Computer Software Music Education and Theory Software SmartMusic Studio v10.2

SmartMusic Studio v10.2

4.8

0.0 (0)

Software-Instruction

Single License Price	$100 Per Year
Other Licensing Options	Additional licenses $25 each
Age Level	Grade 5 and up
Operating Systems	Windows • Macintosh
License Type	Commercial

Using SmartMusic in class is a great way to encourage good practice habits and to reinforce the importance of good intonation and rhythmic accuracy. Unfortunately using SmartMusic at home has been problematic for some students due to what some might describe as a complicated user interface. Luckily SmartMusic's authors have listened to these complaints and have released a new updated version of the software that solves many problems including student microphone placement and microphone volume settings.

For More Information On SmartMusic Check These Articles:

New Ways To Use SmartMusic

Tips and Secrets of SmartMusic Master Educators

Editor review

Updates Make Download Worth The Effort

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

Updated and Improved Navigation in SmartMusic Studio:

The first and most noticeable improvement in the new 10.2 version of SmartMusic is the initial user interface. Instead of forcing a student through a complicated set of setup tasks and options that he or she may not understand the new opening screen consists of two simple buttons labeled Assignments and Find Music. SmartMusic Impact assignments are handled the same way as in previous versions although the assignment list has been widened to make it easier to read and navigate.

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The Find Music interface has also been updated and simplified with a nice, large pull down list of the most recently played music. The other buttons take the user directly to the method book listing or to the SmartMusic exercises without having to delve through the main SmartMusic interface window to find them.

Microphone Check Wizard Saves Tons of Time:

Whether using an Impact assignment or simply finding a piece of music through the Find Music interface, the most beneficial improvement of the entire update are the changes made to improve microphone adjustment and placement. When a new practice session is started, SmartMusic opens Microphone Check Wizard that shows a large, graphical picture of where the student should place the microphone. After clicking through this image the student is asked to play a concert F as the computer listens to the volume level. SmartMusic now automatically adjusts the microphone input level based on what it hears during this wizard session. Even instruments that are incredibly difficult to adjust for such as the brass instruments are now set to the proper levels without any user input being required.

Subscription Management and Other Improved Features:

Another noticeable improvement in the interface is the subscription management window. SmartMusic now uses a web based interface to give a list of subscriptions present in a users account and gives options for managing them in a much more user friendly manner. Added to the student assignment menu is a hot link that allows the student to log into Impact to view their assignments and grade reports. Also added by request has been the ability for users to record tuner sessions.

Overall the new features and improvements available in SmartMusic 10.2 are well worth the time and trouble of downloading. Current subscribers can get the free software update by going to www.smartmusic.com and following the links in the left column of the page.

Overall rating:		4.8
Navigation:		4.0
Presentation:		5.0
Ease of Use:		5.0
Quality of Instruction:		5.0
Scope of Instruction:		5.0
Teacher Materials:		5.0

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Reviewed by Chad Criswell
February 26, 2008

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