The instruction and practice of these kinds of exercises all through the year should allow students to try different strategies, so that during the examination they will know and use the strategies they have found most successful. Free-Response Questions 1 and 2 Melodic Dictation, require students to demonstrate their skills in melodic dictation. Before students hear each melody, it is important that they make note of the clef, key signature, and time signature that are provided. Some students find it helpful to use the first playing of the melody to gain an overall sense of its contour, to make note of chromatic alterations that may occur, and to focus their listening so that they can remember the melody and repeat it to themselves as needed through inner hearing. In subsequent listenings, students may wish to focus on notating specific details of each measure.
Some students find it useful to notate rhythms first and then supply pitches.
In all written free-response questions, pitches that are written both in a line and a space, or which are illegible, are scored as incorrect. Visit the AP Aisle of the College Board Online store for ordering information.