Ethan Luu

Mrs. Song
AP Music Theory
21 April 2021
APMT Barrons Ch. 19 Notes

TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL MELODIC DICTATION

1. If you can’t get it all, get all that you can
a. Mainly people lose points if they try to get it all. They let it get to their heads and
end up flunking the whole section. Work smarter, they want to see how much you
can know, not all that you know!
2. Use logic and plan ahead
a. If you make the mistake of overlooking a clef, the melody could possibly be
wrong. WRite down the KEY in big letters somewhere.

b. The last note is always Do. Pencil that

in to anticipate what is likely to
happen.
c. Know the time signature and note if
there is an anacrusis.
d. Are you in minor? Be careful of a
leading tone
e. Are you in a compound meter? Take
note of the rhythm menu!
3. How do melodies begin?
a. Remember the most common melodies. “Do-re-mi” “do-mi-so” “do-ti-do” for
minor!
4. How do melodies end?
a. Heads home to DO
5. Whats in the middle?
a. Practice leaps but don’t underestimate it! Always mark your Do’s as check points
to make it easier
6. Don’t write until you have heard the entire example
a. Tr and sing the melody to yourself internally, then write.
7. DOn’t be afraid to use the back door
a. Work backward form what you know to find what you don’t know.