Parents' Guide to

Creating Music

By Jacqueline Rupp, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 7+

Play composer with this kid-friendly music site.

Website http://www.creatingmusic.com/
Creating Music Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this website.

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age 3+

Based on 1 parent review

Izuna A.
Izuna A. Adult
September 24, 2016
age 3+

Learning Tools For Kids

this is a great idea, as an learning tools interested i support the use of music as a stumulation to learn and you can get other ideas if you want , great application maybe a will share it in my educative blog its can be useful, i am started a blog focusing on learning tools for kids and if you are interested to write as a guest you're welcome! http://learningtoolsforkids1.blogspot.com/

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What’s It About?

The brainchild of electronic music pioneer Morton Subotnick, CREATING MUSIC was designed to fill a void in children's music education and give 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,\" kids can learn about composition and how notes come together to make music. Many of these lessons are continued in the company's line of software, which is sold on the site.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (1 ):

Creating Music's activities are generally short and sweet and can give an impromptu music lesson whenever the mood strikes. Fun challenges like recognizing harmonies and playing along with classical composers give this site instant kid-appeal, while lessons that work in classical, world, and even rap music to teach and train young ears show this site has the chops for education and fun.

Creating Music launched in the 1990s and lacks the sophisticated look and feel of more modern sites. Some screens look like something your grandpa put together in 1994 and never updated, while others look fine. That is to say, the site design isn't great, and may not impress today's media-savvy kiddos. However, the activities do stand the test of time. Kids might want to try Subotnick's more recent endeavor, the iPad app, Morton Subotnick's Pitch Painter.

Talk to Your Kids 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."

Website Details

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