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About the Course
Deepen your ability to recognize and describe the elements and processes of music. In AP Music Theory, you’ll advance your understanding of how music works by listening to a wide variety of music, reading musical scores, writing music, and singing.
Skills You'll Learn
Identifying features of pitch, interval, scales and keys, chords, meter, rhythm, and other musical concepts in performed and notated music
Singing a notated melody on sight
Notating music that you hear
Completing music based on cues, following common-practice style
Equivalency and Prerequisites
College Course Equivalent
A one- or two-semester college introductory music theory course
Recommended Prerequisites
Ability to read and write musical notation and basic voice or instrument performance skills
Exam Date
About the Units
The course content outlined below is organized into commonly taught units of study that provide one possible sequence for the course. Your teacher may choose to organize the course content differently based on local priorities and preferences.
Course Content
Credit and Placement
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Course Resources
See Where AP Can Take You
AP Music Theory can lead to a wide range of careers and college majors