My parents would have saved bags of money had Music Ace software been around when my music lessons began. The program teaches kids the basics - note reading, pitch identification, and key signatures. So instructors can spend time on what's really important: helping students put all the pieces together and become musical.
Each of the 24 lessons in Music Ace includes a game that quizzes students on what they've learned. One game, for example, asks players to compare two pitches - represented by friendly-faced notes that "sing" - and decide whether the second is higher or lower than the first.
A student's good work earns plenty of positive reinforcement, such as bonus points or applause. Those who err can take another shot. "We tried to make it nonjudgmental," says Phil Rockenbach, one of the program's developers. "Students can proceed at their own pace and make mistakes in private, which takes some of the pressure off learning."
The program emphasizes ear training, which many beginning musicians are not exposed to, says Joel May, another developer. "They see a note on the page and just put their fingers where they're supposed to on the instrument. It's a mechanical thing. What should happen is you see a note, hear it in your head, then play it. Teaching ear training requires a lot of one-on-one instruction, and that's what the computer is good for."
Music Ace is supposed to have six instrument sounds to choose from, but I had a tough time hearing much difference. It's no big deal, though, especially in the face of really cool parts of the program like the Music Doodle Pad, which lets you compose and listen to your own music. You can also see and hear preloaded compositions by Bach, Mozart, and others, "improving" the pieces if you wish.
Many music software programs are boring, or lack a strong curriculum, or are too difficult for young students. Their developers should study this program. It works. - John Morkes
Music Ace for DOS: US$59.95. Harmonic Vision Inc.: (800) 644 4994, +1 (708) 467 2395, fax +1 (708) 467 3008.
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