Practice a College Board-style free response question on Harmony & Voice Leading III. Write your response, then reveal the model answer to see exactly what earns each point.
Over a sustained C major chord, a melodic line moves C – D – E, where D is not part of the chord. Later in the same passage, a two-measure melodic pattern is immediately repeated one step lower. Use this information to answer the parts below. (No staff paper is needed — describe each answer in words and standard labels.)
A
Identify the non-chord tone type of the D in C–D–E over the sustained C major chord. Justify your answer using its approach and resolution.
✓ Model answer (earns the point)
The D is a passing tone. It is approached by step from C (a chord tone) and left by step to E (also a chord tone) in the same direction — filling in the gap between two chord tones a third apart (C and E).
Why it scores: Names the correct non-chord tone type (passing tone) AND justifies it with the specific approach/resolution pattern (step in, step out, same direction, filling a third). Just saying "it's a non-chord tone" without naming the type or explaining the pattern earns only partial credit.
B
Explain why the D does not change the harmonic (Roman-numeral) analysis of the passage, even though it is dissonant against the C major chord.
✓ Model answer (earns the point)
Non-chord tones like this passing tone decorate the melody without altering the underlying harmony. Because the D quickly resolves by step and is not sustained as a structural pitch, the chord is still analyzed as I (C major) — the same Roman numeral you would assign if the D were removed entirely.
Why it scores: States that non-chord tones don't change harmonic function AND explains why (they are transient/decorative, not structural chord members). A vague answer like "it just sounds different" without this reasoning earns no point.
C
Identify the device used when the two-measure melodic pattern is immediately repeated one step lower. Explain what distinguishes this device from a simple repetition.
✓ Model answer (earns the point)
This is a melodic sequence. Unlike a simple repetition, which restates a pattern at the same pitch level, a sequence restates the pattern at a new pitch level (here, one step lower) while preserving its melodic shape — creating a sense of forward motion rather than an exact repeat.
Why it scores: Names the device (melodic sequence) AND explains the key distinction from repetition (new pitch level, same contour). Calling it just "repetition" without noting the pitch-level shift loses the point.
How to score points on AP Music Theory free response
Answer the exact verb. "Identify" wants a name; "explain" or "justify" wants the name plus the reasoning or rule behind it.
Name the approach and resolution. A non-chord tone ID needs the specific in/out pattern, not just the label.
Say why harmony doesn't change. Non-chord tones are transient decoration — state that explicitly rather than assuming it's obvious.
Distinguish sequence from repetition. A sequence requires a shift in pitch level — call that out directly.
Be concise and specific. A few precise sentences with correct terminology score higher than long, vague descriptions.