The APsolute RecAP: Music Theory Edition

The APsolute RecAP: Music Theory Edition is a guided review through the eight units of study. New episodes are released weekly and cover topics related to: pitch, scales, rhythm, meter, chords, cadence, melodic devices, modes and form. The podcast will also help prepare you for sight singing! Make sure to subscribe wherever you get podcasts, download the accompanying study guides for extra practice, and follow along on social media for the question of the day and course updates! The 2021 exam is on Wednesday, May 12th!

The APsolute RecAP: Music Theory Edition - Phrase Relationships

Episode 44 recaps motives, segments, sequences (1:02), phrases (1:54) and periods (2:14). Break it down in an example by Erik Satie (3:27) and then test yourself by labeling in the way you’d be expected to for the exam (6:12)Question of the day: What types of phrases are in the folk song “Cockles and Mussels?” (8:52)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 2022 - The APsolute RecAP, LLC. All rights reserved.)Website:www.theapsoluterecap.comEMAIL:TheAPsoluteRecAP@gmail.comFollow Us:INSTAGRAMTWITTERFACEBOOKYOUTUBE

01-27
09:43

The APsolute RecAP: Music Theory Edition - Part Writing

Episode 44 recaps types of secondary chords, a TLDR of voice leading rules (3:03), practice part writing tips (3:55), and listening examples (4:48).Question of the day: What would the roman numeral analysis be of the progression: C, Em, D, G, C? (5:39)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 2022 - The APsolute RecAP, LLC. All rights reserved.)Website:www.theapsoluterecap.comEMAIL:TheAPsoluteRecAP@gmail.comFollow Us:INSTAGRAMTWITTERFACEBOOKYOUTUBE

01-13
06:34

The APsolute RecAP: Music Theory Edition - Sequences

Episode 43 discusses the two types of sequences: melodic and harmonic. Listen to examples by Bach (2:57), Tchaikovsky (4:19), and Holst (5:44).Question of the day: If the first motif of Bach’s Little Fugue starts with G, D, Bb, and the second voice enters with a sequence starting a perfect fourth below, what are the first three notes of the second sequence? (6:59)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:www.theapsoluterecap.comEMAIL:TheAPsoluteRecAP@gmail.comFollow Us:INSTAGRAMTWITTERFACEBOOKYOUTUBE

12-16
07:59

The APsolute RecAP: Music Theory Edition - Predominant Seventh Chords

Episode 42 will lead you through what classifies a predominant seventh chord (1:14), how voice leading rules apply (1:46), and all about the cadential 64 (3:49). Finish off with some major mode examples of progressions (4:40) and some in the minor mode as well (5:26).Question of the day: Which inversion of a supertonic seventh chord is the least common predominant chord? (6:25)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:www.theapsoluterecap.comEMAIL:TheAPsoluteRecAP@gmail.comFollow Us:INSTAGRAMTWITTERFACEBOOKYOUTUBE

12-02
07:19

The APsolute RecAP: Music Theory Edition - Voice Leading

Episode 41 recaps the rules around seventh chord progression voice leading (1:03) Dive into the example I-V4/3-I6 (3:47).Question of the day: What are the Arabic numerals for the root and each inversion of seventh chords? (5:53)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:www.theapsoluterecap.comEMAIL:TheAPsoluteRecAP@gmail.comFollow Us:INSTAGRAMTWITTERFACEBOOKYOUTUBE

11-18
06:45

The APsolute RecAP: Music Theory Edition - 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:www.theapsoluterecap.comEMAIL:TheAPsoluteRecAP@gmail.comFollow Us:INSTAGRAMTWITTERFACEBOOKYOUTUBE

