August 25, 2009 | Published in Children, Education, Family Life, Giveaways, Kids Stuff, Music, Parenting, Product Reviews, Technology

Music Ace Deluxe

by Janice

This afternoon, as I am working on my laptop at the kitchen table, my seven year old son Jackson is sitting next to me, his laptop playing pitches as he moves his mouse to the matching note on the keyboard on the screen. He is using an interactive music program called Music Ace Deluxe that we were sent to review.

jackson-music-ace-deluxe

While Jackson listens intently and plays the games, “Maestro Max” lends encouragement and direction — with an Austrian accent of course!

music-ace-deluxe-box Jackson has been in piano lessons since he was five and so I was happy to accept a review copy of Music Ace Deluxe. Jackson will be continuing his lessons of course, but Music Ace is a perfect complement to his traditional lessons.

I figured using Jackson’s love of computer games to help reinforce his music lessons would be a brilliant idea.

Now that Jackson is using the program, he is enjoying it. However, it took awhile to convince him to try it. Apparently the back of the box with its keyboards and staffs didn’t seem as exciting as his video games. So when I suggested he try out his virtual music lessons this summer, he sighed, “Moooom… no… it looks boring…” and made a run for his X Box or DS.

I was a bit discouraged to say the least. I spend a small fortune on his piano lessons. This computer program can do a ton to compliment that investment.

Finally I cornered him and loaded on the software.

I think he was surprised at how much he did like the program. It can’t compete with dueling light sabers of course, but the fun games that accompany the lessons are a hit with him. (The only problem is he wants to skip the lessons and get to the games. But once he realized that he can’t get high scores on the games without learning from the lessons, he makes sure to do the lessons first.)

I hope I can keep Jackson committed to finishing the entire program. And I will definitely use it for Olivia as well when she is old enough. (The software can track the progress of 10 family members and is designed for kids 6 and older.)

It is fantastic to have another method of teaching music to my kids. And I think Music Ace Deluxe offers creative ways to effectively teach children.

There are three learning environments in Harmonic Vision’s Music Ace Deluxe program.

First, there are 36 lessons that introduce and reinforce a series of musical concepts — rhythm, pitch, note reading, listening and the keyboard.

Second, there are 36 games that reinforce the materials in the lessons. The games are colorful and fun and reward the student with an “applause screen” for an exceptional game.

Finally, there is the Music Doodle Pad that lets students notate familiar runs and construct arrangements. Students can also listen to short pieces or compose their own! Up to six sounds, or timbres, can be combined to create fully realized compositions and orchestrations.

Music Ace Deluxe, the game-type Windows and Mac-compatible CD-ROM, is available directly from Harmonic Vision, for the MSRP of $79.95. But it is also available from other online sources such as Amazon, and Jr.com for $44.99.

If your child is interested in learning more about music or if you would like a computer program to complement their traditional lessons, enter here to win a copy of Music Ace Deluxe.

This giveaway open to both US and Canadian shipping addresses, and is part of our 2009 Back To School Giveaway Event. Simply leave a comment on this post to enter (US and Canadian addresses) and, please, be sure to read our Back To School Giveaway rules.

As always, don’t forget to earn more entries: subscribe to our Feed, sign up for our 5M4M Newsletter, add our 5M4Giveaways button in your sidebar, write a post and link back to this contest on your blog, and spread the word via Facebook, Twitter, or email! One Tweet per giveaway, please.

Please see our site’s Terms and Conditions of Use for a complete list of our contest and giveaway rules.

Written by 5 Minutes for Mom co-founder, Janice

Tagged as: Children, giveaways, Music

Email Author | Website About Janice

Janice is co-founder of 5 Minutes For Mom. Along with her twin sister Susan and their mother Joan, Janice also owns two online toy stores -- one specializing in Ride on Toys and the other in Rocking Horses. Janice has a spunky little girl and a rambunctious boy who love to make it difficult for her to work from home.

View all articles by Janice

{ 188 comments }

1 LeAnnesmama07 August 25, 2009 at 10:25 am: This looks like a GREAT program! I work at a small elementary school in the country and would like to show it to our music teacher. It might be something to we could use in class to get the kids into music!

