Types of Music CAI

1. Drill-and-Practice

Drill-and-Practice software can range from being very rigid in design, with course sequence and pedagogical considerations determined by the software, or quite flexible, with the student or the teacher controlling these aspects of the program. The majority of programs in this category teach music theory or ear training skills.

Some titles in this category include:

  • Auralia
  • Early Music Skills
  • MiBAC Music Lessons
  • Music Lab Melody
  • Musition
  • Shareware Musical Tutorial
  • 2. Guided Instruction

    Guided Instruction software packages function as tutorials, often presenting information in a lecture format. The most prevalent subject of Guided Instruction music software is the piano, although guitar programs are now also becoming common. Programs in this category frequently do not include much interactivity.

    Some titles in this category include:

  • Easy Guitar
  • Easy Piano
  • First Notes for Violin
  • History of Jazz
  • History of Music Series
  • Multimedia Music Theory
  • Music Ace
  • Music Ace 2
  • Musicstar Music School
  • Musicstar Private Lessons
  • 3. Games

    Game software ranges from competitive drill-and-practice type programs to elaborate adventures with extensive graphics and animation, requiring musical discovery to excel. These games are competitive in nature, usually allowing multiple players.

    Some titles in this category include:

  • Alfred's Theory Games
  • Composer Quest
  • Juilliard Music Adventure
  • Jump Start Music
  • Lenny's MusicToons
  • Menlo the Frog
  • Multimedia Music Games
  • The Music Game
  • The Music In Me
  • NotePlay
  • Radio Active
  • 4. Exploratory

    Exploratory software packages, which almost always deal with music history and appreciation, are analogous to multimedia coffee table books. They frequently delve into a particular work of music from multiple directions, giving a background on the composer, contemporary world history, and other music of the time.

    Some titles in this category include:

    5. Creative

    The Creative software category of music CAI includes programs that either give the student an opportunity to create music or assist in practicing music. This is not to be confused with professional production software, such as sequencers, notation programs, or digital sound recorders.

    Some titles in this category include:

  • Acid Rock
  • Band in a Box
  • Kid Riffs
  • Magix Music Maker
  • Making More Music
  • Making Music
  • Music Ace Doodle Pad
  • Musicstar Jam Session
  • Musicstar Recording Studio
  • Rock, Rap, 'n Roll
  • Smart Music Studio