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Award-Winning AP Music Theory Tutors

Kevin

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Kevin

Bachelor in Arts
Kevin's other Tutor Subjects
AP Statistics
Pre-Algebra
Statistics
Geometry

I am currently a rising Junior at the University of Pennsylvania, majoring in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics and minoring in Science, Technology, and Society. From early on, the intellectual development of others has been very important to me. In high school, I developed my school's first summe...

Education

University of Pennsylvania

Bachelor in Arts

Test Scores
ACT
34
Cynthia

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Cynthia

Current Undergrad Student, Public Policy Analysis
Cynthia's other Tutor Subjects
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra
ACT Writing

I am a current sophomore at Vanderbilt University! I am double majoring in Public Policy and Human & Organizational Development with a minor in Spanish. I first started tutoring in high school, when I started working at Kumon Learning Center and began teaching elementary and middle school students r...

Education

Vanderbilt University

Current Undergrad Student, Public Policy Analysis

Test Scores
SAT
1560
ACT
35
Tom

Certified Tutor

Tom

PHD, American Studies
Tom's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra
Geometry
Calculus

I am a firm believer that clear, precise communication between student and tutor makes for a productive and fulfilling learning experience. When I work with students, I strive to listen carefully to find out exactly where they are struggling, and to impart corresponding strategies clearly and concis...

Education

Boston University

PHD, American Studies

Harvard University

Bachelors

Test Scores
SAT
1520
Sarah

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Sarah

Master of Arts, Sacred Music
Sarah's other Tutor Subjects
6th Grade AP Language Composition
Calculus
Algebra
PSAT Writing Skills

I am liberal arts trained and excel at connecting concepts across academic disciplines.

Education

Yale University

Master of Arts, Sacred Music

Vassar College

Bachelor in Arts, Music

Vivian

Certified Tutor

5+ years

Vivian

Bachelor in Arts
Vivian's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
PSAT Writing Skills
SAT Mathematics

I am currently pursuing a Master's degree in violin performance at the Juilliard School. I have tutored privately and through Chegg Tutoring, Varsity Tutors, PrepExpert, and iLearn World throughout high school and college, with most of my experience being in standardized test prep and English. The m...

Education

Yale University

Bachelor in Arts

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1530
ACT
36
Naomi

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Naomi

Bachelor in Arts, Sociology
Naomi's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 2
SAT Subject Test in Literature

I am finishing up my first year at Princeton University, still undecided but leaning towards studying Sociology. I have experience working with pre-K students through adults in a variety of topics ranging from environmental education to conversational English practice. I spent a year in Indonesia wo...

Education

Princeton University

Bachelor in Arts, Sociology

Test Scores
SAT
1480
ACT
35
Hailey

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Hailey

Bachelor of Science, Psychology
Hailey's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB
Trigonometry
Pre-Calculus

I am a senior in the honors college at the University of Georgia, where I have a full tuition Zell Miller Scholarship, as well as a National Merit Scholarship and a Woodruff Scholarship. I am majoring in psychology and mathematics with a minor in German. In addition to my studies, I am active in the...

Education

University of Georgia

Bachelor of Science, Psychology

Test Scores
SAT
1570
Martha

Certified Tutor

Martha

Current Grad Student, Global Health
Martha's other Tutor Subjects
AP Statistics
Statistics
Calculus
Algebra

I am a PhD student at the University of Michigan, studying social psychology. Before this, I was at Duke University completing a BS in psychology as well as a MS in global health. My research combines the fields of global health and psychology by examining the effects of culture on self-related psyc...

Education

Duke University

Bachelors, Psychology

Duke University

Current Grad Student, Global Health

Duke University

BS in psychology

Test Scores
SAT
1580
Max

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Max

Current Undergrad, Economics
Max's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Competition Math
Middle School Math
Geometry

I'm a senior at Yale College where I study Economics. I'm originally from Millburn, NJ.

Education

Yale University

Current Undergrad, Economics

Test Scores
SAT
1580
Charles

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Charles

Bachelor in Arts, Music Theory and Composition
Charles's other Tutor Subjects
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra
Elementary School Math

I am passionate about learning and spreading that love of learning to others. Whether it be music, math, history, literature, or science, I have embraced education whole-heartedly my entire life and have had many wonderful experiences effectively sharing that passion with others and helping younger ...

