<p>I would second R124687’s sentiment that AP Music Theory is its own reward. It’s fundamental to your overall development as a musician. In fact, students at top-tier music schools with little to no knowledge of music theory are very rare exceptions. </p>
<p>Consequently this informs policies for waiving AP credit–if the incoming freshman all come with decent theory chops (gleaned from AP music theory or the solfege courses offered at prep divisions), the goalposts have been moved, and there’s no logic to granting advanced standing for knowledge that is taken for granted among the student body as a whole. (This, along with the nomenclature issue mentioned earlier–some schools are very keen on their own traditions).</p>
<p>Another factor is the increasingly international composition of American music school student bodies, with many of those students bringing substantial training in solfege and analysis to the table. </p>
<p>My own feeling is that taking the AP Theory test is actually worth it, even if it gives you no credit in college. Taking the text will allow you to really assess your retention and understanding of the material. There are fee waivers/reductions in AP test fees for those who qualify. And, as BassDad mentioned earlier, if it does end up getting you out of a few college requirements, then that’s great ROI. </p>
<p>Finally, if you want to test your knowledge of the basics, Mannes has a nifty online self-test: [Mannes</a> :: Admissions :: Is Mannes for You? :: Self-Test](<a href=“http://www.newschool.edu/mannes/subpage.aspx?id=3198]Mannes”>Mannes School of Music | College of Performing Arts | The New School)</p>
<p>In addition to the links to College Board music theory, another resource is the ABRSM downloads center (OK centre, I guess): [Graded</a> Examination Syllabuses : ABRSM.org - Exams](<a href=“http://www.abrsm.org/?page=exams/gradedMusicExams/latestSyllabuses.html]Graded”>http://www.abrsm.org/?page=exams/gradedMusicExams/latestSyllabuses.html)</p>