Self Studying AP Music Theory?

Test Preparation AP Test Preparation
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<p>Currently, I an am 8th grader. But I went a little overboard preparing for high school and have pretty much mapped out all of my classes xD I was wondering if it is possible to self study for AP Music Theory, because my high school does not offer this class. It only offers a regular semester-long Music Theory class for grades 10-12. I'm probably going to ask my counselor if I can take it as a freshman in my second semester and tell him I'm planning on taking the AP Music Theory exam. I'm not sure if my counselor would let me take it, but I hope if I beg him enough he will let me xD</p>

<p>I think I am pretty qualified for this class. I have been playing violin since I was 4, piano since I was 8, and clarinet since 7th grade in the school band (however, this year I am already better than half of the current 7th graders who have been playing since they were in 4th grade). I also did percussion in the school band in 4th and 5th grade. I have always loved music and I can definitely say it's a big part of my life. When I was little, I would always sing, and I heard I was fairly good at it. Of course I don't know if they were just saying that or if I was actually good xD I'm not sure if I have perfect pitch, but I can easily tune a violin without a reference pitch, and I can always tell when a song is in a different key (like when songs on YouTube are sped up a little to avoid copyright issues or something).</p>

<p>I want to self study and take the AP exam during my freshman year. Do you think it would be manageable for me? My piano teacher makes me do music theory homework, and she calls me a "music theory professor" xD The books I have to do my homework in is the Fundamentals of Piano Theory by Neil A. Kjos Music Company, and I am on Level 8 out of 10. If my counselor lets me take Music Theory, then that would help me.</p>

<p>I do have one concern though. If I don't pass, will it hurt my GPA or chances to get into a good college? My dream is getting into an Ivy League school to work in medicine. I honestly don't plan on becoming a music major, but the exam would probably be easy for me and it wouldn't hurt. It's always good to have something to fall back on.</p>

<p>Well thanks for reading this huge mess, and hopefully I'll get some good answers :D</p>

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<p>I self study AP Music Theory as well. So basically if you’re a musician/music geek, then there’s really no point in taking the actual class. You might want to still study the chord progressions as that is a very big part in the FRQs. But you should still do very well on the MT exam since you only need a minimum of 139/200 to hit a 5 (according to the 2008 MT curves).</p>

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<p>Aural skills are the hard part! You need someone to help you them. Try a practice exam and then see how you do.</p>

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<p>You can self study it. My brother did (I took the class). But you will need help! My brother had his piano teacher work with him year long on the aural skills. See if yours can do the same!</p>

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<p>Use the barron’s review book to study. Then you’ll be ready. :slight_smile: It quizzes you again and again on the aural stuff, and gives plenty of practice on the written parts. Also, it has three full-length practice tests. </p>

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<p>see, I didn’t find the barron’s aural stuff very helpful… I think it is best to have a teacher work with you on aural skills, but it doesn’t have to be an AP theory teacher. Most private teachers on any instrument, but especially piano can help you.</p>

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<p>I’m still going through with self-studying (probably) so what are aural skills? xDD I can ask my piano teacher for help, since she’s helping me prepare for the exam anyway!</p>

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<p>@LosingCrayon‌ aural skills are listening skills. They involve sight singing, being able to identify intervals and chords, dictations, and identifying other musical aspects such as texture, instrumentation, and form.</p>

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<p>@guineagirl96‌ Oooh that sounds hard >_<</p>

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<p>To answer your questions about college admissions…</p>

<p>No, if you aren’t taking the class, it won’t appear on your transcript or be included in your GPA
All AP scores are self-reported (until your are admitted), so if you score poorly, you can just choose not to report it. Just know that if you choose not to report it, it may raise some questions if your counselor chooses to mention you self-studying in their letter on rec.</p>

<p>Practice questions from past exams are here <a href=“AP Music Theory Exam – AP Students | College Board”>Get the Most Out of AP – AP Students | College Board; if you want some idea of what’s on the exam.</p>

<p>Personally I’d wait until at least 10th grade so you have a better idea of what an AP course demands</p>