AP Music Theory?

[iotabebraindead]

Questions for anyone currently taking it:

1. How much do you like this class/the topics studied?
2. How does it reeeeeeally help you if you want to be a music major?
3. Why would you recommend taking it?

[shreeganesh123]

I haven't taken this class. SORRY!!! but sounds interesting though!

[feross]

Music theory sounds pretty awesome. I wish I could give you some feedback on it, but I've never taken it.

[kimmy8292]

The class was awesome, but difficult. It really does help you out if you are a music major because that's like 2-4 college music theory courses right there. I made a 5 by studying outside of class, my class was hard, but it didn't as much prepare me if I didn't study extra at all. I managed to pull a 5 on non aural but a 4 on aural because I'm a horrible singer. If you're a music major, take it. I'm no longer going to be one, but the credit comes in handy. Oh yeah, with this test, it's better to know the basic roots of words, it'll help a lot, and GOOD LUCK! I totally cried after that exam, but I did a lot better than expected :]

[feross]

Hey Kimmy, thanks for sharing your advice. I'm sure future students will find it useful!

[kimmy8292]

The thing with Music Theory is that it actually has to be a yearlong preparation or a 24/7 cram session for at least 6 weeks. The student will need to train their ear, their voice, and free hand composition skills. Knowing how to play an instrument would be extremely beneficial, it was a prerequisite at my school. Know how to read the 4 major clefs: Alto, Bass, Treble, Tenor, if you don't, the success rate is slim to none, since this is a fundamental skill for the exam, it basically shows up on every question. If you don't know the starting note with the ear, no problem! Just train with intervals, it'll be EXTREMELY helpful. If you go to collegeboard for practice stuff and the online music theory trainer, that'll also help, just helping fellow music theory kiddos out there, because I thought that test was HARD.

[feross]

Wow! That sounds super intense. Great feedback for other students, too!

[Night]

Kimmy, what if my school doesn't have a Music Theory program? Do you think I could still pass the AP test if I self study?

[kimmy8292]

I believe self study is an important component anyways, it can be done, but you will need to use as many resources as possible, which are mostly online. I used http://www.musictheory.net/ to study for mine, it works really well. Also, it would help if you have a piano or keyboard, it's really needed unless you already have ear training skills. You will also need to learn timing and pacing. The test questions are read pretty fast and since 1/2 of it is listening, you will have to know it, or it passes you by. There is definitely chance you could pass, but it'll take a lot of work on your part, not trying to discourage you at all the aural section is after, I just didn't do as great because I was also tired because it's exhausting XD I wish you good luck. If you would like to talk through email or if you have an aim or something, I would gladly help you out I bet you can do it though, I think anyone can, it just takes a level of commitment, that's all.