SPAIN - This children's music software is an extremely well-produced program that's certain to make you popular at home. Children's Music Journey uses a musical keyboard connected to your computer to allow the software to “listen” to what your child plays. The first section your child is exposed to contains dozens of interactive lessons and practice sessions, each guided by an animated teacher. At first, not much is expected, and the going is very fun and easy in general. Your child will hear about high bird notes and low whale notes from Beethoven, and will work through some basic rhythms with Bach. They'll get to know a vivacious Miss Melody in the practice room between each lesson. I haven't seen anything to compare with the quality of artwork and the engaging effect it has on children.
After each lesson or practice room session, the child can go to the games room and play the related game(s). There are ten charming games involving notes, rhythms, counting, letter names, interactive stories, and aural development, but only a few are enabled after each lesson when in normal mode. After spending some time with the games, students move on to the Improvisation room where they can start playing along with the band, with a great variety of music. After a good jam session, your child can go to the Library and listen to the greatest music every recorded, play back the pieces they created in the Improvisation room, learn one of the 50 library selections to add to their repertoire, or review any of the concepts covered in the lessons.
For teachers in a classroom setting it's very easy to set up, with several very useful settings, and unlimited logins for each station.
Once you see a 5-year old using Children's Music Journey, it's not hard to imagine that this animated, narrated interactive software could help any child become very enthusiastic about music and about learning to play the piano. The bright, cheerful composers and performers help young children absorb these ideas at a pace controlled by the child. Young children eagerly answer questions, play high or low notes, tap out rhythms, and the games are the favorite. The Improv room can be used for several years without exhausting the benefits or interest.
The entire process is so engaging that most children will respond very positively. I recommend this software up to the age of 8, for the first two years of learning to play, though children as young as 4 will find it quite accessible.
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