<p>Mark, you did not give any background on your daughter. Is she a prospective music major? Has she had piano background? The dilemma is that college music programs do not pay too much attention to whether a student has had AP Theory or not. However, many of them give a theory placement exam along with the audition. So some knowledge of theory is advisable. If your D has had piano background she can probably study this on her own. If she has not had piano background you might want to consider having her take the AP Theory course or if she is very self-motivated she could still probably teach herself, if she has music background.
AP Theory looks much better on a transcript if a student is applying to a non-music program.
AP English however is a really important class and excellent preparation for college.
Best option IMHO if do-able for your family is take the AP English and find a way to study AP Theory outside of school, if she is a prospective music major.If she is going to be a senior next year, applying as a music major, she will need to allow plenty of time for practicing for her auditions and for school absences for auditions.</p>
<p>PS not everyone thinks of music theory as an “easy A”.</p>