Advanced Placement

Music Theory
EM High’s Music Theory is a specialized course that focuses on the student’s development in the
following five major areas of musical understanding: aural, sight-singing, writing, compositional
skills and analytical skills. Students are strongly recommended to have some previous
understanding of musical notation and performance. These skills will be further built to assist
the students understand and describe the basic materials and processes of music that are heard
or presented in a score. Students will dictate melodic and harmonic phrases and intervals;
deconstruct an existing piece of music to better understand how it was originally created; sing
simple melodies at first sight; and create their own unique compositions. Music Theory is musical
enrichment for those already actively involved in learning and performing music. Students will
display with pride their accomplishments through various performances. The Music Theory Exam
will be both multiple choice and written free-response.
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“I’m in the AP program and it’s really challenging, but in a good way. I’ve learned so much and am really proud
of my accomplishments”. Ryan N.