This is only a preview of the December 1991 issue of Silicon Chip. You can view 49 of the 96 pages in the full issue, including the advertisments. For full access, purchase the issue for $10.00 or subscribe for access to the latest issues. Articles in this series:
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Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
Leo Simpson, B.Bus.
Editor
Greg Swain, B.Sc.(Hons.)
PUBLISHER'S LETTER
Technical Staff
John Clarke, B.E.(Elec.)
Robert Flynn
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Angela Clarke, B.A.(Comm.)
Phone (02) 979 5644
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Regular Contributors
Brendan Akhurst
Jennifer Bonnitcha, B.A.
Garry Cratt, VK2YBX
Marque Crozman
John Hill
Jim Lawler, MTETIA
Bryan Maher, M.E., B.Sc.
Jim Yalden, VK2YGY
Bob Young
Photography
Stuart Bryce
Editorial Advisory Panel
Philip Watson, MIREE, VK2ZPW
Norman Marks
Steve Payor, B.Sc., B.E .
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ISSN 1030-2662
4
SILICON CHIP
Music and computers - a new way to learn
At some time in our lives, most of us have a yearning to make music. It is
a wonderful way of self-expression that is quite different from most other
pastimes. Sadly though, relatively few people have had the chance to learn
music and of those who have, many have found the process of learning
music too rigorous to suit their temperament and lifestyle. Up till now, most
of these people would have resigned themselves to that fact and have settled
for the enjoyment of listening to music - a pastime that is highly satisfying
in itself.
But now there is a new development in the music teaching scene and that
is the Miracle keyboard reviewed in this issue. When you first see this
instrument it looks little different from the many other relatively cheap
keyboards on the market. The difference with this Miracle unit is that it
links to your computer and comes with software discs that enable you to
teach yourself to play.
Some of you might be cynical about the concept but we think it has a
number of advantages over conventional methods of teaching. First, the
computer is infinitely patient and not in the least censorious if you are
having difficulty with a particular lesson. So there is no need to feel
embarrassed. Second, you can take a lesson at the keyboard at any time,
something that is just not possible with a human teacher. Third, you don't
have to pay the not inconsiderable charges of music teachers, a fact which
can be taken into ,consideration if you decide to purchase the instrument.
Naturally, the Miracle won't suit everyone but it is certainly an interesting
teaching concept which could perhaps be taken further in the future. Might
we see a guitar/computer learning system or one involving wind instruments? And might the concept be extended to other areas such as a
computer fitness system? The computer could perhaps be connected to an
exercise machine and might gradually bring you up to a good level of fitness
in the privacy of your own home.
Which ever way you look at it, the future is-indeed bright for computers
and we are well on the way to the day when they will be a fixture in every
home. And incidentally, if you haven't already realised it, computers are
currently exceptionally good value so if you are thinking of buying, now is
the time.
As 1991 draws to a close, I and the staff of SILICON CHIP thank you for your
continuing support and wish you a happy and safe Christmas.
Leo Simpson
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