- There will be 10-12 stand alone questions and then 13 sets with 4-6 questions in each.
- 41-43 questions will be based on an aural stimulus covering skills such as identification of an isolated pitch and rhythmic patterns or aural analysis of more complex clips of music. This section should take around 45 minutes.
- Around 32-34 questions will require you to analyze a printed musical score. This section will take 35 minutes.
- 2 questions about melodic dictation
- 2 questions about harmonic dictation
- 1 question about part writing from figured bass
- 1 question about part writing from Roman numerals
- 1 question about harmonization of a melody
- For each melody you are given 75 seconds to look it over and practice and then 30 seconds to perform it.
- The melody can be sung in the original pitch or a pitch more in your range.
When is the 2024 AP Music Theory Exam and How Do I Take It?
**The exam will be on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 12:00 PM, your local time. Exams are on paper, at your school. **
How Should I Prepare for the Exam?
- First, download the AP Music Theory Cheatsheet PDF - a single sheet that covers everything you need to know at a high level. Take note of your strengths and weaknesses!
- We've put together the study plan found below to help you study between now and May. This will cover all of the units and essay types to prepare you for your exam. Pay special attention to the units that you need the most improvement in.
- Study, practice, and review for test day with other students during our live cram sessions via Cram Mode . Cram live streams will teach, review, and practice important topics from AP courses, college admission tests, and college admission topics. These streams are hosted by experienced students who know what you need to succeed.
Pre-Work: Set Up Your Study Environment
Before you begin studying, take some time to get organized.
๐ฅ Create a study space.
Make sure you have a designated place at home to study. Somewhere you can keep all of your materials, where you can focus on learning, and where you are comfortable. Spend some time prepping the space with everything you need and you can even let others in the family know that this is your study space.
๐ Organize your study materials.
Get your notebook, textbook, prep books, or whatever other physical materials you have. Also, create a space for you to keep track of review. Start a new section in your notebook to take notes or start a Google Doc to keep track of your notes. Get yourself set up!
๐ Plan designated times for studying.
The hardest part about studying from home is sticking to a routine. Decide on one hour every day that you can dedicate to studying. This can be any time of the day, whatever works best for you. Set a timer on your phone for that time and really try to stick to it. The routine will help you stay on track.
๐ Decide on an accountability plan.
How will you hold yourself accountable to this study plan? You may or may not have a teacher or rules set up to help you stay on track, so you need to set some for yourself. First, set your goal. This could be studying for x number of hours or getting through a unit. Then, create a reward for yourself. If you reach your goal, then x. This will help stay focused!
AP Music Theory 2024 Study Plan
๐ถ Unit 1: Music Fundamentals I: Pitch, Major Scales and Key Signatures, Rhythm, Meter, and Expressive Elements
Unit Summary:
In order to read and understand this new language, you will be introduced to various symbols that have specific meanings. Like any new language, by learning these symbols and their meanings, you will be able to converse in the language of music.
Definitely do this:
๐ Read these Fiveable study guides:
- 1.1 Pitch and Pitch Notation
- 1.2 Rhythmic Values
- 1.3 Half Rests and Whole Rests
- 1.4 Major Scales and Scale Degrees
- 1.5 Major Keys and Key Signatures
- 1.6 Simple and Compound Beat Division
- 1.7 Meter and Time Signature
- 1.8 Rhythmic Patterns
- 1.9 Tempo
- 1.10 Dynamics and Articulation
If you have more time or want to dig deeper:
๐ป Learn about the best prep books so you can start studying early:
- Best AP Music Theory Textbooks and Prep Books ๐น Review and Refer to this College Board Review Playlist:
- AP Music Theory
๐ถ Unit 2: Music Fundamentals II: Minor Scales and Key Signatures, Melody, Timbre, and Texture
Unit Summary:
In unit one, you learned about major chord relationships and pitch patterns. Now, in unit 2 you will learn how to apply that knowledge to minor scales through analyzing their natural, harmonic, and melodic forms.
