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| Software Review Ray Benton, Music Technology Consultant |
Title: Essentials of Music Theory
Manufacturer: Alfred
Age Level: Grade 6 - College Sophomore Theory
Category: Music Theory
Assessment: Yes.
Tracking: Yes.
Technical Requirements: Essentials of Music Theory is available
for Windows or Mac only. The program is a hybrid, able to be used
on either platform. Lab packs and network versions are also
available (details on request). After installation, the program
continues to require the CD-ROM with each use.
Windows: Pentium or faster, Windows 95/98/Me/2000/XP/NT4 or
later, 32Mb+ RAM, 50Mb free hard disk space, CD-ROM drive,
soundcard, MIDI keyboard (optional).
Manufacturer: Alfred
Age Level: Grade 6 - College Sophomore Theory
Category: Music Theory
Assessment: Yes.
Tracking: Yes.
Technical Requirements: Essentials of Music Theory is available
for Windows or Mac only. The program is a hybrid, able to be used
on either platform. Lab packs and network versions are also
available (details on request). After installation, the program
continues to require the CD-ROM with each use.
Windows: Pentium or faster, Windows 95/98/Me/2000/XP/NT4 or
later, 32Mb+ RAM, 50Mb free hard disk space, CD-ROM drive,
soundcard, MIDI keyboard (optional).
Comments: This all-in-one series includes concise lessons with
short exercises, ear-training activities and reviews. The "reviews" are
actually the scored assessments Available in two separate volumes
or as a complete set, the software includes narration, animated
examples and clickable elements for aural reinforcement. Also
includes randomized exercises, ear training and review answers. A
glossary of all terms and symbols with definitions, pronunciations, and
visual and aural examples is also included. The Educator Version
includes the ability to access unlimited multiple student records, a
custom test generator, printing of class lists, exporting and importing
of student records in batch, track student progress, and passing
grade required to advance option.
Volume 1: Topics include Staff, Notes and Pitches; Treble and Bass Clefs; Grand Staff
and Ledger Lines; Note Values; Measure, Bar Line and Double Bar; 2/4, 3/4 and 4/4
Time Signatures; Whole, Half and Quarter Notes and Rests; Dotted Half Notes and
Dotted Quarter Note; Ties and Slurs; Repeat Signs, 1st and 2nd Endings; Eighth Notes
and Rests; Dynamic Signs, Tempo Marks and Articulation; D.C., D.S., Coda and Fine;
Flats, Sharps and Naturals; Whole and Half Steps; Enharmonic Notes.
Volume 2: Topics include Tetrachords and Major Scales, Key Signatures, Chromatic
Scale, Intervals, Circle of Fifths; Perfect, Major and Minor Intervals; Augmented and
Diminished Intervals; Solfège and Transposition; Sixteenth Notes and Rests; Dotted
Eighth Notes, Eighth Note Triplets; Common Time and Cut Time (Alla Breve), 3/8 and
6/8 Time Signatures; Pick-up Notes and Syncopation; Primary and Major Triads, Scale
Degree Names, and V7 (Dominant 7th) Chord.
Volume 3: Topics include 1st and 2nd Inversions of Triads, Inversions of V7 Chords,
Figured Bass, Major Chord Progressions, Minor Scales, Minor Triads; Augmented and
Diminished Triads, Primary Triads in Minor Keys, Minor Chord Progressions, Modes;
Harmonizing a Melody in Major and Minor Keys; Broken Chords and Arpeggiated
Accompaniments; Passing and Neighboring Tones; Composing a Melody in Major and
Minor Keys, 12-Bar Blues Chord Progression, Blues Scale, Motive, Phrase, Basic
Forms of Music (AB, ABA and Rondo Forms).
Ease of set-up: Good.
Ease of use: Good.
Effective teaching of material: Very thorough.
Comments:
The ear-training component included in each unit is a plus.
Students will learn from trial and error since all of the "activities" allow
the student many trials until he gets it right.
Keep in mind that the CD-ROM must be loaded each time the
program is used. That may be an issue if the student misplaces or
fails to store the CD-ROM after use.
