Music Technology/Computer/Theory
Students work independently in one of three areas each week:
1) Music computer programs. Encore Studio's most used programs are "Music Ace" and "Music Ace 2". The strength of these programs is that they have both lessons and games. Each has 24 lessons and 24 corresponding games.
2) Practice with MIDI disks on a digital piano. Students gain mastery of their songs when allowed to practice with the MIDI orchestra which keeps them in the correct rhythm and helps them to recognize incorrect pitches. (This can be reinforced at home with a MIDI player, OR many student books have CD's available for practice.)
3) Work on theory sheets or books. While students gain a basic understanding of theory through the computer program, they still need practice in actually writing it down on paper. Although students could be assigned this work to do at home, they are generally more successful if they work on this in a supervised atmosphere where they can ask questions if needed.