Definitely do this:
๐ Read these study guides:
- 2.1 Minor Scales: Natural, Harmonic, and Melodic
- 2.2 Relative Keys: Determining Relative Minor Key and Notating Key Signature s
- 2.3 Key Relationships: Parallel, Closely Related, and Distantly Related Keys
- 2.4 Other Scales: Chromatic, Whole-Tone, and Pentatonic
- 2.5 Interval Size and Quality
- 2.6 Interval Inversion and Compound Intervals
- 2.7 Transposing Instruments
- 2.8 Timbre
- 2.9 Melodic Features
- 2.10 Melodic Transposition
- 2.11 Texture and Texture Types
- 2.12 Texture Devices
- 2.13 Rhythmic Devices
If you have more time or want to dig deeper:
๐ป It is never to early to want to prepare for the exam:
- How to Get a 5 in AP Music Theory๐นWatch these videos from College Board
- 2.7-2.8 Transposing Instruments and Timbre
- 2.9-2.10 Melodic Features and Transposition Review Using Sight-Singing
- 2.11-2.12 Texture, Texture Types, and Texture Devices
- 1.8 and 2.13 Rhythmic Patterns and Devices Review Using Sight-Singing
๐ป Unit 3: Music Fundamentals III: Triads and Seventh Chords
Unit Summary:
Throughout unit 3, you will begin to get a complete understanding of pitch relations and become introduced to harmony through diatonic chords and 7th chords. You will also learn about chord inversions and figures.
Definitely do this:
๐ Read these study guides:
- 3.1 Triad and Chord Qualities (M, m, d, A)
- 3.2 Diatonic Chords and Roman Numerals
- 3.3 Chord Inversions and Figures: Introduction to Figured Bass
- 3.4 Seventh Chords
- 3.5 Seventh Chord Inversions and Figures
๐น Unit 4: Harmony and Voice Leading I: Chord Function, Cadence, and Phrase
Unit Summary:
Now that we have all the building blocks of notes, rhythms, and chords out of the way, we can start to analyze music and the rules of putting pitch combinations together. The way individual voices of a composition move from chord to chord is called voice leading. Back in the 17th and 18th-century, when writing music was becoming normalized, rules of voice leading came about to guide composers on how to create aesthetically-pleasing compositions.
Definitely do this:
๐ Read these study guides:
- 4.1 Unit 4: Harmony and Voice Leading
- 4.2 SATB Voice Leading
- 4.3 Harmonic Progression, Functional Harmony, and Cadences
- 4.4 Voice Leading with Seventh Chords
- 4.5 Voice Leading with Seventh Chords in Inversions
If you have more time or want to dig deeper:
๐ป Have a good laugh with some memes:
๐ธ Unit 5: Harmony and Voice Leading ii: Chord Progressions and Predominant Function
Unit Summary:
In unit 5, you will be introduced to the SATB voice leading and how it can be used in musical compositions to increase their complexity. Describing and analyzing these harmonic progressions are another key part of this unit.
Definitely do this:
๐ Read these study guides:
- 5.1 Adding Predominant Function IV (iv) and ii (ii0) to a Melodic Phrase
- 5.2 The vi (VI) Chord
- 5.3 Predominant Seventh Chords
- Harmony and Voice Leading II: Chord Progressions and Predominant Functions๐นWatch this video from College Board:
๐บ Unit 6: Harmony and Voice Leading iii: Embellishments, Motives, and Melodic Devices
Unit Summary:
Building on the skills from units 4 and 5, you will look at harmonies and voice leading as well as melodic sequences. Motives and motivic transformation along with the types of embellishing tones are also key topics you will learn to master in unit 6.
Definitely do this:
๐ Read these study guides:
- 6.1 Embellishing Tones: Identifying Passing Tones and Neighbor Tones
- 6.2 Embellishing Tones: Writing Passing Tones and Neighbor Tones
- 6.3 Embellishing Tones: Identifying Anticipations, Escape Tones, Appoggiaturas, and Pedal Points
- 6.4 Embellishing Tones: Identifying and Writing Suspensions; Identifying Retardations
- 6.5 Motive and Motivic Transformation๐นWatch these videos from College Board:
๐ค Unit 7: Harmony and Voice Leading iv: Secondary Function
Unit Summary:
This unit focuses on harmonic relationships and procedures. You will also learn more about keys, scale degrees , and chords. By the end of the unit, you should be skilled in part writing dominant and leading-tone chords.