dropcqueen@yahoo.com
2 FireMom August 25, 2009 at 12:43 pm: This is fabulously fun. Being a music-lover and a minor musician myself, I'd love for my kids to have it!
3 foursillysisters August 25, 2009 at 1:21 pm: Even though my girls are still a bit too young for this program, I don't think it would gather dust here waiting for them to be old enough to use it. I'm sure my hubby would love to check it out. Over the past year he has taught himself to play the guitar by ear… and using the aid of free info on the internet. He would love to learn how to read music and this sounds like a fun way to do that.
4 foursillysisters August 25, 2009 at 1:22 pm: I'm a subscriber.
5 foursillysisters August 25, 2009 at 1:22 pm: I get the email newsletter.
6 foursillysisters August 25, 2009 at 1:23 pm: I've got your button on my sidebar.
7 LT at A Day With Two August 25, 2009 at 1:30 pm: This looks like a great program to get kids to appreciate and play music! Thanks for the chance to win!
8 LT at A Day With Two August 25, 2009 at 1:32 pm: I am subscribed to your feeds!
9 LT at A Day With Two August 25, 2009 at 1:32 pm: I am signed up for your newsletter!
10 LT at A Day With Two August 25, 2009 at 1:32 pm: I have your button on my blog!
11 lisainme August 25, 2009 at 1:39 pm: Oh – wow! This looks amazing! I'd love to win a copy for my kiddos.
12 lisainme August 25, 2009 at 1:39 pm: I subscribe to your feed via Google Reader.
13 lisainme August 25, 2009 at 1:40 pm: I subscribe to the 5M4M newsletter.
14 lisainme August 25, 2009 at 1:41 pm: I have the 5M4M & 5M4M Giveaway buttons on my blog.
15 amyfinerthings August 25, 2009 at 1:58 pm: What a fun program!
16 chyk August 25, 2009 at 1:58 pm: my son is a music fan and would love this.
17 amyfinerthings August 25, 2009 at 1:58 pm: Your button's on my sidebar.
18 amyfinerthings August 25, 2009 at 1:59 pm: I'm a subscriber.
19 aimee c August 25, 2009 at 3:05 pm: my son is 3yo & he has already started fiddling on our keyboard & figuring out how to play songs all on his own. this program would be wonderful for him!
20 aimee c August 25, 2009 at 3:05 pm: i also subscibe to your feed on google reader
21 jenlynnthomas August 25, 2009 at 3:45 pm: I'm intrigued!
22 jenlynnthomas August 25, 2009 at 3:45 pm: here's my newsletter entry
23 jenlynnthomas August 25, 2009 at 3:46 pm: and my feed entry
24 jenlynnthomas August 25, 2009 at 3:46 pm: and my button entry
25 Steph August 25, 2009 at 4:06 pm: Looks like a great music software program. My kids would really enjoy and learn from it.
26 rebeccaisthrilledbythethought August 25, 2009 at 4:59 pm: I'll have to check this out. I'm a piano teacher, and always looking for these types of things for my students.
27 Laura August 25, 2009 at 7:30 pm: How neat!! What an awesome program.
28 Mel4Him August 25, 2009 at 7:52 pm: I really like this program. I think my son would also enjoy it. Thanks!
29 Mel4Him August 25, 2009 at 7:52 pm: I'm a feed subscriber.
30 Mel4Him August 25, 2009 at 7:52 pm: I'm a Newsletter subscriber.
31 Mel4Him August 25, 2009 at 7:53 pm: I have all your buttons.
32 Mel4Him August 25, 2009 at 7:53 pm: http://frogssnailspuppydogtales.blogspot.com/20…
33 Lollipopsandlipgloss August 25, 2009 at 8:11 pm: I'm trying to enrich what my kids get at school by teaching some music things at home. I'm tone deaf. My singing is horrible and when I tried to play instrument, our dog howled. I need help. This looks like what I need!
34 jaheyer August 25, 2009 at 8:41 pm: My son is very interested in learning music – he got started playing RockBand
35 elisabeth1979 August 25, 2009 at 8:52 pm: Awesome giveaway!!! I'd love this for my family AND the school where I teach!
36 MtnHarmony August 25, 2009 at 9:18 pm: As a homeschooling mother and a step-mom to a child who is just starting orchestra at his middle school, this software is very appealing!
37 Adele Jones August 25, 2009 at 10:11 pm: My grandson is showing a lot of interest in music. This program sounds like it would help.
38 wendy wallach August 25, 2009 at 11:33 pm: I would love this to do with my daughter.

madamerkf at aol dot com
39 Diane August 26, 2009 at 12:17 am: WOW this look like a great program.
40 Joseph August 26, 2009 at 1:06 am: I have wanted to learn to play the piano for years, the Music Ace Deluxe software would be a great item for me to learn the basics, then pass down to my Neice and Nephews.
41 susanlanai August 26, 2009 at 2:15 am: This sounds like a wonderful program. My little one just loves music and to learn more about it will only help him more and more!
42 susanlanai August 26, 2009 at 2:16 am: I subscribe.
43 susanlanai August 26, 2009 at 2:16 am: I receive your newsletter.
44 susanlanai August 26, 2009 at 2:17 am: Tweeted ~ http://twitter.com/susanlanai/status/3551581037
45 Mozi Esmes Mommy August 26, 2009 at 2:34 am: Looks like a perfect complement to our homeschooling!

janemaritz at yahoo dot com
46 Mozi Esmes Mommy August 26, 2009 at 2:34 am: And I'm a subscriber!

janemaritz at yahoo dot com
47 Alyson August 26, 2009 at 5:22 am: It looks wonderful! We're all about music!

