pointegirl

You were right BassDad. Take the course but don't take the exam. It costs too much to take the AP exam. If I recall correctly, I wrote a check of $246 for D's 3 AP exams last year.

BassDad

Actually, if you are not planning on a music major, $82 for a shot at three college credits might not be such a bad deal. If you can pass five AP exams for $410 and finish college a semester early, that would represent quite a savings. As a music major, there seems to be little incentive for taking that particular AP test because it will not get you any credits and you still have to take the school's test to determine placement.

momnipotent

Does anyone know if there is an AP Music Theory offered online?

mamenyu

Is there a good music theory book for preparing for theory tests?

nycm

The best way to prepare for the AP Theory test (and any of the other AP's for that matter) is to begin with the course description and the material available on the College Board's AP Central website (http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/ap...rner/2261.html) and then to follow up by ordering one or more "released" exams directly from the college board store (http://store.collegeboard.com/enter.do and use search terms "released music" The Music Theory exams from 1998 and 2003 are available for $25 each, and include the listening portions. Well worth the investment.

thzxcyl

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...)

JJ09

got a 4 ;p

violadad

This is probably the best AP/theory thread I've seen here. Great insights from a number of posters.

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.

thumper1

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.

binx

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.

wjb

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.

momnipotent

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!!!

forgottenmuch987

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.

theorygeek

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!


Responding to forgottenmuch987, on the college board site they give sample questions, and unfortunately the vocab is moderately difficult.

operahorn

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...