11-05
16:13

The APsolute RecAP: Music Theory Edition - Seventh Chords

Episode 39 reviews how to find the quality of a seventh interval (1:19). Then dive into major-major seventh chords (1:43), major-minor seventh chords (2:08), minor-minor seventh chords (2:35), half diminished seventh chords (2:57), fully diminished seventh chords (3:29) and augmented seventh chords (3:47). Remind yourself of how to make each chord inversion (4:49) and finish with notating some practice examples (6:31).Question of the day: What are the pitches of an E augmented minor seventh chord? (9:00)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:www.theapsoluterecap.comEMAIL:TheAPsoluteRecAP@gmail.comFollow Us:INSTAGRAMTWITTERFACEBOOKYOUTUBE

10-21
09:52

The APsolute RecAP: Music Theory Edition - Key Relationships

Episode 38 has tips on how to identify a key signature without memorizing them all (0:49) and what keys would be common to modulate to (3:58). You can also double check what you need to know for the exam (7:31).Question of the day: What is the relative key of C# major? (8:03)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:www.theapsoluterecap.comEMAIL:TheAPsoluteRecAP@gmail.comFollow Us:INSTAGRAMTWITTERFACEBOOKYOUTUBE

10-07
08:55

The APsolute RecAP: Music Theory Edition - Rhythmic Patterns

Episode 37 walks through meter and time signature. Get some tips on identifying simple and compound (1:40) then for duple, triple and quadruple (1:58). Listen to examples of simple meter rhythmic patterns (4:00) and compound meter rhythmic patterns (4:45).Question of the day: Can you classify the meter of the time signature ¾? (6:11)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:www.theapsoluterecap.comEMAIL:TheAPsoluteRecAP@gmail.comFollow Us:INSTAGRAMTWITTERFACEBOOKYOUTUBE

09-30
07:02

The APsolute RecAP: Music Theory Edition - Pitch and Rhythm

Episode 36 truly aims to maximize your understanding and minimize your need for memorization. Understand exactly how the clefs work in order to never need to memorize a mnemonic device. Of course, I’ll throw in a few fun sentences just in case (1:33). Then, get a quick summary of all the rhythmic note and rest values (4:23).Question of the day: What is the name of the clef that is two lines or a rectangle? (5:57)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:www.theapsoluterecap.comEMAIL:TheAPsoluteRecAP@gmail.comFollow Us:INSTAGRAMTWITTERFACEBOOKYOUTUBE

09-16
06:48

The APsolute RecAP: Music Theory Edition - Modes and Form Listening Identification Quiz

Episode 35 has three listening questions to challenge you on your ability to identify modes and common formal sections. Question 1 (1:04), Question 2 (3:25) and Question 3 (4:35). Don’t forget these words of wisdom before taking your exam! (6:13)Question of the day: What notation navigation marker is a circle with a cross through it? (6:48)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:www.theapsoluterecap.comEMAIL:TheAPsoluteRecAP@gmail.comFollow Us:INSTAGRAMTWITTERFACEBOOKYOUTUBE

05-06
07:40

The APsolute RecAP: Music Theory Edition - Common Formal Sections

Episode 34 describes the different types of sections of music that you will need to be able to identify in multiple choice questions for the exam (1:03). Hear examples of these common formal sections in “Ubi Caritas” (3:42) and an APsolutely unique song parody (5:01).Question of the day: What does al segno mean? (10:47)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:www.theapsoluterecap.comEMAIL:TheAPsoluteRecAP@gmail.comFollow Us:INSTAGRAMTWITTERFACEBOOKYOUTUBE

04-29
11:38

The APsolute RecAP: Music Theory Edition - Modes

Episode 33 leads you through all seven modes with listening examples. Ionian (1:04), Dorian (1:49), Phrygian (2:26), Lydian (3:16), Mixolydian (5:24), Aeolian (6:10), and Locrian. (6:45)Question of the day: What mode starts on ti? (7:44)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:www.theapsoluterecap.comEMAIL:TheAPsoluteRecAP@gmail.comFollow Us:INSTAGRAMTWITTERFACEBOOKYOUTUBE

