Educational Media Reviews Online

This product is designed to provide a solid grounding in the introductory aspects of music. Tutorials are provided in the areas of pitch, stave markings, note values, time signatures, scales, key signatures, intervals, triads, and tempo. An interactive glossary is available that has a number of sections: essential music signs, advanced music signs, dynamic markings, musical forms, vocal ranges, concert etiquette, and musical directions (Italian, French, and German dictionaries of music terms are provided). There is spoken narration throughout, to guide the user through the CD. Interactive examples and exercises are contained in many of the tutorials. The opening screen contains the above tutorials, as well as a Getting Started section. It is essential that the user read through this section first, as directions for setting up the MIDI device and sound card in one's computer is contained in this area. It took awhile to figure out how to get the sound to work on this product, so this instruction is important to the correct use of the CD. The sounds of 127 different instruments are available to the user for access throughout, although many of them are so esoteric and even quiet (such as a harp) that the user is best served by keeping the instrument sound throughout on the acoustic piano. A virtual keyboard allows for experimentation with the 127 different instruments, ensembles, and sound effects. The CD states that it is suitable for students taking GCSE and Associated Board Examinations.

Music for Musicians and Singers is an excellent introduction to music theory and the fundamentals of music. It is not for performers or advanced music students, as it only barely touches the surface of music fundamentals. There are some tutorials that are only 2-5 screens long, definitely not in-depth enough for anything more than the novice music person. It would have been nice to have included some sound examples of musical forms in the glossary - the architectural display is difficult to envision without the sound associated with it. This CD is geared towards the middle to high school range and novice music students and is recommended for that audience. The cost for this CD is too high, however, considering that other interactive music products contain full musical pieces, are less expensive, and have more interactive qualities.