AP Music Theory

Learning objectives

• Construct natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scales and explain how each differs
• Identify and classify all interval types (major, minor, perfect, augmented, diminished) by quality and size
• Distinguish monophonic, homophonic, polyphonic, and heterophonic musical textures by ear and on a score
• Identify the four orchestral instrument families and describe their characteristic timbres
• Analyze melodic contour, range, and phrase structure in simple melodies

Learning objectives

• Build and identify the four triad qualities (major, minor, diminished, augmented) from any root
• Construct and identify the five seventh chord types (Maj7, Mm7, m7, dim7, half-dim7)
• Notate and identify triad and seventh chord inversions using figured bass symbols
• Label diatonic triads and seventh chords in major and minor keys using Roman numeral analysis
• Hear and identify chord quality (major, minor, diminished, augmented) in aural exercises

Learning objectives

• Classify chords by harmonic function (tonic, predominant, dominant) in major and minor keys
• Identify authentic (PAC/IAC), half, plagal, and deceptive cadences by ear and in notation
• Analyze phrase structure including antecedent-consequent periods and sentence form
• Apply four-part voice leading rules: avoid parallel fifths and octaves, resolve tendency tones
• Write a correct SATB harmonization of a simple chord progression in root position

Learning objectives

• Realize common chord progressions (I-IV-V-I, I-ii-V-I, I-vi-IV-V) in four-part SATB writing
• Explain the predominant function of IV and ii chords and their role in approaching the dominant
• Apply voice leading rules when writing chords in first and second inversion
• Analyze harmonic rhythm in a musical passage and describe its effect on phrasing
• Identify and correct common voice leading errors in four-part writing (spacing, doubling, parallels)

Learning objectives

• Identify all common non-chord tone types: passing tone, neighbor tone, suspension, retardation, appoggiatura, escape tone, anticipation, pedal tone
• Distinguish accented non-chord tones from unaccented non-chord tones based on metric placement
• Analyze motivic development techniques: repetition, sequence, inversion, retrograde, augmentation, diminution
• Identify tonal and real sequences and describe their role in building musical momentum
• Explain how melodic embellishment contributes to phrase interest while maintaining harmonic clarity

Learning objectives

• Identify and resolve secondary dominant chords (V/x and vii-dim/x) and label them with slash notation
• Distinguish tonicization (brief, returns to home key) from modulation (sustained new tonal center)
• Analyze borrowed chords (modal mixture) and explain how they create expressive contrast
• Recognize Neapolitan sixth chords (bII6) and augmented sixth chords (It+6, Fr+6, Ger+6) in analysis
• Voice-lead chromatic chords correctly, resolving altered tones by step in the expected direction

Learning objectives

• Construct and identify all seven diatonic modes and describe each mode's characteristic interval
• Explain how modes differ from major and minor scales in terms of their unique half-step placements
• Analyze binary (AB), ternary (ABA), rondo (ABACA), and sonata-allegro forms in real compositions
• Identify theme-and-variations form and describe how each variation transforms the theme
• Apply formal analysis to label structural sections, transitions, and codas in a full score