Cutting edge ear training technology today transforms your laptop, iPhone, iPad, and other electronic gadgets into mobile music devices. Anyone who wants to improve their pitch, rhythm, voice, and ears need only download an app or push a button.

The latest music technology tools help singers, instrumentalists, music educators, and music lovers improve pitch, rhythm, vocal quality, and timbre in a variety of innovative ways.  Recent technological innovations in the field of music robotics and music technology for both the visually and hearing impaired have broken new ground in music education tech tools. Exciting music apps and music education software tools integrate the latest touch technology to make ear training fun for beginning musicians and students.

What ear training technology is available today? What does the ear training technology of the future look like? Let’s take a look into our music tech crystal ball and check out the latest in ear training tools!

RoboMusic and I-Blocks

The Centre for Playware in Denmark has developed music robotic building blocks which train young children how to compose music and recognize different musical styles and instruments by ear[1]. The “I-Blocks” (intelligent blocks) communicate with other blocks and use a 3D accelerometer to detect gravity. Color coded to indicate instrument type and filled with a large library of musical segments, the I-Blocks in the RoboMusicKids system create new exciting compositions as the children manipulate the blocks.

RoboMusic allows children to create exciting compositions as they manipulate the robotic buikding blocks

Practica Musica

For many music educators looking for a comprehensive music program suitable for elementary and secondary education, Practica Musica “Your Personal Music Tutor” offers a wide range of ear training and music theory tools. These music education tools allow students to Click to read the rest…

How can music improve the quality of life for children with special needs? Can music help the developmentally delayed child? What are the newest technology innovations in music therapy?

Music can improve the quality of life for children with physical, emotional, and psychological needs in a variety of ways. From increased language development in autistic children to improved self-esteem in at-risk youths, music and music therapy have the potential to make a lasting positive impact in the life of a child.

Studies suggest that music therapy can improve the speech of developmentally delayed children[1] and in children with autism[2]. By focusing on communication through music, researchers have found that many autistic children show at least a short term increase in social interaction and attention following a directed music therapy session[2]. For example, Melodic Intonation Therapy increases communication skills by using singing to teach language[3]. The close link between language and music are explored further in Music & Life: The Secret Language Connection

Music benefits students emotionally, mentally, and psychologically. A student with hyperactivity finds that she can focus when playing the piano, or an at-risk kindergartner expresses his anger through drums. A depressed teenager finds a positive way to express sadness through song. Research indicates the music is especially helpful for children that are unable to communicate through language and for children suffering from behavioral disorders[2].

Technological innovation gives all children the opportunity to enjoy and learn music. Click to read the rest…

This innovative new series explores musical training from conception to grave. Learn how music you heard in-utero affected your musical tastes today. Encourage musical creativity in your child or students with easy music tech tools and exercises. Discover how cultures around the globe use music in the classroom. Find ways to reach special needs children with the joys of sound.

The Music & Life series will help teachers, parents, musicians, and medical professionals understand how music affects the different stages of life. Practical advice and easy technology tools and musical exercises will help you apply contemporary science. Written by a music educator with over a decade’s experience, and a specialization in at-risk education and multicultural arts, the Music & Life Series will give you the tools you need to make the most of music in everyday life.

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