Here are some of the applications I have designed for teaching pitch and rhythm skills
These were created using max/msp/jitter and can be adapted to work as standalone applications on student computers and in school computer labs:
Interval Identification Drill
This is a simple but flexible interval identification application. Students can choose intervals to include in the drill, vary the speed of interval playback, and keep track of their results. Harmonic and melodic playback is chosen at random. This application is used alongside a progressive set of audio files and online quizzes, such as the one below, in which a pitch is played at the piano and students are prompted to sing a note name and interval:
Major and minor 6ths sing and name:
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Resolution Game
The resolution game is an exercise designed to increase awareness of tonicization, rhythm, and voice leading skills. Inspired by a masterclass given by Art Lande, the game takes a pitch that is sung or entered into the interface keyboard and generates a lower pitch for students to resolve by singing or playing a predetermined resolution sequence. The game can be played using no rhythmic component or one of six rhythmic patterns, in which case students can reinforce their performance of the rhythms using conducting patterns. The application also offers great flexibility for addition of external keyboards and choice of playback sounds using computer native MIDI sound libraries.
Fun Scope
The fun scope is a digital x-y oscilloscope designed to aid in the exploration of tuning systems and intervallic relationships. It uses up to four highly tunable sine wave oscillators and a pair of adjustable display settings to generate visualizations of two, three, or four pitch chords. A set of preset intervals illustrate the interaction of pure intervals as well as Pythagorean, just, and equal tempered sounds. In addition there is an interface panel (above right) that converts MIDI pitches into frequency values in Hertz.
The colors of the oscillator are also completely adjustable. Students use the fun scope presets to gain a visual understanding of various pitch systems, and can create and save their own intervals, color schemes, and tuning concepts. In addition the fun scope presents a versatile but focused interface for computer sound synthesis and an integration of visual and sonic elements. This application is used in conjunction with in class lectures and study materials.
A few examples of the materials I have made and use for the development of rhythm skills:
Clave Worksheets
These worksheets are used as an introduction to clave rhythms and are referenced throughout the course. Beginning with basic forms such as 2/3 and 3/2 son and rumba clave, the sheets progress to illustrate various bell patterns and synthetic clave patterns.
Partido Jam
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
One of several rhythmic studies for study and performance in class using percussion. This one is based on the Brazilian partido alto.
Rumba Solfege
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
An exercise in solfege, part-singing, harmonic progressions, and rhythm.
student performance of the partido jam at UCI Cosmos 2008
In addition to the above tools I use online quizzes, online playlists illustrating musical concepts, and base assignments on available online library resources such as Oxford Music Online, Naxos Music Library, Smithsonian Folkways, and the Library of Congress.