Definitely do this:
๐ Read these study guides:
- 7.1 Tonicization through Secondary Dominant Chords
- 7.2 Part Writing of Secondary Dominant Chords
- 7.3 Tonicization through Secondary Leading Tone Chords
- 7.4 Part Writing of Secondary Leading Tone Chords๐น Watch these videos from College Board:
๐ท Unit 8: Modes and Form
Unit Summary:
This unit takes a look at the conventions that affect the character of music. Some of those key conventions are the 7 types of modes , the melodic relationships between phrases, and forms. You will also be introduced to the sections of music such as introduction, verse, chorus, and codetta.
Definitely do this:
๐ Read these study guides:
- 8.1 Modes
- 8.2 Phrase Relationships
- 8.3 Common Formal Sections๐นWatch these videos from College Board:
If you have more time or want to dig deeper:
๐ป Make sure youโre reviewing with quality content:
Key Terms to Review ( 50 )
Additional 6/4 Chords : Additional 6/4 chords are non-cadential chords that serve as passing or embellishing tones within a musical passage. They are typically used for harmonic variety and can add color or tension to the overall harmony.
Anticipations : Anticipations are non-chord tones that occur before a chord change and resolve by step to a note within the next chord.
Cadential 6/4 chords : Cadential 6/4 chords are chord progressions commonly used in music to create a sense of resolution and finality. They typically occur at the end of a phrase or musical section.
Chord Inversions : Chord inversions occur when the notes of a chord are rearranged so that a different note becomes the lowest pitch. This changes the voicing and can create different harmonic effects.
Chromatic Scale : The chromatic scale is a musical scale consisting of all twelve pitches within an octave. It includes both the white and black keys on the piano keyboard.
Closely Related Keys : Closely related keys are those that share many common tones and have a close musical relationship. They are often adjacent on the circle of fifths or have a small number of sharps or flats difference.
Common Formal Sections : Common formal sections are specific parts or segments found in many compositions that follow established structural conventions. These sections provide organization and help shape the overall form of the piece.
Compound Beat Division : Compound beat division refers to dividing a beat into three equal parts. It is commonly used in compound time signatures, such as 6/8 or 9/8.
Diatonic Chords : Diatonic chords are the chords that naturally occur within a given key. They are built using only the notes from that key's major or minor scale.
Distantly Related Keys : Distantly related keys are key signatures that have a large number of sharps or flats in common, but are not closely related. They share some similarities but have more differences in terms of tonality.
Embellishing Tones: Passing Tones and Neighbor Tones : Embellishing tones are non-chord tones that add decorative or ornamental elements to a melody. Passing tones are embellishing tones that connect two harmonically important notes by stepwise motion, while neighbor tones are embellishing tones that move from a note to its neighboring note and then back.
Expressive Elements : Expressive elements refer to musical techniques used to convey emotions or moods in performance. They include dynamics (volume), articulation (how notes are played), phrasing (grouping notes together), and tempo variations (changes in speed).
Figured Bass : Figured bass is a musical notation system used in the Baroque period to indicate the harmonies that should be played above a given bass note. It consists of numbers and symbols written below or above the bass line.
Functional harmony : Functional harmony refers to how chords function within a key or tonal center. It focuses on understanding how chords create tension and resolution, and how they contribute to the overall structure and emotional impact of a piece.
Half Rests : Half rests are symbols used in musical notation to indicate a silence or pause that lasts for the same duration as a half note. They represent a beat of silence in music.
Harmonic Progression : Harmonic progression refers to the sequence of chords in a piece of music. It determines the overall structure and movement of the harmony.
Iii (III) Chord : The iii (III) chord is a major chord built on the third scale degree of a major key or the minor chord built on the raised third scale degree of a minor key.
Interval Inversion : Interval inversion is when the lower note of an interval becomes the higher note, and vice versa. The distance between the two notes remains the same, but their positions are reversed.
Interval Size and Quality : Interval size refers to the distance between two pitches, measured in terms of steps or half steps. Interval quality describes the specific sound of an interval, whether it is major, minor, perfect, augmented, or diminished.
Key Signatures : Key signatures are symbols placed at the beginning of each staff line in sheet music to indicate which pitches are altered throughout the piece. They help musicians identify which major or minor scale is being used.
Major Scales : Major scales are a series of seven different pitches arranged in a specific pattern of whole and half steps. They are the foundation for tonal music and provide a sense of stability and resolution.
Melodic Features : Melodic features refer to specific characteristics or elements found in a melody that contribute to its overall structure and expression.
