IVA Music Morton Subotnik's Hearing Music CD-Rom Review

Morton Subotnick's Hearing Music CD-Rom

Rated E for Everyone

Windows & Mac compatible

Hearing Music is a computer software game that teaches kids to "listen" to music and to identity parts of music as well as changes in rhythm.

This software is recommended for ages 8 and up.  While certainly I think having some musical background like playing an instrument is helpful when using this software, it really wouldn't be required.  The games are very easy to follow and step by step.  Although it looks kid-attractive, adults could learn listening to music basics from this software as well.

Morton Subotnick's Hearing Music CD-Rom:

-builds eye & ear pattern skills

-explores music that is the same, different or similar

-builds note reading skills

-teaches order in melody

All of these skills are built through listening and games that only require being able to click or drag to play.  Players are rewarded with success animations such as a flurry of balloons to say congratulations.

Also on the Hearing Music Cd-Rom:

-Morton Subotnick talks about the importance of hearing music

-there's an "About Music" audio lecture that is illustrated in a book like format

-there's an assessment page for players, parents or teachers to track progress

Who is Morton Subotnick?

Morton Subotnick (Silver Apples of the Moon, And the Butterflies began to Sing) is considered one of the founders of electronic music.   He recently received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Cal Arts.

The graphics are rather simple and almost comic book like.  They probably won't impress hard core gamers but they really do suit the games that are about listening and so far all of the kids I've used this CD-Rom with have enjoyed it and made progress with it as well.

I am a big fan of teaching music to kid's and a big believer in the educational benefits in other areas of learning.  This music education CD is really well done and uses quality musical pieces through out the games.  I recommend Morton Subtonick's Hearing Music CD-Rom for anyone interested in building their musical ear skills.