AP® Music Theory

Girls-Only & ​All-Gender Course; Prerequisite - Ability to read at least one clef of music and proficiency in an instrument or voice; Full-year course
COURSE DESCRIPTION
AP® Music Theory is an intensive, fast-paced course which aims to increase students’ overall musicianship and prepare them for the AP® Music Theory Exam. Students will begin to look at music on a deeper level and relate theory to their personal instrument, experiencing growth in performance and technicality. There are both aural and analytical components to the class: students will learn to sight sing, analyze a variety of genres, and strengthen their ear. Students will have the chance to compose and perform original compositions as well as explore different fields of the music world. AP® Music Theory starts with the basics (clef reading, scales, and chords) and continues all the way up to a college-level theory course (harmonic and form analysis, modulation). This is a crucial course for students looking to pursue music professionally or for anyone who wants to pursue their passion in music. AP® Music Theory students often pass out of entry-level theory classes in college and use this course to help them on theory entrance exams. 
WHAT STUDENTS SAY

"I just want to say that while this is a really challenging course (probably one of the most challenging I've taken in my high school years thus far!), I'm so, so, so happy I decided to take it. Not only is music theory something I'm passionate about. It's now something I'm becoming good at, and the more I work on my skills, the more I know I will improve! This course is so interactive and I actually look forward to many of the assignments. I feel inspired to succeed and even if I don't end up doing music professionally, I know taking this course was a great idea!"

“While learning triads and seventh chords, I found myself again trying to apply the materials to my piano scores. I had developed a habit of trying to see the quality of the chords or the change of the chords in my music. Although it still takes me some time to figure all of them out, it is really great to be able to understand my  music a little bit more.”

WHAT STUDENTS DO
Learning is an active process at One Schoolhouse. Students design, create and apply. And, they engage with classmates and connect with their teachers through discussions, video conferences, and projects. Specifically, in this class students will:
  • Set goals that drive their learning. Students reflect regularly on their growth, and meet on video chat with their online teacher to review progress towards their goals.
  • Have choice in how they learn new content and practice new skills. Students are given agency to determine the best ways for them to learn.
  • Apply what they are learning to the real world. Learning is meaningful and connects to concepts outside the classroom.
  • Practice constructive engagement in a diverse and changing world. Students interact with classmates from across the country and around the world.
  • Gain academic maturity. Online learning takes greater discipline and independence than a traditional face-to-face classroom. Teachers support students to build this skill.
MEET A TEACHER FOR THIS COURSE
SIGNATURE ACTIVITIES
Examples of signature activities and projects for this course are:
  • 12 Bar Blues Project: Compose and perform a piece using the 12 Bar Blues progression
  • Music Therapy Pathway: Explore the field of music therapy by listening to a song and drawing the feelings it creates
  • Figured Bass Newscast: With a partner, create a 4-minute news special on figured bass and its disappearance. ​
COURSE APPROVAL
This course is approved by the College Board.

One Schoolhouse is fully accredited with the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges through December 1, 2025; we are an approved online publisher for the University of California. 
Charlotte Evans
Arts Teacher
BS Towson University