Recommendation:
Like its rival product Musition, this tried and true software program is
a must for schools, colleges, and universities. Comparing the two
products is like comparing two popular flavors of ice cream; both are
good, but its a matter of taste as to which is better.
Its ability to teach on many levels from beginning through advanced
levels makes it extremely versatile. Alfred's Essentials of Music
Theory would also be a tremendous addition to the private studio
placed on a workstation.
short exercises, ear-training activities and reviews. The "reviews" are
actually the scored assessments Available in two separate volumes
or as a complete set, the software includes narration, animated
examples and clickable elements for aural reinforcement. Also
includes randomized exercises, ear training and review answers. A
glossary of all terms and symbols with definitions, pronunciations, and
visual and aural examples is also included. The Educator Version
includes the ability to access unlimited multiple student records, a
custom test generator, printing of class lists, exporting and importing
of student records in batch, track student progress, and passing
grade required to advance option.
Volume 1: Topics include Staff, Notes and Pitches; Treble and Bass Clefs; Grand Staff
and Ledger Lines; Note Values; Measure, Bar Line and Double Bar; 2/4, 3/4 and 4/4
Time Signatures; Whole, Half and Quarter Notes and Rests; Dotted Half Notes and
Dotted Quarter Note; Ties and Slurs; Repeat Signs, 1st and 2nd Endings; Eighth Notes
and Rests; Dynamic Signs, Tempo Marks and Articulation; D.C., D.S., Coda and Fine;
Flats, Sharps and Naturals; Whole and Half Steps; Enharmonic Notes.
Volume 2: Topics include Tetrachords and Major Scales, Key Signatures, Chromatic
Scale, Intervals, Circle of Fifths; Perfect, Major and Minor Intervals; Augmented and
Diminished Intervals; Solfège and Transposition; Sixteenth Notes and Rests; Dotted
Eighth Notes, Eighth Note Triplets; Common Time and Cut Time (Alla Breve), 3/8 and
6/8 Time Signatures; Pick-up Notes and Syncopation; Primary and Major Triads, Scale
Degree Names, and V7 (Dominant 7th) Chord.
Volume 3: Topics include 1st and 2nd Inversions of Triads, Inversions of V7 Chords,
Figured Bass, Major Chord Progressions, Minor Scales, Minor Triads; Augmented and
Diminished Triads, Primary Triads in Minor Keys, Minor Chord Progressions, Modes;
Harmonizing a Melody in Major and Minor Keys; Broken Chords and Arpeggiated
Accompaniments; Passing and Neighboring Tones; Composing a Melody in Major and
Minor Keys, 12-Bar Blues Chord Progression, Blues Scale, Motive, Phrase, Basic
Forms of Music (AB, ABA and Rondo Forms).
Ease of set-up: Good.
Ease of use: Good.
Effective teaching of material: Very thorough.
Comments:
The ear-training component included in each unit is a plus.
Students will learn from trial and error since all of the "activities" allow
the student many trials until he gets it right.
Keep in mind that the CD-ROM must be loaded each time the
program is used. That may be an issue if the student misplaces or
fails to store the CD-ROM after use.
Recommendation:
Like its rival product Musition, this tried and true software program is
a must for schools, colleges, and universities. Comparing the two
products is like comparing two popular flavors of ice cream; both are
good, but its a matter of taste as to which is better.
Its ability to teach on many levels from beginning through advanced
levels makes it extremely versatile. Alfred's Essentials of Music
Theory would also be a tremendous addition to the private studio
placed on a workstation.
For our low price or for more
information,
email
or call Ray at 314-623-2497.
information,
or call Ray at 314-623-2497.
| The Best Brands, the Best Quality, the Best Customer Service |
| 1590 Lemay Ferry Road St. Louis, MO 63125 (314)-631-1486 Store Hours M-Th 8:00-9:00 F 8:00-5:30 S 9:00-5:00 |
| 714 Jeffco Blvd. Arnold, MO 63010 (636)-296-3780 Store Hours M-Th 11:00-9:00 F 11:00-5:30 S 11:00-5:00 |
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