<p>I've been thinking about self-studying the AP Music Theory test this year. I've played piano for many years and done Level 10 in Certificate of Merit, so I have a general idea of music theory, but I'm not sure if that will be enough to do well on this test. Do people out there who self-studied it have any advice for me? What do you think the hardest part of the test would be? Also, what prep books would be helpful? Thank you!</p>
<p>I'm taking the class right now... I have to say, it's my opinion that self-studying will be pretty difficult. I mean, the exam is one of the hardest. You might be able to get all the multiple choice stuff down (but even that'll take a lot of work)... but the sight singing and such takes practice, with a teacher helping you. At least... that's what I think...</p>
<p>I think that if you were to buy a book describing how to write four part music, practiced with recognizing intervals by ear, and taught yourself (or had someone else teach you) how to sightsing, you would be fine. I think that your piano will come in handy with this. I took the test last year. I thought I failed after I took it, but I ended up with a 4, so you never know. Good luck!</p>
<p>I've looked at a couple sightsinging examples, and they seem pretty easy for me. Granted, it'll be really weird singing into a tape recorder, but other than that, I think I can handle it. Koushirou and seahorse, do you play instruments?</p>
<p>I'm actually terrified at this exam. You have to be pretty darn good to do well on it with a teacher, so self-studying would be extremely difficult. It's the sightsinging that kills people, and its even harder without someone there helping you.</p>
<p>It's possible that you have a good enough ear and such that it won't be that hard for you. But it's also possible that you're underestimating the exam. Does your school offer the course, and you just don't want to take it? If this is the case, I would recommend asking the teacher of the course at your school to give you some sort of diagnostic exam (at least for the sightsinging), just to see if you'll be able to handle it or not.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, my school doesn't offer it, so I don't really know how to figure out if I'm ready or not. I've been thinking about ordering some old tests from collegeboard, they would at least have the listening parts. Right now, I'm trying to decide if it's worth the money to register for the test and/or buy the old tests, since I'm still not sure if I'll take it or not. Have any of you heard of anyone self-studying it before?</p>
<p>bumppity bump</p>