Klarinet Archive - Posting 000227.txt from 1995/09

From: Salvatore NARCISO <TMGUS!TMGUSPO!narcisos@-----.COM>
Subj: Music Software
Date: Mon, 11 Sep 1995 10:49:29 -0400

In regards to music software for teaching,
I think I might bring a good perspective on this subject because I am just
beginning my music education. About a year or two ago I decided to do buy
a keyboard teaching system called the Miracle Keyboard. At the time it
sold for three or four hundred dollars - very expensive. It works without
the need for a sound board. I hooked it up easily and installed the
software with no problems (I do that kind of stuff for a living).
Considering I was not taking lessons, nor had I ever had any music
education, I think I learned quite a bit from it. I began to read music for
the first time, and the exercises were extremely helpful with rhythm. A
typical rhythm exercise would have sheet music displayed, sounding a
metronome. You would play the notes, and It would move the pointer to the
next notes along with the tempo. In other words, if you played the note
long or short you would realize it immediately. It also had similar
exercises with reading where you play the notes and it would move the
pointer along - stopping when you hit the wrong key and not continuing until
you get it right.
Although I make some progress on my own, I was going to college at the time
and was very short on time - so I stopped playing after about 6 months. In
that time I could sight read some simple music like yesterday (probably a
simplified version) and Beethoven's 5th (definitely a simplified version).
Which, for me was an achievement.
I would recommend music software along side professional teaching any day.
Especially piano because there are many types available. Today, the
miracle software is available with a midi connection - no need to buy the
Miracle keyboard. And is probably around for less than $200.
Unfortunately I am now taking lessons on the saxophone and I haven't quite
figured out how to hook up a midi cable for it.

Sal