AP Music Theory

Advanced Placement Music Theory covering musical notation, harmony, and composition.

Musical Notation BasicsScales and Key SignaturesIntervals and Chords
Voice Leading and Part WritingAdvanced Harmonic FunctionsComposition Techniques
Analyzing Sheet MusicArranging and PerformingCreating Original Music
Effective Sight-ReadingAcing the AP Music Theory Exam
Musical Notation Bas...Scales and Key Signa...Intervals and ChordsVoice Leading and Pa...Advanced Harmonic Fu...Composition Techniqu...Analyzing Sheet Musi...Arranging and Perfor...Creating Original Mu...Effective Sight-Read...Acing the AP Music T...
Practical Applications

Arranging and Performing

Arranging and Performing Music

Arranging means taking a piece of music and adapting it for different instruments, voices, or styles. Performing is bringing that music to life!

Arranging Tips

  • Change the key to suit your group's range.
  • Add or remove instruments to fit your ensemble.
  • Reharmonize chords for a fresh sound.

Performing Skills

  • Practice sight-reading (playing music you’ve never seen before).
  • Work on expressive techniques—dynamics, tempo changes, and articulation.

Why It Matters

Arranging and performing help you collaborate, innovate, and connect with audiences everywhere.

Examples

  • A jazz combo rearranges a pop song for saxophone, bass, and drums.

  • A choir transposes a song to fit their singers’ voices.

Next
Creating Original Music