Anyone use SmartMusic to practice?

[golfgal]

Our kids' band directors sent out information about an online practice aid for a program called SmartMusic. Basically it is a program where you plug in a special microphone to your computer, hook it up to your instrument, practice your music and then it gives you feedback on what notes you played right/wrong, your tempo, etc. It also has a tuner and a metronome. I think it sounds like fun and a good way to practice. Has anyone used this yet? Just wondering about your experience.

It is $25/year with the school discount so that is less then one private lesson so I thought it wasn't too bad. The microphone is an extra $15 but still very reasonable.

 

[disykat]

Yes - it's terrific! We mainly mess around with it for fun and use the tuner. Not really for praticing scales or exercises. My 8th grade who is obsessed with the trumpet is on it at least once a day. He also uses it at his private lesson. My 6th grade trombone player can't be bothered, but will probably use it this summer when he is missing band.

We also got the vocal mike for me, but I haven't messed around with it much.

 

[1Prince2Princesses]

I've never heard of this, but I'm going to look into it. My DS plays the alto sax, and he could use a little extra help. Thanks for the info!

 

[GeorgeG]

It's a new one on me, but it sounds like a good idea. I learned many, many years ago that having a practice partner is a big help, especially during the early rudimentary years when practicing can be absolutely boring.

After 45 years I don't practice, mostly because I don't like playing by myself. I play often enough (at least 4-6 times a week) with bands to stay in shape.

 

[Nasi]

My dd has smart music and really likes it. It has accompaniments to many of the solos she does. She likes playing with them and challenges herself by setting the tempo faster. She is 16 but very serious about music ( her chosen career).

 

[golfgal]

The fee is $100 unless your school subscribes then each student is $25 and the school gets a cut of that so it is a 'fundraiser' for the band too. I am excited to get the CD and get started. Our twins both play alto sax so they have been lucky to have someone to practice with. DS14 plays trombone and his biggest complaint with his music is they rarely have melody parts, which is true, so this way he can play what ever he wants for melody parts and have back up musicians playing along. Heck, I think I will break out my violin and get back into playing shape with this--since my hearing went I never know if I am hitting the right notes and this will tell you if you are or not.

Here is the link to their website: http://www.smartmusic.com/

 

[Galahad]

Yes. It's an excellent system. That's a good price too.