<p>I would recommend reading A Study in Counterpoint by Johann Joseph Fux. It is a meaty text, but it basically goes through the writing techniques of classic composers that are usually linked to the AP Music Theory rubric. You only really need to read about the first four species. </p>
<p>Practice makes perfect with the writing section. Usually just follow the basic rules of four part harmony, and go with the least disruptive shortcut. No parallel fifths or octaves, or direct fifths or octaves, don’t double the third, etc. I would go back to practice examples to exercise those part-writing muscles! :)</p>
<p>A lot of people who learn instruments don’t learn a lot of theory; I certainly didn’t know much when I got into high school. I was lucky enough to have a curriculum that emphasizes theory. From what I learned, it isn’t hard to learn if you have experience playing. </p>
<p>You should definitely start out memorizing all of your key signatures, all of their accidentals, the circle of fifths, and relative/parallel majors and minors. That sounds more difficult than it actually is, after a while it becomes second nature. </p>
<p>Brush up on rhythms, and try a few rhythmic examples to keep you on your toes. The CollegeBoard examples eventually get pretty redundant, but you want to be ready for anything.</p>
<p>I would DEFINITELY start learning as many obscure music terms as you can. I am talking terms like anacrusis. There is a glossary at the back of the Barron’s book that is golden. OH. DUH. You should probably buy that book! 
I cannot believe I forgot to mention that, ha ha. It’s called the Barron’s AP Music Theory book with Audio CDs. Definitely get the CDs, there are a boatload of listening examples there for you to utilize. </p>
<p>Speaking of the listening section, that is the hardest part of the test. The CollegeBoard loves to screw with your mind with their weirdly worded questions, but the listening sections can be heinous. Of course, melodic dictation has never been my forte. I would recommend finding your own system of analyzing what you hear. You can even use pop music to do analysis (a lot of the chords are pretty basic) and check your work by finding the sheet music online. If you need any more tips, feel free to message me!</p>
<p>Try not to stress it. I was terrified I was going to get a 2, but I got a 5!!!</p>
<p>The class was brutal for me. I love it to death but I cannot count how many times I cried because of it. I had at least two breakdowns over it. Just remember that this one test says nothing about your abilities as a musician! Whether you get a 5 or a 1, it doesn’t speak to how good you are.</p>
<p>Thank you so much and @Shaywood I hope you don’t mind if I ever message you about it. XD Thank you to everyone this was really helpful!</p>
<p>Much depends on the individual school and the background of the student. My class was a breeze, but I have a solid background in music, with many years with piano, guitar, and violin.</p>
<p>The AP Exam is a beast though. The MC part is OK, the FRQ’s are challenging. The sight singing and harmonic dictation parts are, IMO, the most difficult, but I still squeezed out a 5. I second the suggestion of getting the Barron’s prep book. It’s definitely a great investment. Practice with the exams. Learn as many terms as you can. Search for dictation examples online. Good luck.</p>
<p>I’m excited for the exam!</p>
<p>Wow you guys did great on the exams! What grade did you take the class? I’m currently a sophomore. :-" </p>
<p>I took it senior year because I couldn’t fit it in sooner. As it was, I had to take 3 classes over the summers + a community college class to fit it in.</p>