AP Music Theory (AP Music Theory) Exam Blueprint

AP Music Theory

180 minDuration
3/1–5Passing Score
$98Price
Practice AP Music Theory on QuizForge

Exam Domains

1 Music Fundamentals I: Pitch, Major Scales and Key Signatures, Rhythm, Meter, and Expressive Elements Weight not published
2 Music Fundamentals II: Minor Scales and Key Signatures, Melody, Timbre, and Texture Weight not published
3 Music Fundamentals III: Triads and Seventh Chords Weight not published
4 Harmony and Voice Leading I: Chord Function, Cadence, and Phrase Weight not published
5 Harmony and Voice Leading II: Chord Progressions and Predominant Chords Weight not published
6 Harmony and Voice Leading III: Secondary Function Weight not published
7 Harmony and Voice Leading IV: Extended and Altered Harmonies Weight not published
8 Musical Form and Analysis Weight not published
9 Sight-Singing Weight not published

Exam Details

Question TypesMultiple Choice, Free Response
FormatPaper-based; two sections: multiple choice and free response. Administered at school in May. AP Studio Art/Drawing: portfolio submission. AP Research/Seminar: academic paper and oral presentation.
Online ProctoringNot available
ID RequirementsSchool ID or government-issued photo ID required. Name on registration must match ID exactly.
RenewalNot required -- AP scores never expire; once earned, scores are valid indefinitely.
Retake PolicyAP exams are offered once per year in May. Students may retake the exam in a subsequent year; there is no same-year retake. Scores from all attempts are reported to colleges unless the student requests score cancellation.

Official Study Resources