<p>The AP theory test should be a breeze if someone has good grasp of basic theory (as it should be!) but also if someone who has very good ears and knows only the very rudiments of theory : ) - I took it last year with no formal study of theory; studied the week before the exam with a theory book (along with tons of other APs); still got a 5, but with a subscore of 3 on the theory part. I basically just aced the listening and sightsinging part (perfect pitch helps...)</p>
<p>got a 4 ;p</p>
<p>This is probably the best AP/theory thread I've seen here. Great insights from a number of posters.</p>
<p>The theory test placement scenario is going to carry into the application/admission process for advanced music study in grad school as well. Just life the undergrad procedure, the grad placement test will determine if you can start grad theory classes at a higher level.</p>
<p>DD and DS both took the AP theory course in high school. DS, the music major, did not take the exam. But he said the course was great and since he took it his junior year, it was most helpful with those theory tests that he did have to do as part of some of his auditions. DD, who is not a music major, did take the exam and got a 5 on it. Oddly, the dictation was a piece of music she had just played (very odd). She got 5's across the board on the test. Both kids had 5 summers of theory at various summer programs prior to the course, and both also took piano lessons in addition to their "other" instrument. DD was able to use her AP credit to fulfill a core requirement at her college.</p>
<p>S2 took AP music theory his junior year. At that time, his HS paid for one AP test per year per student, and that was his only junior year course. The 5 on the theory test then appeared on his resume as one more "point" that he cared about music. It didn't give him any credit in college, but did make his first year theory a breeze, and helped give him a reputation for being capable.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Does anyone know if there is an AP Music Theory offered online?
[/quote]
Momnipotent:
For the first time this coming year, EPGY is offering AP Music Theory through its brand new online high school program. (This is separate from the EPGY online course program; it’s a full high school, but for now will permit kids who are not enrolled full time to take one or two courses.) Two problems with this brand new program: First, although the administration anticipates receiving accreditation any day, to date the High School Program hasn’t received accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Second, the administration hasn’t completed the AP audit process and received authorization for the AP Music Theory course to use the "AP" designation on student transcripts. I’m told they will be submitting new AP course syllabi this year. For us, unfortunately, that’s the double kiss of death: My son would like to receive credit on his transcript for the class, and his high school won’t recognize or give credit for a class offered by an unaccredited program that has not received authorization from College Board to use the AP designation. If you don’t care about receiving HS credit or are willing to take a chance on later accreditation/AP authorization, however, this might work. It sounds like a good course offered by a skilled teacher, and EPGY has an excellent reputation. PM me if you’d like the name of my contact at EPGY.</p>
<p>wjb- very interesting! Please pm me with contact details. I think I might be willing to risk the accreditation process if the price is right. Any info you have on the particulars of the class would be appreciated. My son could really use the class for a gpa boost so I would be anxious to know if accreditation is likely. thanks so much!!!</p>
<p>Does anyone know how much the music theory test focuses on advanced vocabulary? I'm okay with everything else, just a little confused on how the exam's difficulty will be in terms of vocab.</p>
<p>I self studied much of the curriculum throughout this year, and dediced not to take the test. As I progress in theory (my "instrument") I am scared I will forget all of the part writing rules and other pretty much useless Baroque counterpunctual training. Would it look bad if I never took the exam and simply continued on with my training, or should I use potentially valuable time to restudy for the exam next year?
