AP Music Theory FRQ how to answer the free response.
The AP Music Theory FRQ section is 55% of your exam score, and it is the most hands-on free response of any AP: you take dictation by ear, write four-part harmony, harmonize a melody, and sing. Here is what the questions ask, how they are scored, and how to earn the points.
What the AP Music Theory free response looks like
Section II has two parts. The written portion is 7 questions worth 45% of your total score, done on paper: melodic dictation, harmonic dictation, part-writing from a figured bass, part-writing from Roman numerals, and composing or harmonizing a melody. The sight-singing portion is 2 questions worth 10%, where you sing and record two short, mostly diatonic melodies.
For each sight-singing melody you get the starting pitch, 75 seconds to practice aloud, and 60 seconds to perform. The written questions reward accurate notation and correct voice leading; the singing rewards staying in tune and in tempo without stopping.
The free-response questions, by type
How the AP Music Theory FRQ is scored
Each question is scored against its own rubric with generous partial credit. Dictation earns points for correct pitches and correct rhythms, counted separately, so a right rhythm with a wrong note still scores. Part-writing rewards correct chords and correct voice leading — parallel fifths and octaves, unresolved leading tones, and voice-crossing all cost points even when the chords are right. Sight-singing is scored on pitch accuracy, rhythmic accuracy, and continuity.
Because the points are spread across every measure and voice, attempt everything: a partial dictation or an imperfect realization still earns most of its available credit.
Where students lose the most points
How to practice the AP Music Theory FRQ
Drill each skill daily, because none can be crammed. Take a short dictation every day until notating by ear is automatic, work part-writing exercises and check them against the voice-leading rules, and — most importantly — sight-sing out loud every day so the 60-second clock does not rattle you.
Use the full AP Music Theory review guide to connect the free response to the rest of the exam, and run a practice raw score through the score calculator to see where you land.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers — written by humans, not a chatbot.
How many free-response questions are on AP Music Theory?
Nine in total: seven written questions worth 45% of your score — melodic and harmonic dictation, part-writing, and harmonization — plus two sight-singing questions worth 10%.
Do you sing on the AP Music Theory free response?
Yes. The sight-singing portion has you sing and record two short, mostly diatonic melodies. You get 75 seconds to practice each aloud, then 60 seconds to perform it.
What is part-writing on the AP Music Theory exam?
Writing four-part harmony — soprano, alto, tenor, and bass — from a figured bass or a Roman-numeral progression, following voice-leading rules like avoiding parallel fifths and octaves.
How is the AP Music Theory FRQ scored?
Each question is scored against a rubric: dictation on correct pitches and rhythms, part-writing on correct chords and voice leading, and sight-singing on pitch, rhythm, and continuity, with partial credit.
How do I get full marks on the AP Music Theory FRQ?
Drill dictation by ear, follow the voice-leading rules exactly in part-writing, and practice sight-singing aloud daily so you can keep going without stopping under the clock.