Section II, Part B (Sight-Singing)

Question 1

section ii, part b

Answer 1

• the sight-singing portion of the exam comprises of two brief, primarily diatonic melodies that the student sings and records
• students are given 75 seconds to examine and practice each melody and 30 seconds to perform each melody
• • they can sing the melody beginning with the given key starting pitch or transpose to a key that is more comfortable
• questions:
• • for each of the two melodies, sing the pitches in accurate rhythm with a steady tempo
• performance
• • you may sing on note names, syllable names, scale-degree numbers, or a neutral syllable
• • you can transpose the melody to a key that is comfortable
• • use the warm-up and practice time to perform out loud
• • you can write on the music if you wish
• • you may NOT use any device, for example a metronome or an instrument
• • you will be evaluated on pitch accuracy, rhythm, and continuity. you will NOT be evaluated on the quality of your singing voice
• do what you have always done
• • do NOT change anything because it is a test, stay as comfortable as possible
• 75 seconds is not a long time, use it to do what you need to do
• look for patterns and scales
• there will be one simple meter and one in compound meter. one in major, one in minor. one in treble clef, one in bass clef
• they want you to do well, let them give you as many points as you can

Question 2

AP exam tips

Answer 2

• review, review, review
• relax and do the best you can, you will be alright no matter the result
• make sure you read the questions correctly
• get rest, no cramming, stay healthy

Question 3

it is completely natural and normal to be nervous while performing for a recording device and/or an audience

Answer 3

• true

Question 4

which devices are you allowed to use for a music theory exam

Answer 4

• none

Question 5

if the melody is out of your range or uncomfortable, you may sing it lower or higher as long as the pitches remain relative

Answer 5

• true

Question 6

which syllables are you allowed to use when sight-singing melodies

Answer 6

• note names (A, B, C)
• solfege (Do, Re, Mi)
• Neutral syllables (ta, la)

Question 7

what things should you check before singing

Answer 7

• key
• major/minor
• rhythms/range