During today's class, Dr. Ryan gave us a demonstration of Smart Music, which is a software program that I remember using a lot in high school. I know that my Dad, who is a middle school and high school band director, uses this program often in his classroom. I know that even our elementary band director from home has been using it.
I love that there are so many literature books available via this program, from band method books, to "56 Songs You Like to Sing," to the "Building Beautiful Voices" warmup series that I plan on using Also, I love that after the student plays, Smart Music gives a percentage of accurate pitches if this is something that I would like to use as a grade.
I do feel like the program is still mostly focused on the instrumental side of things, but it has definitely expanded more into the vocal world since I used it last. I used to use it when practicing my trumpet, and I know that my little brother does the same. My parents have used that to have him show me what he's bee working on and how he's sounding by sending a recording of him to my email; the recording includes the Smart Music accompaniment, and he gets really excited to be able to play for me.
I thought that it was also excellent that it could be connected to Finale and Sibelius, so if there are exercises that I would like to do when I'm teaching that are not available to purchase, I can make whatever I need and save it as a Midi file.
I definitely plan on making use of this software if I end up teaching middle school, upper elementray school, and may be even high school.
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