AP Music Theory- super hard class?

[Anonymous]

Did your DC take AP Music Theory? Thoughts? DD is in 9th grade and she's thinking of taking it next year because she has a spot in her schedule. I am concerned purely because I have heard people say "it's so hard!" but I know nothing beyond that.

Music-wise, and we are in NY so I realize this probably means nothing to you, but she's on the highest level for "NYSSMA" - a music competition we have here- (level 6) this year, and she received scores of A+ last year in L5 for both piano and voice. It's hard to explain, but that's relatively advanced. She's also in a well regarded regional choir and the honors choir at school.

Academically she is very strong and will take 1-2 APs next year in addition to this. She's on the "performing arts track" so she will need to take AP Music Theory eventually. I'm wondering if she should wait until she's a senior, maybe the additional music experience will help. But she'll probably be in ~5 APs by then so maybe it's better to take it as a sophomore with a relatively lighter load. Please let me know what your DC thought of the class- thank you!

[Anonymous]

I have heard the same thing and my kid is starting to wonder when to take it too. One thing I am considering is that if my kid takes it as a senior, he does not really have to stress about the exam itself, because he will be a senior and already into college (and likely won't need the credit). Just something else to consider...

[Anonymous]

My kid took it a long time ago and yes it was hard—she took about 10 AP classes and most were easier—but she did ok on the exam. I don’t think your kid’s natural musical and voice abilities have anything to do with the subject matter of the course and will make it any easier for her though.

[Anonymous]

My daughter is an advanced violinist and she has no desire to take AP Music at all. I looked into it a while ago - I was curious, since I took a solfege class alongside my piano lessons as a kid. It seems like it might be tough for someone who has has no previous exposure to solfege, and the very specific listening skills required. but since she appears to be a bright and serious student, and she has her ear trained with many different types of music... why not? With tough AP classes, a lot depends on the teacher. The good ones do a lot to support their students. Maybe inquire how the teacher is. If they're not great, you might have to get a tutor, or ask her private music teacher.

[Anonymous]

My musician took it in 9th. They didn’t think it was hard BUT had music theory experience at prior to taking the class. I’m not familiar with the competition you mentioned, but based on what you are describing, I think your kid will be fine.

[Anonymous]

Does your kid know how to transpose music? My kid was told this is a helpful skill to have before taking AP Music Theory

[Anonymous]

My kid is a very strong instrumentalist who took music theory last year along with other APs, also in sophomore year. They did not regret taking the class at all and it was very rewarding. However, I would not say it was easy, even with a music background. Mine could already sight read and sight sing without much effort, so they found some aspects of the class and exam easy, but there were also some parts that they found difficult. They had to work to learn four-part harmony and voice leading, and they said some aural questions were really hard. Mine would have been disappointed to receive a 4, so the lead up to the exam was a little nerve wracking. But with a strong music background, the class is doable and even enjoyable. I would not suggest this class for a kid who isn't really that into music, but it sounds like your DD is.

[Anonymous]

DD also took as sophomore, piano at conservatory through 8th grade. she said the aural component was the hardest part but received a 5 on AP exam. i don't think it matters whether you take it earlier vs later but her classes became progressively more challenging, so i do think it was better that she took it earlier.

[Anonymous]

Just a suggestion op, do NOT put out so many thorough details about your child on an online forum. Just say she’s musically talented.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just a suggestion op, do NOT put out so many thorough details about your child on an online forum. Just say she’s musically talented.

Don't be ridiculous. There's no way anyone can identify this kid.

[Anonymous]

My kid is an extraordinary musician and the class itself was not hard. The exam was was very hard. You have to listen and sing and all sorts of things. He got a 4 on the exam and was really pleased. You can see the breakdown of scores online and it’s a tough one. If she loves it, though, she will likely do fine. She sounds like she has a good knowledge base. Also, my son had a great teacher. Maybe you can ask around and see if the teacher is strong. That might push your decision one way or the other.

[Anonymous]

DC self studied for the AP test and got a 5 and the aural portion was a 4.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Did your DC take AP Music Theory? Thoughts? DD is in 9th grade and she's thinking of taking it next year because she has a spot in her schedule. I am concerned purely because I have heard people say "it's so hard!" but I know nothing beyond that.

Music-wise, and we are in NY so I realize this probably means nothing to you, but she's on the highest level for "NYSSMA" - a music competition we have here- (level 6) this year, and she received scores of A+ last year in L5 for both piano and voice. It's hard to explain, but that's relatively advanced. She's also in a well regarded regional choir and the honors choir at school.

Academically she is very strong and will take 1-2 APs next year in addition to this. She's on the "performing arts track" so she will need to take AP Music Theory eventually. I'm wondering if she should wait until she's a senior, maybe the additional music experience will help. But she'll probably be in ~5 APs by then so maybe it's better to take it as a sophomore with a relatively lighter load. Please let me know what your DC thought of the class- thank you!

she should be fine - my kid is similar situation two years ago.

[Anonymous]

My DS is taking it now as a senior. He is not academically oriented at all, and this is the only AP he will take in high school (our HS does not make it easy to take APs, must be recommended for AP by a teacher, Freshman are not allowed to take any, Sophomores are allowed to take 2 maximum). He is not a member of the HS band or chorus, but he writes songs, is in a rock band and plays guitar and piano, and learned some theory on his own, he was recommended by his digital music production teacher.

Anyway, he is getting a B+ in the course which is a very good grade for him. It is a lot of work, and he has a lot of homework for the class every day. The teacher stressed it would be a challenging course, but he likes the material, he wants to major in music in college so doesn't mind the work. Obviously don't have any idea at this point what his test score will be.

It sounds like your daughter would do well and sophomore year might be the right time for it.

[Anonymous]

My DD with 8 yrs of piano study really loved the class. It’s tough but if you have music knowledge already, should not be an issue. It’s a tough AP test (DD got a 3 but 4s and 5s on all sorts of other history, language and science APs so that should tell you something!) but it’s a great class and there wasn’t much homework so… that’s nice if they have a lot of other rigorous classes. I’d recommend if your kid likes music.