Kids Learn Music: A+ Edition

Review

Common Sense Media says

Learning game is a great start for music education.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Learning1
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

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What 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.

  • Positive messages4
    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 models3
    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 play4
    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.
  • Violence0
    Not applicable.
  • Sex0
    Not applicable.
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What kids can learn

1

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.

Subjects
  • Arts
    music, playing, rhythm
  • Hobbies
  • Language & Reading
  • Math
  • Science
  • Social Studies
Skills
  • Collaboration
  • Communication
  • Creativity
    making new creations
  • Emotional Development
  • Health & Fitness
  • Responsibility & Ethics
See more details

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?

 

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.

What 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?

This review was written by Mark Raby

What kids can learn

1

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.

Subjects
  • Arts: music, playing, rhythm
  • Hobbies:
  • Language & Reading:
  • Math:
  • Science:
  • Social Studies:
Skills
  • Collaboration:
  • Communication:
  • Creativity: making new creations
  • Emotional Development:
  • Health & Fitness:
  • Responsibility & Ethics:
  • Self-Direction:
  • Tech Skills:
  • Thinking & Reasoning: memorization

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.

How kids will learn

Kids engage in a variety of mini-games. They might follow rhythms that are visually represented; perhaps they will repeat note sequences from memory. Players are scored based on how well they're able to perform these activities. If players don't score so well, they're encouraged to try again. Overall, the game is pretty encouraging, and reinforces the notion that practices makes perfect.

How parents can help

  • Help kids make musical instruments from objects found at home, such as an open shoebox wrapped with rubber bands. Ask them about the sounds that result from different item combos.
  • Turn on music and see if kids recognize any sequences similar to the ones they found in the game.
This review was written by Mark Raby

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This review was written by Mark Raby
Platforms:Nintendo DS
Available online?Not available online
Genre:Educational
Developer:Talking Stick Games
Release date:October 4, 2011
Price:$19.99
ESRB rating:E for No Descriptors
This review was written by Mark Raby
 

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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.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
Our child development rating guidelines

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