Learning
music
Linda Bruce reviews
software which introduces music and musical instruments -
for teachers and students!
Music makes us whole. One
of the great  contributions of multimedia is in
the area of music education for it brings to the ordinary
person musical concepts that they would otherwise be
unlikely to encounter.
There remains a shortage
of programs that teach sight reading and playing of
musical notation. Music education, however, covers much
more: music history, appreciation, understanding of form,
rhythm and composition. In the latter areas the CD-ROMs
reviewed here contribute most.
In a hurry? Check our comparison
table of music packages.
 Microsoft
Music Central 97
Music Central 97 lives up to its claims of being
"the most comprehensive, closest-to-definitive
multimedia popular music guide available".
Microsoft
Musical Instruments
Where else can you discover hundreds of instruments from
around the world and hear them played without leaving
home?
Microsoft
Multimedia Mozart
This CD-ROM will give you a leg up into the 18th century
and the world of Mozart. It's a terrific introduction to
the man and his compositions.
Microsoft
Multimedia Schubert
This CD-ROM of the Trout Quintet displays evocative
commentary, by noted American music critic Alan Rich, on
the score as it is played.
Microsoft
Multimedia Stravinsky
Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring CD-ROM is top value and a
welcome addition to any library.
Microsoft
Multimedia Beethoven
Microsoft Multimedia Beethoven presents chapters to give
an overview of the man and his works.
The
Cranberries: Doors and Windows
This Cranberries CD-ROM retails for $49.95 and offers
five songs, plus video clips. You can play it as a CD-ROM
on your computer or as a straight CD on your audio
player.
The
Juilliard Music Adventure
A package for kids nine years and older, Juilliard Music
Adventure introduces rhythm, melody, orchestration and
musical styles.
Adventures
With Edison: Rock and Bach Studio
At $39 this CD-ROM offers top value for money, for it
includes one game to develop music -- Rock and Bach
Studio, plus two to develop thinking skills - Mystery at
the Museums and Wild Science Arcade.
Microsoft
Plus! For Kids
Microsoft Plus! For Kids' music section, Play It, offers
an on-screen synthesiser where you can select songs to
play: boogie, country, dance, funk, hip-hop, jazz,
orleans, reggae and rock.
Reviewer: Linda Bruce May 1997
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