Did you ever wish you had learned to play the piano? Would you like to use music to enhance your child's learning? SuperKids' teams of parent, teacher, and kid reviewers looked at programs specifically aimed at teaching the user to play the piano, plus some other titles that help in music education and appreciation.
My Electric Guitar [for ages 9 and up] from eMedia, is a great way to learn electric guitar, with 60 lessons focused on rock music.
My Guitar [for ages 6 and up] from eMedia, is a fun way to learn acoustic guitar, and manages to make learning and practicing fun.
Playing Music [for all ages] from Viva Media, focuses on the dynamics of music, and how different styles of play produce different results. Best for those who really enjoy music and want to understand it better.
Tooning Up - The C Major Scale [for ages 3 to 8] from Universal Child Productions, is an educational music game that teaches the notes of the C major scale through lessons and games. Best for young kids still learning music notation.
Music Ace Deluxe [for all ages] from Harmonic Vision, combines the lessons from Music Ace and Music Ace 2, into a single product. Best for 4-12 year olds who want to practice beginning piano music.
Making More Music [for ages 6 and up] from Viva Music, focuses on experimenting with different instruments, then putting together the components of a musical score. Best for kids with music backround and interest.
Mozart's Magic Flute The Music Game [for ages 4 to 104] from Music Games International, is another musical jigsaw puzzle that teaches not only music listening skills, but also provides some historical context.
The Nutcracker Music Game [for ages 4 to 104] from Kids Music Stage, is an updated and vastly expanded version of last year's innovative and fun, musical jigsaw puzzle.
SimTunes [for ages 8 and up] from Maxis, is not designed to teach keyboard skills or the ability to read a score. Instead, it encourages the child to explore, experiment, discover and create music.
Teach Me Piano [for ages 12 and up] from Voyetra, is a no-frills program, designed for a more serious, older piano student.
Music Ace [ages 6 to pre-teen] from Harmonic Vision, leads the user through the fundamentals of music -- from introduction to the staff, to practice with the piano keyboard and a glimpse at the major scales -- with some fun along the way.
A Little Kid Music [ages 3 to 13] from Ars Nova Software, blends a beginning music tutorial with the broader category of music appreciation. A nice introduction for the young child who is interested in music but discouraged by more intense tutorials.
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