Education

Yale University

Bachelor in Arts, Music Theory and Composition

Test Scores
ACT
33

Meet Our Expert Tutors

Connect with highly-rated educators ready to help you succeed.

Sarah

Calculus Tutor • +64 Subjects

I am a graduate of Oberlin College and Wesleyan University and I am currently a PhD student at Harvard University. I received my BA in English, my BM in Jazz Studies, and my MA in Ethnomusicology. My PhD research is in West African music. I have many years of experience as a tutor, beginning as a writing tutor for a college writing center, then giving private music lessons, and working as a teaching assistant for undergraduate students in music and African studies courses. I tutor in many different areas, but my passion is in working with students in writing, literature, critical reading, music, and French. In working to prepare students for standardized tests, I can offer a wide variety of strategies for vocabulary, writing, and time management. As an educator, I am particularly interested in the transitions from high school to college, and from college into the professional world. Outside of teaching, I enjoy playing and listening to music, hiking, playing soccer, and spending time outdoors.

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Sydney

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +43 Subjects

I am a 2019 graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, where I received a dual degree BFA in Vocal Performance and BA in Creative Writing. I also achieved a GPA of 3.92, 3 semesters on the Dean's List, induction into Phi Beta Kappa as well as Sigma Tau Delta (the English honors society) and Pi Kappa Lambda (the Music honors society), Carnegie Mellon University Honors, and Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences Honors. I graduated Bloomfield Hills High School with a 3.96 GPA in 2015, and was a National Merit Finalist as well as a Presidential Scholarship candidate, thanks to my top test scores.

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Molly

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +36 Subjects

I am currently a graduate student at the Juilliard School in New York where I am pursuing a Masters in orchestral conducting. This degree program has provided me with people skills, working in teams, teaching experience, and great study habits for intense environments. I think this experience, although not related to the standard academic subjects, will carry with me in my tutoring for Varsity Tutors! I continue a personal hobby of studying math.

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Joseph

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +44 Subjects

I am currently a first-year Master's student at the Yale School of Public Health. I received my Bachelor's in biology at UCLA. As a Californian, I enjoy sunny weather and eating avocados.

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Thomas

AP Calculus BC Tutor • +96 Subjects

I am also working towards a career in molecular biology, I use math and science every day, and I can explain real-world applications and uses for these subjects that may not seem obvious. By demonstrating the use of math and science in everyday life, I am able to help interact with the student and increase their interest in a subject in which they may experience difficulty. I also believe that as a tutor, it is my responsibility to engage with the student to help them achieve and even surpass their goals. In my spare time, I am heavily involved with music in New York City, being part of multiple choirs and continuing to play piano. I also enjoy exercising and exploring the city whenever I have the chance.

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Sofia

Calculus Tutor • +20 Subjects

I am a rising senior at Yale University, where I am pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Music. I work with students on their essays as a writing partner at the Yale College Writing Center. As a songwriter, I am passionate about word choice, structure, and specificity. I bring the joy I find in language to helping students work on their writing and prepare for standardized tests. Outside of class, I enjoy singing, arranging, and teaching a cappella music, in both rehearsal and workshop settings, working with students from elementary school to college-age. It is important to me to create enjoyable and non-judgmental learning environments. I strive to offer a collaborative learning experience, where students can feel heard and maintain agency over their learning process.

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Lucy

Calculus Tutor • +42 Subjects

I'm a freelance writer, recent Yale grad, former concert pianist and word lover. For the past three years I've worked as a writing specialist at the Yale College Writing Center, where I edited papers on topics from Turkish prison reform to Faulkner to hemoglobin studies. This past summer, I traveled to 14 countries as part of the singing group Whim 'n Rhythm. On that trip, I taught a cappella, singing and choral workshops with students of all ages. It was incredible and hugely affirming -- music is truly a global language!

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Elana

Geometry Tutor • +37 Subjects

I am pursuing a Bachelor of Music in opera performance and a Bachelor of Arts in art history. I've been tutoring music theory and ear training at school for two years, and have taught private voice lessons for a year. I also have experience tutoring writing, French, and Italian.

