Ap Music Theory Calculator

AP Music Theory Score Calculator

Multiple Choice (MCQ)

Includes Aural and Non-Aural sections.

Dictation & Part-Writing

Composition & Analysis

Sight Singing

Total score for both singing melodies.

Your Estimated AP Score:

5

Composite Score: 0 / 200

function calculateAPScore() { var mcqRaw = parseFloat(document.getElementById('mcq_score').value) || 0; var s1s2 = parseFloat(document.getElementById('s1s2').value) || 0; var s3s4 = parseFloat(document.getElementById('s3s4').value) || 0; var s5s6 = parseFloat(document.getElementById('s5s6').value) || 0; var s7 = parseFloat(document.getElementById('s7').value) || 0; var ss = parseFloat(document.getElementById('sighting').value) || 0; // Enforce Maximums if (mcqRaw > 75) mcqRaw = 75; if (s1s2 > 18) s1s2 = 18; if (s3s4 > 48) s3s4 = 48; if (s5s6 > 17) s5s6 = 17; if (s7 > 9) s7 = 9; if (ss > 18) ss = 18; // AP Music Theory Weighted Formula (Approximated based on historical curves) // MCQ (45%): 75 questions * 1.2 = 90 points // FRQ (55%): Total raw points is 110. Weighted approx 1:1. var mcqWeighted = mcqRaw * 1.2; var frqRawTotal = s1s2 + s3s4 + s5s6 + s7 + ss; var frqWeighted = frqRawTotal * 1.0; var composite = mcqWeighted + frqWeighted; var finalScore = 1; // Typical Score Curve (Varies by year, this is a standard estimate) if (composite >= 135) { finalScore = 5; } else if (composite >= 115) { finalScore = 4; } else if (composite >= 90) { finalScore = 3; } else if (composite >= 70) { finalScore = 2; } else { finalScore = 1; } var resultDiv = document.getElementById('score_result'); var digitDiv = document.getElementById('ap_digit'); var compositeDiv = document.getElementById('composite_val'); resultDiv.style.display = 'block'; digitDiv.innerText = finalScore; compositeDiv.innerText = 'Composite Score: ' + Math.round(composite) + ' / 200'; // Color coding if (finalScore >= 4) digitDiv.style.color = '#27ae60'; else if (finalScore == 3) digitDiv.style.color = '#f39c12'; else digitDiv.style.color = '#e74c3c'; resultDiv.scrollIntoView({ behavior: 'smooth', block: 'nearest' }); }

Understanding the AP Music Theory Score Breakdown

The AP Music Theory exam is one of the most comprehensive arts exams offered by the College Board. It evaluates your ability to recognize, understand, and describe the basic materials and processes of music that are heard or presented in a score. This calculator uses the standard weighting system to provide an estimate of your 1-5 score.

Section I: Multiple Choice (45% of Total Score)

This section consists of approximately 75 questions. It is divided into two parts:

• Aural Section: Questions based on audio prompts, testing your ability to identify intervals, chords, meter, and melodic/harmonic patterns by ear.
• Non-Aural Section: Questions based on printed scores, testing your knowledge of music terminology, score analysis, and theory fundamentals.

Section II: Free Response (55% of Total Score)

The Free Response section is where many students find the most challenge. It consists of written exercises and sight-singing:

Question Type	Max Points
Melodic Dictation (S1, S2)	18 (9 per melody)
Harmonic Dictation (S3, S4)	48 (24 per exercise)
Part Writing (S5, S6)	17 (7 for FB, 10 for RN)
Melody Composition (S7)	9
Sight Singing (SS1, SS2)	18 (9 per melody)

Example Score Calculation

Suppose a student achieves the following results:

• Multiple Choice: 55 correct answers. (55 * 1.2 = 66 weighted points)
• Free Response: A total raw score of 70 out of 110. (70 * 1.0 = 70 weighted points)
• Composite Score: 66 + 70 = 136.
• Result: A composite of 136 typically earns a Score of 5.

Tips for Success

• Practice Dictation Daily: Use software or apps to practice melodic and harmonic dictation, as these carry massive weight in the FRQ section.
• Master Roman Numeral Analysis: Understanding the function of chords is essential for both the MCQ and the Part-Writing sections.
• Don't Neglect Sight Singing: It is only 10% of the total score, but it is often the "make or break" for students aiming for a 5.
• Learn the "Checklist" for Part Writing: Avoid parallel fifths and octaves at all costs; they are the most common ways to lose points in S5 and S6.