
This INTERLUDE is one of a series of games
designed to develop musical skills. The series
combines the action and fun of an arcade type
video game with the benefits of developing
musicianship.

This particular INTERLUDE develops note reading
ability. Notes are presented on the Grand Staff
in groups of four. The player must identify each
note correctly before moving on to the next level.


Under the Grand Staff, you will notice two long
bars. The upper bar is the Timer. This shows you
how much time you have left to complete the current
level. The lower bar is the Progress line. For
each correct note you play, the Progress line
advances. You must fill the Progress line before
the Timer runs out. If you fail to do this, the
game is over. If you are successful, you will
move up to the next level of difficulty.


On the left of the Grand Staff is the Score panel.
Your current score is tallied here. On the right
of the Grand Staff is the Bonus panel. You are
awarded points for each note you correctly
identify. The exact value depends on the current
level.  You are awarded Bonus points in two ways.
First, for each correct note you play in a row the
Bonus is increased.  This Bonus is then added to
the score of each correctly identified note.
Second, at the end of each level you are given
points for the time left on the Timer.

The basic strategy is to play as accurately and
quickly as possible.  ACCURACY IS REWARDED MORE
THAN SPEED!

To play the game, you need to enter notes into the
computer. This may be done in three ways.  The
best way is to use a MIDI equipped electronic
keyboard. Obviously, the skills you develop while
playing the game will help you play real music!
Secondly, you may use your computer keyboard. The
computer keys are arranged as such:


          -------     -----------
         | e | r |   | y | u | i |
    -----------------------------------
   | a | s | d | f | g | h | j | k | l |
    -----------------------------------

The 's' key is middle C. The 'e' key is C#. When
you are not actively playing the game the note
symbol and name are displayed.  Use this feature
to explore the keyboard assignments.

You will need to use the SHIFT, CTRL and ALT keys
to shift the note values of the keys. CTRL will
raise the values of the keys by one octave, which
is 12 semitones. For instance, middle C will be
raised to C above middle C. SHIFT lowers the keys
by one octave. ALT lowers the keys by two octaves.

The third way to enter notes is to use the mouse
on the on-screen piano keyboard. This method is
not recommended. It is awkward and too far removed
from the actual experience of playing a keyboard
instrument.

The game is composed of increasing levels of
difficulty. At the beginning of each level the
computer will play a little 'song' with the
notes to be used in the level. Watch the on-screen
keyboard for the keys used in the level.

At the end of the game, your score will be compared
to the list of high scores.  If you made the list
you will be asked for your name. The list of high
scores will then be presented for you to review.





That's all there is to the game! If you have had
no experience with music then please read the
manual for a quick tutorial of music fundamentals.