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Roel

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +36 Subjects

I am also a fan of Super Smash Bros. Melee if you're into that.

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Moriah

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +51 Subjects

I am a graduate of Cornell University and received a Bachelor of Arts in Music. Currently, I am working as an Assistant Director at a preparatory school managing and teaching students simultaneously. In the recent years at the school, I have been focusing more on the Reading portions of standardized tests but have at times assisted students in the math and science portions as well usually one-on-one. I strongly believe that every students has their own style of learning and must learn at their own pace. Although, sometimes giving them too much leeway may not always be the best solution, I am there to also provide encouragement and challenge to make the learning process enjoyable and beneficial. Apart from work, I do enjoy reading, jogging, exploring New York City, and playing the violin during my spare time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Score improvement depends on your starting point and how consistently you engage with tutoring. Students who work with a tutor typically see measurable gains in both their understanding of music theory concepts and their exam performance. Many students improve by one to two score points (on the 1-5 scale), though some see greater gains if they started with significant knowledge gaps.

The key is addressing your specific weak areas early—whether that's voice leading, harmonic analysis, or sight-singing—rather than trying to cram everything in the final weeks. Consistent, focused practice with expert feedback tends to yield the strongest results.

A strong tutoring plan typically focuses on three phases: foundational concept review (understanding harmony, voice leading, and music notation), targeted skill practice (harmonic analysis, figured bass, and part-writing), and exam-specific strategy training (pacing the free response and multiple-choice sections, managing time during the 3-hour exam).

Most students benefit from weekly sessions starting several months before the May exam, with increased frequency (2-3 sessions per week) in the final 8 weeks. Between sessions, consistent independent practice with past AP exam questions is crucial to reinforce what you're learning.

The most common challenge is voice leading—understanding the rules for smooth part-writing in four-part harmony trips up many students because it requires both conceptual understanding and consistent application. Sight-singing (the aural component) also challenges students who haven't trained their ears regularly, while harmonic analysis demands careful listening and notation skills simultaneously.

Time management during the exam is another frequent issue: students often spend too long on complex analysis questions and rush through the sight-singing section. A tutor can help you develop strategies for tackling each section efficiently and practice under timed conditions to build confidence.

The best AP Music Theory tutors have strong credentials in music theory (often a music degree or advanced training) and specific experience preparing students for the AP exam. They should understand the College Board's expectations for each section and be able to explain abstract concepts like harmonic function and voice-leading rules in clear, practical ways.

Look for someone who can diagnose your specific weak areas quickly, uses past AP exams as teaching tools, and gives you actionable feedback on your practice responses. They should also be comfortable with the aural/ear-training component of the exam, not just the written portions.

Ideally, start tutoring in the fall or early winter before the May exam. This gives you 5-6 months to build a solid foundation in music theory concepts and gradually move toward exam-specific skills. If you're starting later (January or February), intensive tutoring is still valuable, but you'll need to focus more narrowly on your biggest knowledge gaps rather than comprehensive review.

If you're taking AP Music Theory as a one-year course, connecting with a tutor early in the school year helps you stay aligned with your curriculum and catch misconceptions before they become habits. Even a few sessions early on can prevent the need for crisis tutoring right before the exam.

Full-length practice tests are essential. The AP Music Theory exam spans 3 hours and includes multiple-choice, free response, and sight-singing components—formats many students haven't encountered in regular coursework. Taking complete practice exams under timed conditions helps you develop pacing strategies, identify which question types give you trouble, and build stamina.

Varsity Tutors can connect you with expert tutors who use actual AP exam materials and released past exams as teaching tools. After each practice test, review your mistakes carefully with your tutor to understand not just what you got wrong, but why, and how to avoid that mistake on test day.

Test anxiety in AP Music Theory often stems from feeling unprepared for the ear-training component or getting stuck on a complex harmonic analysis question. Working through this with a tutor means building genuine competence in weak areas, which naturally reduces anxiety. Practicing under timed conditions repeatedly desensitizes you to the pressure and teaches you to stay calm when you encounter a tough question.

Develop specific strategies like skipping a difficult question temporarily and returning to it later, using deep breathing between sections, and focusing on questions you know you can answer correctly first to build confidence. Your tutor can help you rehearse these strategies during practice sessions so they feel natural on exam day.

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