By the way, I am only a freshman, so time really isn't a concern. Flipping through conservatory "requirements" for theory majors, I saw U of Michigan requires a applicant a B or higher in the couse (or a college level theory course.) This of couse makes me nervous!</p>
<p>Responding to forgottenmuch987, on the college board site they give sample questions, and unfortunately the vocab is moderately difficult.</p>
<p>I was a master's teaching assistant in music theory; in my experience schools mostly want you to be trained in their particular theory method and language. It is fairly rare to 'test out' of music theory altogether. Seems to me that the basic training one gets in summer camps and/or by playing piano will get one out of fundamentals. Above that, I wouldn't waste time worrying about it...</p>
<p>Rice does not pass anyone out of theory. Everyone takes it, all levels. No sense taking the test for them. But if you take the course just to get a better start, it would be good. DD wishes she had taken it for that reason. Theory would have been easier.</p>
<p>One school told us that, on the rare occasion that someone tests out of theory 1, they sometimes come in a few weeks after theory class starts and ask to be put back to Theory 1 because they are worried they are falling behind - even with a 5 on the AP test - which is what you would have to get to place out of theory anywhere I would think.</p>
<p>It's most common for music depts/ schools to not allow music majors to immediately place out of first year theory based on an AP theory course alone. Most schools require incoming students to take their own theory placement test which is the basis for an advanced placement. Obviously, AP theory might assist in taking a school specific test and lead to a score placing the student in a more advanced course. </p>
<p>I like Cartera's point. I know a number of students (performance majors, not composition or theory) who, although placed by their schools/conservatories in Theory II or Counterpoint, choose to take a lower level class. Various reasons - too difficult to jump into the middle without the school's specific approach from level I, no love of theory and a certain number of theory hours required (it's less arduous to take Theory I than start higher and be forced to pick up an advanced course that would not otherwise be required), wanting extra time to practice and Theory I would require less work than starting in with level II, etc.</p>
<p>DS, the music major, took the AP music theory course (but not the exam). He knew he couldn't use the AP credits in lieu of a music theory course as a major. However, the information certainly helped him with his theory placement exams (some happened during auditions...not all schools, but some). He took the course as a junior.</p>
<p>DD, the non-major, took the course and exam as a junior and scored a 5. She was able to get credits for this exam at her school. However, she still had to take a theory placement exam to determine her theory level, even as a music minor. She didn't place out of anything using the exam.</p>
<p>My D is a senior and just took the AP Theory exam. Her HS teacher graduated from the college D will be attending in the fall. She basically taught from their materials. The college policy is that you can test our of Theory 1, but they discourage it. If you choose to do that, they recommend sitting in on the course, the thought being "if you don't use it, you lose it", which implies that you don't just start in Theory 2 in the fall, as it is only offered in the spring. It is my understanding that she can get some type of general ed credits for the AP exam, so she doesn't totally lose the credits, it just won't apply to Theory 1.</p>
<p>Took the class my senior year of high school, and got a 4 (subscores 4 and 3) on the exam in May 2007... if you plan on a career in music, having more exposure to music theory is imperative. In my opinion, the more theory you know, the better off you'll be later on down the road. Even if you don't get credit for it in college, the skills learned through the program will eventually help you as a professional musician. I highly suggest taking the exam, but like others have said on these boards, get a tutor and practice materials (like the released exams through College Board) to help you through it. Good luck!</p>
<p>I guess I always heard that the AP course was not as good as taking classes at a conservatory prep, if there is one nearby. So much is done in class, doing solfege, for instance.</p>
<p>I agree that it is a good idea to sort of start from scratch at whatever school you go to, because each school does have its individual way of teaching, and doing the whole program at a particular school, rather than jumping in at a higher level, feels solid.</p>
<p>My daughter has perfect pitch, and says that some aspects of ear training (mainly solfege) is actually harder for her. She can work without thinking about intervals, according to pitch, but then has to work backward and learn how to make the jumps using intervals.</p>
<p>I am not a musician, and didn't explain that very clearly...maybe someone here understands better what she means!</p>
<p>There is an umbrella organization for several online schools, called Educere. If you can find their website, you will find that a few, maybe Aventa Learning or Virtual High School, at the very least, offer AP music theory. Cost is $400-$600 though.</p>
<p>Solfege is good discipline even for those with perfect pitch. At times, a musician will be asked to transpose at sight (i.e. play or sing music in a different key than what is notated on paper). I know people with perfect pitch who sightread in the written key effortless but have real problems when transposing.</p>
<p>My D took the test, so I can't tell you any more than what she told me. She took it as a sophomore because she really wanted to take theory just to LEARN more. So she had those tools as a Jr and Sr in high school. And they helped. One thing that happened was that she decided to add choir to her musical repertoire and got in a very upper level choir by only previously being an instrumentalist...but with exceptional knowledge of music. She now tends to teach her section a lot of things they don't understand about music. But she took the test anyway, otherwise her school wouldn't "weight" the grade for the A/P class. She got a 4 in each section, but was Ok with that because she was just a sophomore. I do recall her saying the listening was hard. (And she has a very good ear). She knew in advance she'd have to take it again as an undergrad, but...the reasons she chose to take it are:</p>
<p>LEARNING what you need to advance yourself musically-you can't learn enough.</p>
<p>Getting another A/P test done if you're shooting for A/P Scholar upper levels (need something like 5 for "with honors" and 8 for "with distinction").</p>
<p>Getting a weight on your high school grade (if applicable).</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>My son is taking the first (basic) Music Theory course this year, as a sophomore. He plans to take AP Music Theory next year. Why? Because it's music! Theory class is his favorite part of the day, even when he is "learning" something he already knows. I don't see any problem with this and, indeed, I think it helps him to get through the day..............so he can get back to his music once he's at home!</p>