Wednesday, October 27, 2004
Sibelius & XP SP 2...
Because of an undocumented change made by Microsoft in Service Pack 2, Sibelius 2 and 3 users will get an error message when double-clicking a score's icon to open it from their desktop or from Windows Explorer. Despite the error messages you may be receiving, it does not affect your Sibelius files in any way - so if you're working on an important score don't worry! Sibelius has provided a script to fix the problem that you can download from their website, and everything should run fine again.
- Kristin
Posted at 10:06 PM by Kelly's Music :: Archived :: TrackBack (0) ::
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
M-Audio Releases the O2
Keeping in step with Edirol's PCR-M1, M-Audio recently introduced the O2 ultra-thin USB MIDI controller. The O2 features 25 full-size, half-action, velocity-sensitive keys, along with eight fully assignable knobs, 8 fully assignable buttons and other real-time control features for performance and programming.
The specs for the PCR-M1 and O2 are almost identical, with the biggest difference being the price. The PCR-M1 lists for $310.00 US, while the O2 lists for over $100 less at $179.95 US! As for the differences in features, the PCR-M1 includes both a separate MIDI in and out, the O2 only has MIDI out, and the PCR-M1 has 16 memories, the O2 has 5. The O2 gives you 8 buttons, whereas the PCR-M1 only has 6.
- Kristin
Posted at 11:45 AM by Kelly's Music :: Archived :: TrackBack (0) ::
Monday, October 11, 2004
$30 Mail In Rebate on Cakewalk Home Studio XL...
The XL Version of Home Studio has always been a great value, since it adds some great effects, a sample player, sample library and a loop CD. Until October 31st, it is an even better value, since Cakewalk is offer a $30 mail in rebate to US customers.
- Kelly
Posted at 6:11 PM by Kelly's Music :: Archived :: TrackBack (0) ::
Monday, October 04, 2004
More uses for Tablet PC's in music education...
Part of a continuing series...
Students can also take advantage of tablet PCs for tasks such as dictation. Rather than have students use paper and pen, they could use a notation program to enter their perceptions of the music being dictated. They can they playback their version to compare it with their aural memory and make any changes required. Students could also use Microsoft's OneNote, which provides a staff template but no playback or intelligent scoring capabilities. This would prevent students from hearing their notation, forcing them to rely solely on their aural memory and auditory skills. In both cases, work can be submitted electronically (perhaps even wirelessly) for later assessment. A well planned series of dictation exercises over a period of time, integrated with your repertoire will allow students to eventually collect a number of musical phrases and ideas that can be referred to in the future. There can be many other uses for this musical scrap book, and encouraging students to use their Tablets to write down a favourite "lick" they hear will help students develop their own notebook of ideas to use in composition and improvisation.
In-class student use of technology isn't unusual in other subject areas, especially for schools that provide students with laptops. Tablet PC's can extend those opportunities to the music class. Embedded technology could provide your students with access to theory and ear training programs, Sibelius, Reason or other creativity programs. Tablet PC's on the music stands of our students is a real possibility.
- Kelly
Posted at 8:55 PM by Kelly's Music :: Archived :: TrackBack (0) ::