Episode 40 has practice FRQ dictations.
Episode 40 has practice FRQ dictations. One rhythmic only (1:26) to warm you up for doing rhythmic and melodic. The melodic dictation (3:44) and harmonic dictation (9:00) are administered almost exactly as they would be on the exam.
Question of the day: How long is the FRQ section of the exam? (15:22)
Thank you for listening to The APsolute RecAP: Music Theory Edition!
(AP is a registered trademark of the College Board and is not affiliated with The APsolute RecAP. Copyright 2021 - The APsolute RecAP, LLC. All rights reserved.)
Website:
EMAIL:
Follow Us:
Hi and welcome to the APsolute Recap: Music Theory Edition. Today’s episode will recap Dictation
Lets Zoom out:
We’re in Unit #1-3 of Music Fundamentals
Topic 1.1-3.5
Our Big ideas are rhythm and pitch
Dictations will appear in the AP Music Theory Exam as an FRQ. There will be two melodic dictations and two harmonic dictations, each conducted with a recording. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: this skill basically turns musicians into magicians. You can wow your friends with your ability to replicate and name aspects of music you are casually listening to together.
Lets Zoom in:
Although there is no specific section of the exam with just rhythmic dictation, it can be a great exercise to do to warm up for more difficult dictations. This example will be four measures with a 6/8 time signature and has no rests. Since this is not officially part of the exam, there will be three listenings, each with 30 seconds to work.
Here is the first listening followed by 30 seconds to work. (Rhythm)
Here is the second listening followed by 30 seconds to work. (Rhythm)
Here is the final listening followed by 30 seconds to work. (Rhythm)
The answer is: three eighth notes, dotted quarter, quarter, eighth, quarter, eighth, dotted quarter, three eighth notes, eighth, quarter, eighth, quarter.
Now onto a melodic dictation, where you will also be expected to notate the rhythm. To make it true to the exam, the melody will be played three times, with 30 seconds two work after the first, and 60 seconds to work after the second and third. The melody you will hear is in four measures, uses no rests, is in common time, has two flats in the key signature and will be played on trombone. This is your starting pitch Bb.
Here is the first listening followed by 30 seconds to work. (Melody)
Here is the second listening followed by 60 seconds to work. (Melody)
Here is the final listening followed by 60 seconds to work. (Melody)
The rhythmic answer is: two quarters, four eighths, half, three quarters, six eighths, two quarters, half.
The melodic answer is: Bb2, C3, F3, Eb3, D3, C3, F2, G2, A2, Bb2, G3, Eb3, F3, D3, Eb3, C3, Bb2, F3 and Bb2.
Last, here is a harmonic dictation. Using Roman Numeral analysis, indicate the chord being used. Keep in mind that upper and lower case should indicate major or minor chords. Use Arabic Numerals to indicate the inversion of the chord. You only need to notate the soprano and bass notes in common time with one sharp in the key signature. The first chord is labeled Roman Numeral one in root position. You will get to listen to the 9 chords through a total of four times. Before we get started, I recommend that you use any extra work time to pencil in all possible chord possibilities with the notes that you do hear. It may also be good to reserve one listening for the soprano, and one for the bass.
Here is the first listening followed by 30 seconds to work. (Harmonic)
Here is the second listening followed by 60 seconds to work. (Harmonic)
Here is the third listening followed by 60 seconds to work. (Harmonic)
Here is the final listening followed by 60 seconds to work. (Harmonic)
The answer for the soprano line is: G5, G5, G5, A5, B5, A5, G5, F#5, G5.
The answer for the bass line is: G2, C3, B2, A2, G2, C2, D2, D2, G2.
The chord analysis is: I, IV, I6, viiO6, I, ii6, I6/4, V7, I.
To recap……
There will be two melodic and two harmonic dictations on the exam. Each dictation will last about five minutes and are conducted with a timed recording. You will have three listenings for melodic dictations, and four listenings for harmonic dictations.
Coming up next on the Apsolute RecAP Music Theory Edition: Voice Leading
Today’s Question of the day is about the AP Music Theory Exam
Question: How long is the FRQ section of the exam?