ELECTIVES: Anyone with a love for music will enjoy AP Music Theory.
By Emma Carson, Staff Writer
Many students think they do not have the time for electives. They may also think electives are their “easy A” class or since electives are not required parts of their education, they aren’t as important as other classes. However, elective classes should not be forgotten. Electives are more likely to teach students important life skills and help them find direction in a career. AP Music Theory is one of those important elective classes and will satisfy anyone with a passion for music.
This AP class might sound scary, but this class is accessible even for students who don’t have a background in music, though it is highly recommended if they do. It’s just a matter of how much they really love music.
This class is undoubtedly for people who love music, but they do more than listen to and identify great pieces. So far, they’ve been working on sight reading, or being able to read music and sing or play just by sight, as well as harmonic analysis, understanding how to build chords and their relationship with each other.
Students who want to pursue a future in music should take the class. “If you want to go into music, you definitely need to take the class because all of that harmonic analysis you will use in college as a music major, but just being a better musician understanding what’s happening when you play or sing a piece is very important.” Mrs. Walton, Music Theory and Choir teacher, said.
Music Theory teaches students many important skills for music careers such as production. “I’ve been contemplating going into the music producing industry for a while, and [music] theory has really helped me to understand music on a deeper level and appreciate what I play or listen to a lot more. It gives you a lot of the necessary basics that anyone who wants to pursue music as a career should have.” Madeline Webb (12) said. Since this is an AP class, it also prepares students for higher education.
“I recommend this class for anyone who wants to major in music; they absolutely should take the class, and I also recommend this class for people who have a really deep love for music.” Mrs. Walton said. So if you’re looking for a fun way to express your love for music, you should take AP Music Theory into consideration.