Kids Learn Music: A+ Edition

Common Sense Media says

Learning game is a great start for music education.

Age(i)

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17

Quality(i)

 

Learning(i)

(i)
Buy
Write a review

Kids Learn Music: A+ Edition gallery

What parents need to know

Positive messages

This game instills the message that learning can be fun. The game is presenting in a very accessible way with bright colors and varied backgrounds, allowing it to easily engage players -- even those with no prior musical education.

Positive role models

This game does not include any strong characters or role models, but the game's tone is very positive. There is on-screen text and dialogue that encourages players throughout the mini-games and music learning exercises. In addition, if players have difficulty with any of the exercises, the game coaxes them along until they are able to figure out the answer.

Ease of play

This game is intended for a very young audience and walks players through all the various mini-games and exercises. The touch-screen controls are very basic and intuitive, making it an easily accessible title for any young player.

Violence & scariness
Not applicable
Language
Not applicable
Consumerism
Not applicable
Privacy & safety
Not applicable

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Kids Learn Music: A+ Edition is an educational learning game for kids in grades 1 to 4. It is designed to teach young players the basics of music such as recognizing notes on a scale, matching rhythms, and simulating the basic steps involved in playing guitar and drums. There is also a mode that allows players to play musical instruments in a freestyle setting. This game is designed for young players but anyone interested in grasping a basic understanding of technical music skills will likely find the exercises here relevant and accessible.

What kids can learn

Subjects

Arts

  • music
  • playing
  • rhythm

Skills

Thinking & Reasoning

  • memorization

Creativity

  • making new creations

Engagement, Approach, Support

Engagement

Learning Approach

Support

What kids can learn

Subjects

Arts

  • music
  • playing
  • rhythm

Skills

Thinking & Reasoning

  • memorization

Creativity

  • making new creations

Kids can learn fundamentals of music, including scales and rhythm identification. They also get to play virtual instruments and hear the different sounds they make. Some of the mini-games also reinforce memory by requiring that players repeat note sequences. Notes and rhythms are the focus here; you'll find only a surface introduction to melody-making.

This Learning Rating review was written by Mark Raby

User reviews

Review this title!

Parents say

Not yet rated
Review this title!

Kids say

Not yet rated
Review this title!

What's it about?

Kids Learn Music: A+ Edition gives players an introduction to the world of music education. It teaches them about the musical notes, from A to G, and also tests their ability to match the rhythm of a song, play a simulated musical instrument, and repeat a sequence of notes from memory. In addition to the structured mini-games and exercises, there's also a mode that allows kids to practice playing their favorite musical instrument.

Is it any good?

QUALITY
 

Kids Learn Music: A+ Edition is a great introduction to the world of music. Its colorful and friendly presentation makes it widely accessible to anyone, even those who have no experience learning about scales, names of notes, or recognizing rhythms. It is, however, only an introduction. For players who are seriously interested in developing music skills, it should be supplemented by real lessons in school or elsewhere.

Families can talk about...

  • Families can talk about how video games can be included in their children's regular activities.

  • What musical instrument is your favorite?

  • What is the toughest thing to learn about music?

Game details

Platforms:Nintendo DS
Price:$19.99
Available online?Not available online
Developer:Talking Stick Games
Release date:October 4, 2011
Genre:Educational
ESRB rating:E for No Descriptors (Nintendo DS)

This review of Kids Learn Music: A+ Edition was written by

Mark Raby

About our rating system

  • ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
  • PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
  • OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
  • NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids of any age.

Find out more

Quality

Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

Find out more

Learning ratings

  • Best: Really engaging, great learning approach.
  • Very Good: Engaging, good learning approach.
  • Good: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
  • Fair: Somewhat engaging, okay learning approach.
  • Not for Learning: Not recommended for learning.
  • Not for Kids: Not age-appropriate for kids; not recommended for learning.

Find out more

About our buy links

When you use our links to make a purchase, Common Sense Media earns a small affiliate fee from Amazon or iTunes. As a nonprofit organization, these funds help us continue providing independent, ad-free services for educators, families, and kids while the price you pay remains the same. Thank you for your support.
Read more

See more about how we rate and review.

Great handpicked alternatives

For kids who love learning from games

Music Games for Kids
See all recommended game lists

Browse more games

Top advice and articles

What parents and kids say

Write a user reviewThere aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.

Poll

Did our review help you make an informed decision about this product?

Poll

What are the different ways that you access Common Sense Media ratings and information? (Check all that apply)

Essential Apps Guide