EarMaster

Program: EarMaster Authored by Hans Jakobsen Published by EarMaster ApS [|www.earmaster.com] Copyright 1996-2008 (for Pro and School 5.0) For Windows only (Macintosh to be released) No additional requirements Any age Primarily for theory
 * General Information**

EarMaster School has 651 lessons that can be modified to become tests and you are allowed to create more “tutor lessons.” There is also an overview function which allows for keeping track of student’s scores and print-outs, etc. There is an online user guide in PDF format as well as a FAQs page and a support forum. EarMaster Pro 4.0, which was used for this evaluation, also includes a guide within the program in addition to music theory help.
 * Teacher Support**

EarMaster is an ear training program and includes: interval comparisons and identifications; chord identification, inversions, and progressions; scale identification (which includes modes); rhythm reading, correction, and imitation; and dictation. National Standards for Music Education that could be addressed are: 5. Reading and notating music. 6. Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
 * Instructional Content**

The program is very easy to work with. You simply select what you want to concentrate from the areas mentioned above and set your settings. You can make them as easy or as difficult as you need to, it keeps score for you and you can see all your results at any point. The setup is very easy to understand and there are no distracting graphics. For students who are having trouble with something, there is a tutor button they can click on that is the head of an elderly man. You can move freely between programs, program set-ups results without any trouble and it will save the settings you left it with. This is a drill and practice program which you have complete control over and the feedback is both immediate and simple. The sequence of materials is excellent, the pace of instruction is self-regulated, the quality of interaction is excellent in terms of being hands-on, and the motivation is good.
 * Instructional Design and Pedagogical Soundness**

The program keeps track of your tests for you and, specifically with the school version; it is very organized and be easily made into a hard copy. The program will save results in the school version allowing the teacher to keep record of the students progress.
 * Record Keeping**

Sarah: This is a wonderful ear training program for all musicians. No matter what level you are at, you can adjust the program to fit your needs. It is quite self-explanatory and there is plenty of help if you need it. The school program has added benefits for the classroom and is a wonderful teaching tool if used properly. Rating:++++
 * Overall Evaluation**

Bruce: This program is very useful, and educational. It has the ability to range from beginning musician to advanced Aural Skills in the collegiate setting. The only issue is the rhythmic dictation is very difficult do to a timing delay between the space bar and the program. Other than that this program is amazing. Rating: +++ Reviewer: Sara Marshall 04/03/2006 Edited by Bruce Nist Jr. 11/04/2008