Name: Practica Musica 4.358
Publisher: Ars Nova (www.ars-nova.com)
Date Published: 2002
Platform: MacOS 9.1-10.3 (the one I worked with)
Win 95/98/2000/ME/XP
Cost: $100.00 for single user license.
Range of Grade Levels: First Grade to Adult Learner
Content Area: Music
Content Description: There are 17 areas in the Practica Musica Software:
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Instructional Types:
Demonstration
Exploration
Examination
Strengths/Weaknesses:
With this software installed either in a computer lab in the school, or on one computer in the music class, it is equally as strong. It can be used to supplement a lesson or as a learning tool. The software can be customized to each student’s backgrounds, characteristics, and abilities by using the student’s student file with the customizable activities. Students can also customize sound and visual options according to their needs. The only overt weakness is the lack of a help file. I think the software is meant to be used in a classroom setting with teacher supervision, but I have used it by myself in a lab before.
How would you use this software to add to a lesson or classroom?
There is not enough music theory taught in music classrooms today, beyond basic notation. I would use it to reinforce concepts that I teach in my class, such as basic theory. I might also let students work with the software when I might be absent and a music substitute is not available, so the students would still be learning music.
Would you use this software with your students? Why or why not?
I would definitely use this software with my students. I used this as a tool during my theory classes in college, and it works! I can customize to each student, and there is a wide enough variety of activities that all students would be challenged.
Rating
9- Good content but lacks a help file.
User Comments:
"The material is very well presented. It will be very easy to adapt to my own teaching style. I really like the approach on all levels, including the text." P.H. (College Professor)
"I am also amazed at how much my students enjoy the Practica Musica Activities: 20 of them from age 7 to retired are doing it." T.H.
"We appreciate your thorough response, and the improvements you guys continue to make to the program. We use Practica for all our theory classes, and it is working out great." E.W.
"I am a graduate music student who was struggling with music theory. I purchased Practica Musica from audiomidi.com and love the product. I would like to know if I can purchase a site license for me to use it on my computer at work. During my breaks, I like to sharpen my music skills. Thanks again for writing such a great product." A.A.
"I cannot begin to tell you how terrific your program has been. I was a fish out of water, taking music major courses without ever having learned a note of music at the age of 58 and competing with college students who mostly have played an instrument all of their lives." G.C.
"I love [Practica Musica] and feel that it is the best of the sort I've found on the market. Every other one comes off as a toy." J.S.
"I am a piano teacher and vice director of the Conservatory of Music. I have been using Practica Musica for years and I know that, by far, it is the best music education software. I have been using it privately but always thought that it should be used in our Spanish Conservatories. Have you ever considered a Spanish-French version using solfegge and using do, re, mi, as well as the translation of accidentals, keys, etc.?" V.L.M.
"I want to say, in writing, how pleased I have been with the Practica Musica program. I am a professional jazz musician (with a degree from Berklee school of Music and a Masters in Education/Music from Westfield State and 25 years of professional experience). Practica Musica has helped me to sharpen my skills. I really have enjoyed the program and have endorsed Practica Musica many times to my musical colleagues." G.M.
"The instructors and I are very happy with this superior product. It has met the needs we have and then some." DANIEL
"I really love the product. I've tried other products, but found the feedback and grading to be vague. For example, rhythm matching on some software is simply pass/fail. Practica Musica (PM) clearly communicates where I went awry." S.G.
"I just started using Practica Musica on my Mac under OSX. Everything seems to be working just fine and I really like the program. Much improved over my original copy from must be 10 years ago." B.H.
"Practica Musica is the best software I know for music education." J.C.
"I love Practica. It has been great for my students--even the balky ones." M.D.
"I find your program to be a terrific self-study method!!" P.K.
"...this program is 'GREAT'." M.S.
"I have enjoyed having Practica Musica on my computer for years. My children continue to enjoy it." D.M.
"As a piano teacher, I find Practica Musica about the best there is for preparing my older students for ALL the necessary theory they need to have practice on before going to college, as well as preparing for contests involving theory as well as performance." J.S.
"I have an older copy of Practica Musica and very much enjoy the program." V.B.
"Hi. I just purchased Practica Musica 4 and am an old version 2 user. I LOVE the new version - it is amazing!" J.J.E.
"I finally purchased your Practica Musica IV. I love it!!! Thanks for your fine programs." S.M.G.
"I LOVE LOVE LLLOOOVVVEEE your program and have used it for years teaching students at the University level." I.B.
(from ars-nova.com)