Title: Juilliard Music Adventure
Overall Rating:
A
Source: Theatrix compact disc; personal
copy & http://www.
theatrix.com/products/juilliard/overviewframe.html
Playing Time: variable
Date: 1995
Cost: $29.99 http://www.
theatrix.com/products/juilliard/overviewframe.html
Number of Players: one
Special Equipment/Facilities Needed: System
7 or higher, double speed CD ROM drive or Windows
Subject Area: Music
Objectives: Introduction to music theory,
creativity, problem solving, reasoning, music composition
Brief Description: Juilliard Music Adventure
by Theatrix and The Juilliard School is interactive educational software
for children, ages 9 and up (this now reads 8-12 according to the web site),
who are interested in learning about various components of music.
There are three levels of difficulty . The child has to solve the clues
and find the correct keys in order to open the throne room, remove "Gnoise",
and restore harmony to the kingdom. This software also allows the child
to create his/ her own short musical compositions using the "melody" and
"rhythm" tiles and hear them played.
Entry Capabilities Required: ability to
use a computer and mouse, minimal knowledge of music
Rating: (1-5)
Relevance to objectives: 5 - By solving
the various clues and obtaining the needed keys to the doors the student
gains knowledge of musical instruments, notation, and sounds.
Provides practice of relevant skills:
3 - The software doesn't allow for actual playing of the various instruments,
but the sound are reproduced fairly accurately and there are plenty of
choices to allow for creative composition for the beginner.
Likely to arouse/maintain interest: 4
- The cartoon characters are engaging and attractive. Even the villain,
Gnoise, with his disappearing through doorways creates curiosity as to
where he has gone.
Likely to be comprehended clearly: 3 -
If the child does not note the scroll flashing or make use of the "melody"
and "rhythm" tools, much information could be missed. At first, these
items, particularly the tools, are not clearly explained.
Technical quality (durable, attractive):
4 - The software comes on a compact disc which are quite durable when use
in a reasonable manner.
Game: Winning dependent on player actions (rather
than chance): 5 - The player
can not win if he/ she does not solve the clues, find the keys to the throne
room door, and enter.
Simulation: Validity of game model (realistic,
accurate depiction): 3 It is
cartoon style, but the music seems accurate.
Evidence of effectiveness (e.g. field-test
results):
5 - My three sons all liked it initially when I first acquired the softwarebut
as with most educational software, they out grew it.
Clear directions for play: 4 - Most of
the directions are given through voice, but, as noted previously, some
directions are on the "scroll" icon and if it isn't noticed, information
can be missed.
Effectiveness of debriefing: 5
- The goal is accomplished when the student wins and gain eninto the throne
room. From that point access around the kingdom to listen to the
various pieces of music is as the student chooses.
Strong Points:
1) Interactive sequences with increasing levels of difficulty,
clear visual graphics, clear and interesting audio
and
musical selections; 2) characters keep younger child's focus; 3) gives
good entry level information on various musical instruments; 4) allows
for experimentation in music composition
Weak Points: 1)
once the problem is solved there is no motivation to play the game again
with the exception of composing music, 2) directions for use of rhythm
and melody tiles may be confusing for some users, 3) is very
limited
in use by those who are hearing impaired.
Reviewer: Judith Warren
Position: GRED518 Non-matriculated Graduate
Student
Date: June 7, 1999
Computer System Reviewed on: G3233 64MBRAM