Operating the VMT-1 Visual Music Tutor

Operating the VMT-1 (Visual Music Tutor)

Function 2 (F2) the Notation View

F2 is the first “notation view” that will visually guide the student as s/he learns or plays along with an SMF. This view displays the music notation of any music file, and can be re-sized in two ways: the actual notehead size can be enlarged or reduced, and each measure can be made wider or narrower. The V-MT’s visual component is enhanced further by two guides for the music reader: a bouncing ball, following the gentle arc of a “conductor” imparts a musical flow: As the actual notes of the SMF are being played, those notes are indicated in red. The

bouncing ball and these red notes lead the eye along the staff, helping to establish solid reading habits. Further, a user- selectable option allows sharps and flats to be displayed in color—another way to continually remind learners of the key signature.

In this view, one can still access the transport controls—RESET, BWD, FWD; change the TEMPO or TRANSPOSITION; and mute unwanted TRACKS.

WHY: As new concepts, exercises or tunes are introduced to a class, this window provides the most score options, as well as the largest notation window—up to four grand staves at one time. One gets the best display when the active window is maximized. The F2 “moving score” options will visually prompt students to move their eyes along with music, as well as highlighting the oft-forgotten black keys (sharps or flats) in other colors. This colored sharp/flat option can be turned off as skills progress.

HOW: Press F2 (function button #2) or the second icon in the upper left corner of the file menu. This window allows adjustments of tempo, transposition, tracks being played, as well as note size and measure width.

Function 3 (F3) the Rehearsal View

F3 is the “rehearsal view.” While it also contains the transport controls and “ani- mated notation,” the bar graph immediately below the music staff is the impor- tant feature. It displays both velocity (dynamics) and duration (note length) of the SMF recording in a turquoise bar graph; immediately below that bar graph is another salmon bar graph that displays the user’s performance. A learner or entire class can now visualize the difference between whole and quarter notes, legato and staccato touches, and many other musical nuances. It’s also helpful for

advanced students to visually note the dynamic contours of scales, phrases or ornaments.

WHY: This window is particularly helpful to display differences between staccato and legato, as well as dynamic contours within a musical phrase

HOW: Press F3 (function button #3) or the third icon in the upper left menu bar. You may adjust tempo, transpo- sition, tracks being played, as well as note size and measure width.