Computer-Assisted Instruction in Music has been around since the mainframe days of the 1960s. While there are some aspects of music that a computer absolutely cannot teach (yet), there are many areas in which computer software can be very effective – especially music theory.
Some of the advantages include:
- Reinforcement of the relationship between seeing and hearing music
(Seeing an interval, melody, rhythm, or chord while simultaneously hearing it) - Individualization of instruction
Because students are working independently with a computer, they may progress at individual paces. Furthermore, a student who has no problem with one subject area may proceed to a new area without waiting for classmates. - Instant feedback and immediate positive reinforcement
This helps the student to avoid repetition of mistakes, and encourages learning. - Objectivity
- Randomized drill or test questions
- Customized levels of difficulty
- Record keeping
- Student motivation increased
- Student anxiety minimized due to less peer-to-peer competition