Melodic Transposition : Melodic transposition refers to the process of moving a melody up or down in pitch while maintaining its original shape and intervals.
Meter : Meter refers to how beats are organized into recurring patterns in music. It determines the rhythmic structure and feel of a piece.
Minor Scales: Natural, Harmonic, and Melodic : Minor scales are a set of seven different pitches that follow a specific pattern of whole steps and half steps. The three types of minor scales are natural, harmonic, and melodic. Natural minor scales have the same pattern as major scales but start on a different note. Harmonic minor scales raise the seventh note by a half step to create tension. Melodic minor scales raise both the sixth and seventh notes when ascending but revert back to the natural minor scale when descending.
Modes : Modes are scales derived from major and minor scales by starting on different scale degrees. Each mode has its own unique pattern of whole steps and half steps.
Motive : A motive is a short melodic or rhythmic idea that serves as a building block for creating larger musical phrases, themes, or compositions. It often carries expressive or thematic significance within a piece of music.
Pentatonic Scale : A pentatonic scale is a musical scale that consists of five notes per octave. It is commonly used in various genres of music, including rock, pop, and blues.
Phrase Relationships : Phrase relationships refer to the connections between musical phrases within a composition. These relationships can include repetition, contrast, variation, and continuation.
Pitch : Pitch refers to the perceived frequency of a sound. It determines whether a sound is high or low.
Pitch Notation : Pitch notation refers to the system of representing musical pitches using letters and symbols. It allows musicians to read and write music accurately.
Predominant Seventh Chords : Predominant seventh chords are four-note chords that typically function as transitional or preparatory chords between tonic and dominant harmonies.
Rhythm : Rhythm refers to the pattern of durations and accents in music. It is the organization of time in music, creating a sense of movement and groove.
Rhythmic Patterns : Rhythmic patterns are recurring sequences of notes or rests that create a specific rhythmic feel or groove in music.
Rhythmic Values : Rhythmic values refer to the duration or length of musical notes and rests. They determine how long each sound or silence lasts in relation to other sounds in a piece of music.
Roman Numerals : Roman numerals in music theory are symbols used to represent the chords or scale degrees within a key. They provide a way to analyze and understand the harmonic structure of a piece of music.
SATB Voice Leading : SATB voice leading refers to how different vocal parts (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) move from one note to another in harmony. It focuses on creating smooth melodic lines while maintaining proper voice leading principles.
Scale Degrees : Scale degrees refer to each individual note within a musical scale. They are numbered from one through seven using Roman numerals (I-VII).
Seventh Chords : Seventh chords are four-note chords consisting of a triad (three notes stacked in thirds) and an additional note called the seventh. They add richness and tension to music.
Simple Beat Division : Simple beat division refers to dividing beats into two equal parts, creating simple rhythms with basic subdivisions.
Suspensions : Suspensions occur when an expected consonant harmony becomes dissonant by temporarily holding onto or suspending a pitch from the previous harmony before resolving it down by step to its consonant counterpart.
Tempo : Tempo refers to the speed or pace of a musical piece. It determines how fast or slow the music is played.
Texture Types : Texture types refer to the different ways musical elements are combined and organized in a piece of music.
Timbre : Timbre refers to the unique quality of a sound that distinguishes it from other sounds. It is often described as the "tone color" or "tone quality" of a sound.
Time Signature : The time signature indicates the meter of a piece of music. It consists of two numbers written at the beginning of the staff, representing beats per measure and note value for each beat.
Tonicization through Secondary Dominant Chords : Tonicization through secondary dominant chords refers to the temporary shift of tonal center to a different key by using a dominant chord from that key. It creates a sense of tension and resolution, enhancing the musical progression.
Triad Qualities (M, m, d, A) : Triad qualities refer to the different qualities or characteristics that triads can have based on their intervals - major (M), minor (m), diminished (d), and augmented (A). These qualities determine the overall sound and mood of a triad.
Vi (VI) Chord : The vi (VI) chord is a minor chord built on the sixth scale degree of a major key or the major chord built on the lowered sixth scale degree of a minor key.
Whole Rests : Whole rests are musical symbols that indicate a complete silence or pause for the duration of a whole note. They are used to represent periods of silence in music.
Whole-Tone Scale : The whole-tone scale is a musical scale consisting entirely of whole steps (or tones). It creates an ethereal and dreamlike quality due to its lack of half steps.
