{mosimage}Music Technology Pioneer Seeks Participants for Education Pilot Program — Midisoft Focuses on Educational Market, Music Education and Technology Tools for Teachers

Midisoft Corp., a pioneer in the field of music technology, seeks schools for its music technology pilot program, teaching kids about music and technology through an innovative new curriculum. Midisoft Corp., has long been a pioneer in the field of music technology and developers of award-winning music software for both the novice and professional musician. Now, the company expands its commitment to develop tomorrow’s musicians and creative minds through its pilot program for under-funded schools and at-risk youth.

Many music, arts, and technology programs are being cut in public schools today; however Midisoft hopes it can reach those who know that combining music with technology benefits children by cultivating their creative minds, critical thinking skills, and both left and right-brained thought processes. Midisoft is currently looking to donate music technology curriculum suites to schools and organizations that are committed to these endeavors.

The Quickstart Music Series, Midisoft’s music technology curriculum for school and home use that teaches children to not only about musicology and literature, but also how to play the piano, compose music, and even sequence, record, and share their compositions.

“Students at traditional schools, homeschools, as well as after-school programs and clubs can benefit from working with music and technology,” said Monika Martin, Midisoft’s Director of Music Education Technology. “Participation in music learning activities has a positive correlation with critical thinking, problem solving and long-term memory retention.”

More and more schools are moving toward computer-based education and the use of technology in the classroom is expected to explode in the coming years, so it’s a natural progression to combine both arts and technology instruction. Yet, today music technology has only begun to scratch the surface as a learning, teaching and productivity tool. As teaching tool, music technology will reach more students in schools with limited lab or musical equipment.

“Working with music through computers enhances the student’s ability to effectively utilize technology and translates to other areas of learning as well. But you don’t need a whole huge laboratory to work with your students. One computer is all you need,” said Martin.

Quickstart also serves as a resource for educators. While teachers do not need to be musicians, for those who are For teachers who currently construct lessons for band and orchestra using hard copy sheet music and hand entering notes for different parts or creating variations, Quickstart as notation software saves them hours of preparation and editing work for each class and each session.

“It is one of the easiest programs to use and yet it contains many sophisticated ‘bells and whistles’ that allow us to literally work in any sound medium and make changes quickly so as not to loose the editing momentum,” said Linnea Smiths of Whistlewood Studio in Kirbyville, Missouri.

Midisoft recently expanded its educational offerings to include I Read Music with Music Theory software and Peter and the Wolf DVD. Both teach about music while entertaining students and encourage a lifelong love of the musical arts. I Read Music with Music Theory is an innovative two-CD software suite for children, which teaches them the basics of music through interactive games. Peter and the Wolf introduces children to music and the orchestra through Sergei Prokofiev’s timeless story, complete with colorful animated characters that bring Prokofiev’s narration to life.

“Children can use music technology and interactive platforms to learn the fundamentals at their own pace and experiment on their own through structured lessons devised by their teachers. Their ability to create motivates them, helps them believe in themselves, and encourages them to take initiative in other areas of their lives. The benefits are invaluable,” said Martin.

Schools and organizations who would like to be considered for the Midisoft pilot program should contact Monika Martin at 310-602-5000 or toll free 1-866-MIDISOFT.

In addition, Midisoft is workshopping Quickstart throughout the country. Interested educators can contact Ms. Martin at the information provided above. Teachers can also visit Midisoft at these upcoming conventions: California Association for Music Education Conference, March 2006; and MENC National Convention, April 2006

About Midisoft Corporation
Midisoft Corp. develops award-winning consumer, business and OEM products sold to retailers, educators, and worship music leaders worldwide. For more than 15 years, Midisoft has developed the technologies needed to turn the PC into a key component in making music for anyone interested in creating and sharing music. Midisoft is dedicated to providing the most innovative, rewarding, intelligent, and easy-to-use PC sound solutions for Windows and now Apple operating systems. For sound MIDI or digital audio, Midisoft guarantees 100 percent satisfaction from all their products. www.midisoft.com.