AP Music
Theory
Music reading, harmony writing, analysis, and ear training. Distinctive exam structure: 75 MCQ (including an aural listening section) + 7 FRQ (Sight-singing, Melodic dictation, Harmonic dictation, Part-writing). Requires a solid music theory foundation. Ideal for students pursuing Music, Music Production, or Composition.
Before you start, understand how the College Board scores.
AP Music Theory has the most complex structure of any AP subject: Section I includes 75 MCQ split into 2 parts — Aural Subsection (listen and answer, ~40 questions) and Non-Aural Subsection (~35 theory questions); Section II includes 7 FRQ consisting of 2 Melodic Dictations, 2 Harmonic Dictations, 2 Part-writing, and 1 Sight-singing recording. Understanding the structure helps your child allocate study time to the right focus areas.
Score 5/5 distribution in 2024
According to College Board data, 18.2% of students worldwide achieve a 5 on AP Music Theory. This subject has its own aural section — most students lose points on Sight-singing and Dictation because they haven’t practiced ear training enough. Our students reach a score-5 rate 1.5–2 times higher thanks to daily ear training practice and part-writing aligned with voice leading rules.
MCQ — Multiple Choice
75 questions · 80 minutes
FRQ — Free Response (Melodic Dictation, Harmonic Dictation, Part Writing, Sight Singing)
7 questions · 80 minutes
Total Exam
2 hours 40 minutes
8 units aligned with the College Board CED 2024.
Our learning track closely follows the College Board’s official Course and Exam Description (CED). AP Music Theory is organized into 8 units from Music Fundamentals to Modes & Form — with daily ear training practice (sight-singing, dictation) running parallel to theory. Click each unit for details.
Unit Details
Refer to the College Board’s official Course and Exam Description for the full list of topics.
This is one of the 8 units of AP Music Theory. Our team guides students to continually connect theory (intervals, chords, voice leading) with hands-on ear training — not just memorizing theory in isolation.
Unit Details
Refer to the College Board’s official Course and Exam Description for the full list of topics.
This is one of the 8 units of AP Music Theory. Our team guides students to continually connect theory (intervals, chords, voice leading) with hands-on ear training — not just memorizing theory in isolation.
Unit Details
Refer to the College Board’s official Course and Exam Description for the full list of topics.
This is one of the 8 units of AP Music Theory. Our team guides students to continually connect theory (intervals, chords, voice leading) with hands-on ear training — not just memorizing theory in isolation.
Unit Details
Refer to the College Board’s official Course and Exam Description for the full list of topics.
This is one of the 8 units of AP Music Theory. Our team guides students to continually connect theory (intervals, chords, voice leading) with hands-on ear training — not just memorizing theory in isolation.
Unit Details
Refer to the College Board’s official Course and Exam Description for the full list of topics.
This is one of the 8 units of AP Music Theory. Our team guides students to continually connect theory (intervals, chords, voice leading) with hands-on ear training — not just memorizing theory in isolation.
Unit Details
Refer to the College Board’s official Course and Exam Description for the full list of topics.
This is one of the 8 units of AP Music Theory. Our team guides students to continually connect theory (intervals, chords, voice leading) with hands-on ear training — not just memorizing theory in isolation.
Unit Details
Refer to the College Board’s official Course and Exam Description for the full list of topics.
This is one of the 8 units of AP Music Theory. Our team guides students to continually connect theory (intervals, chords, voice leading) with hands-on ear training — not just memorizing theory in isolation.
Unit Details
Refer to the College Board’s official Course and Exam Description for the full list of topics.
This is one of the 8 units of AP Music Theory. Our team guides students to continually connect theory (intervals, chords, voice leading) with hands-on ear training — not just memorizing theory in isolation.
Full learning track: ~30 weeks (24–33 weeks depending on student level) · Materials: AP Classroom + Gia Su AP internal materials · Source: Official College Board CED
Target score distribution for our Music Theory students — May 2026 season.
Track goal: 75%+ of students score a 5, and 95%+ score a 4-5. Compare with the global score distribution so you and your child can clearly see the target position.
Gia Su AP Target — Music Theory (2026 Season)
Global Average
Five competencies our team helps your child master.
