Barron's AP Music Theory, but NOT taking the exam? HELP?!?

College Majors Music Major
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<p>I'm a senior, and I'm really interested in learning Music Theory. My school doesn't offer AP Music Theory, so I'm planning on self-studying... sort of. I'm planning on getting Barron's AP music theory (since I've heard such great reviews about it) and Progressive Sightsinging by Carol Krueger. I really want to learn the material, but I don't think I'm gonna take the AP exam, especially since I'll already be accepted by colleges by the time I would take the exam in May. But, I am gonna take the Theory placement test at college and try to place out of some theory classes. (the theory placement test sounds a lot less stressful and more realistic than the AP test)
NOTE: I plan on minoring in music. I'm gonna major in engineering, and at the schools I plan on going to, the engineering curriculum is really rigorous, so I won't have much room for music classes. Thats why I want to get the lower level theory classes out of the way to leave room for other music classes :)</p>

<p>So, is this reasonable? To get Barron's AP Music Theory book and self study but not actually take the exam? I want to learn the material that is in basic level college theory classes. I've heard of some high schools actually using Barron's as a class textbook for AP Music Theory! My other question is, how do other books (like theory for dummies, or complete idiot's guide to theory) compare to Barron's? What book would benefit me more in my situation? I guess what I want more than anything out of this is to become a better musician and learn to compose (I play piano), ontop of placing out of Music Theory 1 and maybe 2.</p>

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<p>Do you have a specific school in mind? Try and figure out which book they use for their first-level theory class and learn/study for the placement exam based on that. If you really want to cover all bases, get both that and the AP one you’re looking at so you can compare content and focus most on the things they emphasize in both.</p>

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<p>Yes, agree w/ 27. If your major isn’t music, check your college AP list to see if they give credit for music theory if you get a a decent score on the exam. Music majors cannot bypass this class for credit, but it can prepare them for placement tests. Regardless of what you do, if you have to take a placement test even for minoring in music, then you will end up in the appropriate class, a higher level if your prep was excellent, and a lower level if you need to learn some more theory concepts. Good luck w/ your engineering … write us back if you are able to squeeze in a music minor with your engineering curriculum so that future students know what’s possible.</p>

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<p>Thanks. I’m gonna try and find out what books are used in my school’s (U of Florida) music theory classes. I don’t know why I didn’t think of that before >_>
And yeah, engineering with a minor in music might be tough as hell, but I’m willing to try it! Thanks for wishing me luck.</p>