Transposing instruments are instruments that play a different sounding note than what they

have written. This came about because historically it was difficult for instruments to play in
different keys, so they came in different sizes or had a variety of attachments to allow them to
play in different keys. Eventually instruments became able to play chromatically and certain
sized instruments tended to sound better and were easier to play. In order to keep the fingering
on instruments consistent, they ended up becoming transposing instruments. (i.e. The fingering
for a written middle C is the same on all saxophones, however that written middle C sounds as
either a Bb or an Eb, and in different octaves.

Concert Pitch refers to a note that sounds the same as what is written.
Common Concert pitch instruments include:

Violin Harp
Viola Piano
Cello Harpsichord
Flute Organ
Oboe Vibraphone
Bassoon Marimba
Trombone Chimes
Tuba Timpani

Common C Transposing Instruments

C Piccolo (sounds 8va)
Xylophone (sounds 8va)
Orchestra Bells (Glockenspiel) (sounds 15va)
String bass (sound 8vb)
Guitar (sound 8vb)

Common Bb Transposing Instruments (Sound M2 lower)

Bb Clarinet
Soprano Saxophone
Trumpet
Flugelhorn

Common Bb Transposing instruments (sounds Octave and M2 lower)

Bass Clarinet
Tenor Saxophone

Common Eb Instruments
Eb Clarinet (Sounds m3 higher)
Alto Clarinet (Sounds M6 lower)
Alto Saxophone (Sounds M6 lower)
Baritone Saxophone (Sounds octave plus M6 lower)

Common F Instruments (Sounds P5 lower)

English Horn
French Horn

General Rules:
If looking at a TRANSPOSED PART (The part the instrument plays) go DOWN the appropriate
interval to find Concert pitch (The pitch that is heard)
Bb Clarinet - If there is a written Bb, concert pitch is Ab
French Horn - If there is a written Bb, concert pitch is an Eb

If looking at CONCERT Pitch, Go UP the appropriate interval to determine the note that the
instrument should play.

To hear a Bb, a Bb Clarinet will play a D

To hear a Bb , a French Horn will play an F

(If the instrument transposes to a higher note, e.g. Eb Clarinet, go in the opposite direction.)

AP Exam will likely have a musical score with various transposing instruments and ask either
what chord is being played, or what instrument is playing a certain part of the chord.
From the AP:
“The specific level of transposition will be indicated in the score and the direction of
transposition will be specified further inthe question directions (e.g., “Clarinet in B♭ sounding a
Major 2nd below notated pitch”). Students do not need to memorize the transpositions of
specific musical instruments.”

There are many other transposing instruments than those listed above.
More information is here:
Instrument Transpositions for Musical Analysis