The College Board scores AP Music Theory across 5 "Course Skills": Analyze Performed Music (aural), Analyze Notated Music, Convert Between Performed & Notated Music, Complete Based on Cues, and Express Through Performance. Our track ensures students master all 5, with special strength in aural skills.
Reading & Analyzing Scores
One of 6 core competencies assessed by the College Board throughout the course.
Music Dictation by Ear
One of 6 core competencies assessed by the College Board throughout the course.
Four-Part Harmony Writing
One of 6 core competencies assessed by the College Board throughout the course.
Sight Singing
One of 6 core competencies assessed by the College Board throughout the course.
Form Analysis
One of 6 core competencies assessed by the College Board throughout the course.
Applying Voice Leading Rules
One of 6 core competencies assessed by the College Board throughout the course.
Sample question — Melodic Dictation.
This is FRQ Question 1 (Melodic Dictation) on AP Music Theory — the "ear training" section. Students hear a melody played 4 times and must transcribe it as notes on the staff.
Prompt: You will hear a melody in D major, in 4/4 time, 4 measures long. The melody will be played 4 times, with a 30-second pause between each playing. Transcribe the full melody on the staff, including both pitches and rhythm.
Tempo: ♩ = 92 BPM (Andante).
9-point College Board scoring rubric:
- A. Pitch (5 points): Each correct pitch = 1 point (8 notes to transcribe, not counting the given note). Off by 1 step = -0.5 pt, off by more than 1 step = -1 pt.
- B. Rhythm (3 points): Each measure with correct rhythm = 0.75 pt. Total of 4 measures = 3 pts.
- C. Notation accuracy (1 point): Correct clef (treble), D major key signature (2 sharps), correctly placed bar lines, and correct stem direction.
4-listen strategy (from High Scorers):
• Listen 1: WRITE NOTHING. Just "feel" the entire melody — does the line go up or down? Are there large leaps? Where is the climax?
• Listen 2: Write rhythm first using tab/dash notation (e.g., ♩ ♩ ♪ ♪ ♩ ♩) — don’t worry about pitch yet.
• Listen 3: Fill in pitch using solfège (do-re-mi-fa-sol-la-ti). Start from the first note (D = do) → identify whether the next note is re or mi.
• Listen 4: Check & correct. Pay special attention to the end of the phrase, which usually returns to the tonic (D).
Common pitfalls: confusing M2 and m2 (whole step vs half step), missing syncopation, wrong key signature (forgetting the 2 sharps F# C# in D major).
→ Our tip: for Melodic Dictation, practice sight-singing daily with solfège. If a student can "sing" the melody in their head, they can transcribe accurately. We teach using the movable do system per the AP standard.
5 Music Theory tutors — carefully selected by our team.
Each of our tutors must pass an internal exam equivalent to the May exam — scoring a minimum of 90% correct. All have strong backgrounds in Music Theory / Composition / Music Education and extensive experience teaching ear training to Vietnamese students.
Tutors Currently Being Selected
Our team is currently in the process of selecting and verifying AP Music Theory tutor profiles — as this is a niche subject, the pool is limited; all have strong Music Theory / Composition backgrounds and experience teaching 1-on-1 to Vietnamese students. To be matched with a tutor suited to your child’s goals, you can book a free consultation.
Register to Be Introduced to a TutorPublic tutor profiles expected: Q3 2026
Four pricing plans, based on your child’s goals.
The four packages above are a reference framework to help you and your child choose easily. Our team will recommend the most suitable plan based on current level, target score, and time remaining before the May exam.
* Pricing does not include VAT.
* Listed prices are for reference and may be adjusted based on target score.
* Pricing applies to 1-on-1 online classes; in-person sessions at our office cost more.
Our Music Theory students are now at top music schools worldwide.
Below are our most recent students who have completed the AP Music Theory track with our team. Many are studying at top music schools — Berklee College of Music, NEC, Eastman, USC Thornton — or Liberal Arts colleges with strong Music programs.
Student success stories will be published after the May 2026 AP exam, with official written consent from students and parents.
Common questions from parents and students.
A roundup of the questions you and your child ask most often. If you need personalized advice, you can book a free consultation with one of our advisors.
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