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AP Music Theory Past Papers & Drilling: Scales, Intervals, Harmony, Cadences
TUTORZONE ORIGINAL DRILLING MOCK · AP MUSIC THEORY
Written to the College Board exam format: Section I multiple choice, 75 questions, ~1 h 20 min, 45%; Section II free response (written), 7 questions, ~1 h 10 min, 45% (2 melodic dictation + 2 harmonic dictation + part writing from figured bass + from Roman numerals), plus ~10% sight-singing. This drilling mock demonstrates 8 questions with answers and techniques.
What is in the AP Music Theory exam?
Direct answer: multiple choice 75 questions, 45%; free response (written) 7 questions, 45%; sight-singing ~10%.
Assessment at a glance (2027)
| Component | Content | Weighting | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section II (Free Response, written) | 7: dictation + part writing | 45% | ~1 h 10 min |
| Section I (Multiple Choice) | 75 questions, ~13 sets + individual | 45% | ~1 h 20 min |
AP Music Theory drilling technique: key signatures follow F-C-G-D-A-E-B; count letter names then quality for intervals; recognise V-I (authentic) and IV-I (plagal) cadences. Fix key and metre first in dictation.
How this paper was built
This is a TutorZone original drilling mock: the questions follow the College Board AP Music Theory format and the answers are our own, not College Board past papers or marking references.
Pacing
| Section | Marks | Suggested time | What to do first |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section II (Free Response, written) | 45% | about 10 min per question | dictation + Roman numerals |
| Section I (Multiple Choice) | 45% | about 1 min per question | aural + theory analysis |
What is the interval from C to G?
Direct answer: a perfect fifth.
Theory drilling (8 demonstrated)
Demonstrates key signatures, intervals, triads, harmony, cadences and dictation.
Question 1 (8 marks)
Write the key signature of D major.
Question 2 (8 marks)
What is the interval from C up to G?
Question 3 (8 marks)
What triad is C-E-G?
Question 4 (8 marks)
In C major, which chord does ‘V’ represent?
Question 5 (8 marks)
Explain what a chord inversion is.
Question 6 (8 marks)
How many eighth notes are in a 6/8 bar?
Question 7 (8 marks)
Explain a cadence and give an example.
Question 8 (8 marks)
State three steps for melodic dictation.
What is an authentic cadence?
Direct answer: the V-I cadence (dominant to tonic).
Answers and marks per question
Question 1
D major has two sharps (F#, C#) (8).
Question 2
C up to G is a perfect fifth (8).
Question 3
C-E-G is a C major triad (8).
Question 4
In C major, V is the G major triad (G-B-D) (8).
Question 5
An inversion puts the third or fifth (not the root) in the bass, changing the bass but not the chord (8).
Question 6
A 6/8 bar has six eighth notes, grouped as two threes (8).
Question 7
A cadence is a closing formula (5); e.g. an authentic cadence, V-I (3).
Question 8
(1) Identify key and metre (3). (2) Note the skeleton notes and intervals (3). (3) Fill in rhythm and ornaments (2).
Which topics does this paper drill?
Direct answer: key signatures, intervals, triads, harmony, inversions, metre, cadences and dictation.
Where these marks are usually lost
| Mistake | What it looks like | What it costs | Instead |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key signature order | D major with 3 sharps | D major has 2 sharps (F#, C#) | two sharps |
| Interval by semitones only | Count semitones only | Count letter names then quality | C-G = perfect fifth |
| Cadence mixed | IV-I as authentic | V-I is authentic | V-I authentic, IV-I plagal |
How to use this paper
First drill: all 8 questions with no references.
Mark it: check key signatures, intervals and cadences.
Second drill: redo three to seven days later, aiming for a faster finish.
What should I do after drilling this paper?
Direct answer: log questions with wrong key signatures or cadences; redo in three to seven days; and drill dictation and sight-singing.
FAQ
Is this a College Board past paper?
No. The questions and answers are TutorZone originals, not College Board past papers or marking references.
What does AP Music Theory test?
Multiple choice 75 questions (45%) + free response 7 (45%) + sight-singing (~10%).
What is the interval from C to G?
A perfect fifth.
Official references
| Resource | What to check |
|---|---|
| College Board AP Music Theory exam page | Confirm the format and question counts |
| https://www.tutorzone.com.hk/en-igcse-music-0410-paper-1-mock-2027/ | IGCSE Music drilling mock |
Related: practice area · IGCSE Music drilling mock
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