Auralia

1. CITATION AND GENERAL INFORMATION

 * Title: Auralia 4.0
 * Author:
 * Publisher: Avid Technology, Inc. Auralia 4.0
 * Copyright Date: Copyright © 2010 (Rising Software Australia)
 * Platform: The following platform devices and requirements may used in conjunction with the Auralia software:
 * Windows: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, 512MB+RAM, 200MB hard disk space, CD-ROM drive.
 * Macintosh: Intel processors only, Mac OS X 10.4.11 or later, Mac OS X 10.5 or Mac OS X 10.6, 512MB+RAM, 200MB hard disk space, CD-ROM drive.
 * Peripherals: MIDI keyboards are optional, but a microphone is recommended for this software.
 * Grade/Age: The following are examples of grade and age levels in which Auralia may be used:
 * Primary/Elementary
 * Secondary/High School
 * University/College
 * Instrumental Lessons
 * Type of Classes: The following are examples of the classes in which Auralia may be used:
 * Music Theory
 * Aural Skills
 * Lesson
 * Ensembles (Customized course for Band//--New*//)

2. TEACHER SUPPORT
 * Documentation of material is included in media format and on the Internet.
 * Objectives are clearly stated for and during each exercise with a syllabus format.
 * Lesson plans are included for each exercise.
 * Sample screens are provided during the lessons and exercises.
 * Resource information is included in media format and the Internet.
 * Reproducible student pages are available only with the purchase of the program and not with the demo.
 * Student booklets are also only available with the purchase of the program and not with the demo

3. INSTRUCTIONAL CONTENT
 * Specific Musical Content: Auralia is an ear-training program, which incorporates drill exercises for the following areas in music education:
 * Intervals & Scales
 * Chords
 * Rhythm
 * Harmony & Form
 * Pitch & Melody
 * Solfège support & AP Theory Course //(New*)//
 * The following are National Music Standards which could be addressed using Auralia:
 * National Music Standard #5: Reading and notating music
 * National Music Standard #6: Listening, analyzing, and describing music

4. INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN AND PEDAGOGICAL SOUNDNESS


 * The Teaching strategies of Auralia are appropriate for the specified levels addressed above, and are based upon well-known educational methods and practices.
 * The Presentation of the material on the screen can be easily understood and followed.
 * The Readability and difficulty are at an appropriate level for the students who use it.
 * The Graphics are informative, motivational and not confusing to a user.
 * The user has overall control of the program and pace at which s/he is learning.
 * The Program Structure of Auralia is in a tutorial and/or Drill & Practice format to which the user has the option of the following:
 * Choosing the level settings: Easy, Medium, Difficult and/or customized levels
 * Pacing of drills the an individuals needs
 * Are able to read and listen to the material and content presented
 * Teachers are able to create multiple classes and/or lessons to suit the appropriate level for students
 * Pre-created or customized tests
 * The administrator can control the login information for individual or group users.

5. RECORD KEEPING
 * Teachers have the option to view, print, and/or export results of tests and drills which are updated daily.
 * Teachers are also allowed to monitor and track each student's progress.

6. OVERALL EVALUATION
 * Summary: Auralia would be a valuable tool for teaching fundamental and advanced ear training skills to music students from elementary to university levels. Lessons are offered in a variety of levels to which the user can select an appropriate level to their working ability. Also, the program is useful for testing, because it provides immediate feedback on the exercises or drills executed. Students would be able to work at their own pace, and instruction can be more personalized when needed. Finally, this would be a great resource for practicing music theory and arual skills outside of the classroom.
 * Rating -- 4/4 Stars (Excellent)

7. Created by: Megan Clay Constantine (10/27/2008) Updated/Reviewed by: Jeffrey D. Klefstad (10/14/2010)