[HANASHIR:14103] RE: Music Theory and Ear Training Software

[Adrian Durlester <adrian...>]

Steve:

I just can't, in good conscience, recommend the study of solfege or musical
theory on one's own. This is an area for which there is simply no substitute
for learning from a good teacher.

That being said, if you're serious about using software to do this, stay
away from the low-end products, shareware, etc., and shell out the bucks for
something high-end like Rising's Auralia and Musition, or Ars Nova
Software's Practica Music (I think it's up to Version 4 and costs around
$125.00) There's been some buzz about MiBAC Software's Music Lessons I &II
lately, although I think it's more geared to younger learners. Many of the
products used in schools (like Harmonic Vision's Music Ace series) just
aren't suited for adult learning. Personally, I think you might find
Practica Music 4 more suited to adult tastes than Auralia and Musition.

Hope this helps.

Chag kasher v'sameach,

Adrian

Adrian A. Durlester, MTS
E-mail: adrian (at) durlester(dot)com  URL:www.durlester.com
Director of Education, Beth El Hebrew Congregation, Alexandria, VA
education(dot)director (at) bethelhebrew(dot)org
Co-Director, Hazamir/JTAI Choir of Greater DC
Past Conf Chair, CAJE 27, August 4-8, 2002, Trinity University, San Antonio,
TX
List Owner, hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org; Jewish Songleaders/Performers List
Co-Owner, l-torah (at) shamash(dot)org; Liberal Torah Discussion List






-----Original Message-----
From: owner-hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org [mailto:owner-hanashir (at) 
shamash(dot)org] On
Behalf Of Steve Meltzer
Sent: Monday, April 21, 2003 10:12 PM
To: Mishpachat Hanashir
Subject: [HANASHIR:14102] Music Theory and Ear Training Software


Has anyone had any experience with any ear training or music theory
software?  If so, what program(s) have you used?  How comprehensive are
they, and how easy is it to use?

I have downloaded the demos for both Musition (theory) and Auralia (ear
training) from Sibelius (www.sibelius.com) and so far they seem pretty good.
However, it would be helpful to know what other programs are out there
before making an investment.

In a perfect world I would love to take classes at one of Boston's fine
institutions, but unfortunately there just isn't enough time in my schedule
at this point.  Hopefully, some of you will be able to shed some light on
this subject for myself and for others who would like to expand their
musical knowledge but have limited hours.

Hope you all are having a sweet Pesach.


B'shalom,

Steve Meltzer
508-366-9457  (home)
508-579-8433  (cell)
AIM Screen Name:  meltz15
steve (at) meltzerworld(dot)net
www.meltzerworld.net

*********************************

"Who is wise?  One who learns from everybody."  --  Pirkei Avot 4:1








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