The TEEM evaluations

Music Maker was used with pairs of children on a single-user computer in order to practice playing the instruments that the program contains and to understand how the pitch within sound is represented by figures going up and down. It was also used to develop children's skills within remembering and repeating sequences of sounds.

The software was initially introduced to the whole class and then children took turns over the next two weeks to work on the program in pairs.

The program was primarily aimed at Key Stage 1, but was very useful when working with children with Special Educational Needs regarding the sequencing activities.

I was able to demonstrate how the program could be used and each group was allowed a limited amount of time to explore the program before starting the specific task.

Once working on the program themselves, the children were able to find their way around the program and to carry out the tasks appropriately.

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Music Maker supports Music at Key Stage 1. It is particularly useful for exploring pitch and for developing simple composing skills, including the introduction of simple notation. Appraising skills can be developed as the tunes can be saved and improved. It also encourages careful listening to music in the activities 'Simon Says' and 'Name that Tune'. It provides a very visual introduction to pitch, which could easily be complemented by activities involving, for example, handbells, or xylophones. Composition could take place away from the computer and then put into practice later using the software. The composition could also be used in a multimedia package.

The possibilities are endless, as this is composition software at a simple level. The supporting activities complement this basic function and make it fun to explore while reinforcing learning in Music.