04-22
08:33

The APsolute RecAP: Music Theory Edition - Tonicization Through Secondary Leading Tone Chords

Episode 32 shows how secondary leading tones are resolved (1:13), how to make secondary leading tones on the most logical scale degrees (4:19), and how an example appears in Brahms Intermezzo Op.119, No.3 (6:53).Question of the day: In the key of A major, what would the secondary leading tone chord be for the dominant of this mode? (7:50)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:www.theapsoluterecap.comEMAIL:TheAPsoluteRecAP@gmail.comFollow Us:INSTAGRAMTWITTERFACEBOOKYOUTUBE

04-15
08:43

The APsolute RecAP: Music Theory Edition - Tonicization Through Secondary Dominant Chords

Episode 31 shows how to make secondary dominant chords (1:45) how to label them (2:43) and how to recognize them in two examples of music (3:59).Question of the day (6:44): In the key of D major, what would the secondary dominant chord be for the submediant of this mode?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:www.theapsoluterecap.comEMAIL:TheAPsoluteRecAP@gmail.comFollow Us:INSTAGRAMTWITTERFACEBOOKYOUTUBE

04-08
07:37

The APsolute RecAP: Music Theory Edition - Embellishing Tones Dictation

Episode 30 will test your knowledge on embellishing tones with 10 listening examples to identify (1:08). For further practice, notate each example in the key of C major.Question of the day: What type of embellishing tone from this episode will not likely show up on the AP exam? (6:06)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:www.theapsoluterecap.comEMAIL:TheAPsoluteRecAP@gmail.comFollow Us:INSTAGRAMTWITTERFACEBOOKYOUTUBE

04-01
06:59

The APsolute RecAP: Music Theory Edition - Suspensions and Retardations

Episode #29 shows the last two embellishing tones needed for the exam. Suspension (1:05) and retardations (1:54) are closely related. Listen to examples of both and quiz your ear at the end (3:29).Question of the day: What embellishing tone is approached by step and left by a leap? (4:35).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:www.theapsoluterecap.comEMAIL:TheAPsoluteRecAP@gmail.comFollow Us:INSTAGRAMTWITTERFACEBOOKYOUTUBE

03-25
05:26

The APsolute RecAP: Music Theory Edition - Appoggiaturas and Pedal Points

Episode 28 will lead you through examples embellishing tones. We will review appoggiaturas (0:59), acciaccaturas (1:30) bass pedal points (3:54) and other voice pedal points (5:01).Question of the day: Music does not always use Italian terms. What are the German words for appoggiatura and acciaccatura?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:www.theapsoluterecap.comEMAIL:TheAPsoluteRecAP@gmail.comFollow Us:INSTAGRAMTWITTERFACEBOOKYOUTUBE

03-18
08:03

The APsolute RecAP: Music Theory Edition - Anticipations and Escape Tones

Episode #27 continues the exploration of embellishing tones. Dive into examples of anticipations (1:59) and escape tones (3:25). Quiz yourself with four melodic dictations (4:07).Question of the day: How is nota cambiata different than an escape tone? (5:35)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:www.theapsoluterecap.comEMAIL:TheAPsoluteRecAP@gmail.comFollow Us:INSTAGRAMTWITTERFACEBOOKYOUTUBE

03-11
06:27

The APsolute RecAP: Music Theory Edition - Passing Tones and Neighbor Tones

Episode #26 is our first dive into embellishing tones. We will go over the characteristics of two types, passing tones (1:00) and neighbor tones (1:30). Notice the 18th century trends specific to these two types of nonchord tones (3:05). Challenge yourself with a quick listening identification quiz at the end (4:17).Question of the day (5:44): What type of embellishment leads the melody up and down or down and up?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:www.theapsoluterecap.comEMAIL:TheAPsoluteRecAP@gmail.comFollow Us:INSTAGRAMTWITTERFACEBOOKYOUTUBE

03-04
06:36

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