10.2 QuickLook
I had some time on my hands this morning. It is conference time here. We had a great concert last Sunday, most parents don't feel the need to talk except to stick their head in and say "Great Job!" or "I don't know how you do it!".
Really is a good day for small projects.
I have a lap top that I use mostly for administrative chores that seemed like a good choice to try SmartMusic 10.2 out on. If I messed something up at least the kids won't have problems. I try not to tweak anything that is working well and I have been very happy with the practice room computers and how they are running.
You can download 10.2 from the SmartMusic web site. The update will change the program, but leave your accompaniments and recordings alone. Pretty nice.
I like it when upgrades work that way and I know that lots of thought goes into making that happen. Your assignments are over on the Impact web site, so those are safe as well.
Time to Launch--
The first thing you notice is the interface revamping. The text is saying the same things in the new version, but the layout makes it easier to focus on what you want to do. I got the updates. Yes, getting the updates takes a while. I usually walk to the office for the mail.
There is now a nice big button for getting assignments. Rolling over it will take you to the login or register for class portions of the program. Again a much cleaner look.
The find music button is pretty slick for those that want to work on something other than an assignment. Roll over it to get to assortment of places you may find what you want...the books, library and exercises. There is also a new recently played button there.
The "Recently Played" button is going to save me a boat load of time. It works like a play list of the last several things you have worked on. The SmartMusic play list feature was pretty handy, but you had to remember to use it. SmartMusic is now taking care of that for you. Nice.
If you are playing along on your computer at home, notice the tuner has a new feature. You can record your tuning session. This is an interesting idea that I haven't totally figured out how I am going to use. Tuning should be done with the ears and not the eyes and teaching what something sounds like when it is in tune is tricky. Having a student get the green light while recording it for them with the reference note on, then playing it back for them for reinforcement may be the ticket. I'm going to have to try it.
That's the quick once over.
Do you have to get everyone moved over to 10.2 RIGHT NOW? I would say not. If the kids have everything working, I would say leave well enough alone. Waiting for summer/fall for version 11 would be ok for you.
Remember that the folks at SmartMusic keep pretty much everyone on the same version, so you will get to update then. As a teacher, that is pretty handy because you don't have to remember the tricks for 4 or 5 versions of the program.
If you are not using SmartMusic because you thought it would be too hard to install and get kids registered, I would say what are you waiting for? It just got easier. Need more reasons? Look here.
I'll post some screen shots on my website later. www.rogerwhaley.com