MiBAC+Jazz

Program: MiBAC Jazz Authored by John Ellinger and Malcolm Lynn Baker Published by MiBAC Music Software Inc. [|www.mibac.com] Copyright 1989-2003 For Windows and Macintosh only No additional requirements Primarily for theory or general music, can be used for solo practice For high school and up
 * General Information**

For teacher support, you can go to the website and find an online user’s guide (which includes six lessons instructing you on how to use the program) as well as MIDI setup help. In addition, for technology support you can email tech@mibac.com. MiBAC also publishes Music Lessons I and II which are for ear training and theory purposes. MiBAC Jazz itself does not have any lesson plans or anything of that nature.
 * Teacher Support**

This program contains preset styles and parts for jazz related styles, though they can be modified to an extent. It uses chord information input by the user, can be transposed, have different styles, and other similar functions.
 * Instructional Content**

Music standards that could be addressed are: 3. Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments. 4. Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines.

The design of this program is comparable to band-in-a box and early versions of finale. The instructions, although clear and understandable are not integrated into the demo version of the software so reference notes are necessary when using this program with beginners.
 * Instructional Design and Pedagogical Soundness**

The icons used for the main toolbar are not self-explanatory. This makes the initial interaction with the program a little confusing until you become more comfortable with these functions. Initial attempts to utilize this software in my first 45 min of use were frustrating. It is hard to assume that students, even ones with high school level skills in music technology would experience more success.

Sequence of materials: Average(the tutorial lessons get complicated quite speedily) Quality of interaction: Below Average - Students can rehearse chord changes at different styles and speeds, nevertheless, the library of activities is not extensive and the structure of the "Song Form" dialogue box can be difficult to manipulate in terms of complex forms. Motivation for Students: Below average - I found this program is not very flexible. While comparable with software like Band-in-a Box and Smartmusic this program has not made enough advancements to keep up with music programs that can record, utilize midi and produce mp3s.

Works can be saved easily but there is no system for keeping track of work done in the program. In addition there is not any way to utilize the benefits of this program away from the computer.
 * Record Keeping**

This is a fun program to experiment with and is quite useful for those interested in jazz. It does require some knowledge of theory coming in, or at least a willingness to work with it, but can be very helpful. It is not completely intuitive, but manageable for the age group prescribed. Rating:++
 * Overall Evaluation**

Reviewer: Sara Marshall 04/03/2006 Review Updated: Elijah Vazquez 11/8/2009