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  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 0, age appropriate for kids over 0; suggested age 7.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Play composer with this kid-friendly music site.

On this site kids can:   create music, do activities, express themselves, learn with others, play games

Why We Rated This on for Ages 7 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Kids can learn to train their ears to recognize harmonies and music patterns. They can also try their hand at composing, and learn to play along with Beethoven.

  • Messages:

    The message that anyone can compose music is at the center of the site. Users are encouraged to try out new sounds and styles by jumping right into composing pieces. Games offer gentle reminders when a player gets a wrong answer.
 

What to watch out for

  • Consumerism:

    The home page includes a list of educational CD-ROMS that follow up where the site leaves off. On the "About Us" page it reads: "Each activity will be expanded into CD-ROMS and/or software which can be downloaded via the Web." Most of the promotions however are directed at parents, rather than kids.
 

How safe is it?

  • Personal privacy:

    There is no information collected on the site.

  • Online interaction:

    With just a few clicks of the mouse, users can create compositions in a very simple on-screen process. Clicking on boxes makes sound patterns and rhythms, and users can practice scales with the help of their keyboard number pad.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Creating Music

Parents need to know that kids can be belting out tunes and experimenting with music within minutes of accessing this site. The brainchild of electronic music pioneer Morton Subotnick, this Web site was designed to fill a void in children's music education and allow kids the chance to compose arrangements, rather than just practice other people's work. Through music comparison, instrument and scale samples, and a musical "sketch pad," users can learn about composition and how notes come together to make music. Many of these lessons are continued in the company's line of CD-ROMs, which are featured on the site. The product promotions aren't attention-grabbing or marketed at young users.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how interactive sites differ. This site is interactive, and so are virtual worlds like Club Penguin. How does this music making site differ in its interactive features? Read "Online Worlds for Young Kids Tips" to find out more about virtual worlds.
  • When you make your own music, do you have a better sense of the work and thought that went into the music that you listen to? Is it easy to make music that sounds appealing?
  • Families can talk about setting limits on computer time. It's fun to play with sounds and notes online, but is it the same as playing an actual instrument? Read some tips for a balanced technology diet in our article "Setting Computer Limits Tips."
Tools and tips that can help

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 8
    rocknrollry
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Safety isn't an issue
    • User content is age appropriate

    AWESOME

    It is just right for kids my age!!!!

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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