Alyzabeth's Mommy
48 JRG August 26, 2009 at 8:40 am: I don't need this, but I have a friend with two boys who could use it>
49 Tina August 26, 2009 at 9:17 am: Oh, I would LOVE to win this!
50 Tina August 26, 2009 at 9:17 am: I subscribe to your feed
51 heaventrees August 26, 2009 at 9:20 am: What a great music program for kids! I'd love to have this one in our home.
52 Tina August 26, 2009 at 9:22 am: I added your button!
53 Tina August 26, 2009 at 9:24 am: And I blogged about it.
54 idahomom August 26, 2009 at 9:47 am: Neither my husband or I have any musical talents, my son wants to play so maybe this could get him started.
55 cinni August 26, 2009 at 10:36 am: I've been looking for something for my son, and this sounds like a great program – I'm definitely going to check it out.
56 christinejensen August 26, 2009 at 10:50 am: This sounds like an amazing program! I have one taking piano right now and will have another starting in the next year or so!
57 christinejensen August 26, 2009 at 10:51 am: Feed subscriber
58 christinejensen August 26, 2009 at 10:52 am: Newsletter subscriber
59 Jay F August 26, 2009 at 11:23 am: Looks like an interesting tool.
60 SeahorseLady August 26, 2009 at 11:35 am: I have 3 nieces that would enjoy this since they love music. They could have lots of fun learning and playing with this great tool.
61 SeahorseLady August 26, 2009 at 11:36 am: I follow.
62 SeahorseLady August 26, 2009 at 11:36 am: I also subscribe.
63 lavonnelong Twitter: longwait4bella August 26, 2009 at 12:27 pm: This sounds like a great program for kids and adults!
64 lavonnelong Twitter: longwait4bella August 26, 2009 at 12:28 pm: I subscribe via email.
65 lavonnelong Twitter: longwait4bella August 26, 2009 at 12:28 pm: I subscribe to the newsletter.
66 lavonnelong Twitter: longwait4bella August 26, 2009 at 12:28 pm: I have your button in my sidebar.
67 lavonnelong Twitter: longwait4bella August 26, 2009 at 12:30 pm: tweet: http://twitter.com/lavonnelong/statuses/3559385939
68 badgermomma August 26, 2009 at 12:58 pm: This looks like a really good program for young kids. We've been looking for a music curriculum/music software for a while now and haven't been able to settle on anything. This looks like it would really work for us!

badgermomma (at) gmail (dot) com
69 badgermomma August 26, 2009 at 1:03 pm: I subscribe to your feed.
70 badgermomma August 26, 2009 at 1:04 pm: I've signed up for your newsletter.
71 badgermomma August 26, 2009 at 1:06 pm: I have your giveaway button on my blog's sidebar.

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72 badgermomma August 26, 2009 at 1:11 pm: I've shared this giveaway on Facebook as Jenine Herrell.
73 badgermomma August 26, 2009 at 1:12 pm: I've Twittered.

http://twitter.com/badgermomma/statuses/3560146359
74 badgermomma August 26, 2009 at 1:19 pm: I've blogged.

http://badgermomma.blogspot.com/2009/08/music-a…
75 Marisa Moore August 26, 2009 at 1:32 pm: Thanks for the contest
76 Traci West August 26, 2009 at 2:03 pm: Another cool giveaway! Hope I win!
77 taowyn August 26, 2009 at 2:17 pm: What a fun application.

member (dot) thao (at) gmail.com
78 taowyn August 26, 2009 at 2:19 pm: Your button is here
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79 taowyn August 26, 2009 at 2:20 pm: I subscribe to email updates
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80 taowyn August 26, 2009 at 2:20 pm: I get the newsletter
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81 taowyn August 26, 2009 at 2:21 pm: http://twitter.com/twinpowells/status/3561457363
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82 nikkis August 26, 2009 at 2:31 pm: My daughter is learning piano as well, and this would be a nice addition to her understanding.
83 kathystevenson August 26, 2009 at 2:54 pm: My daughters would love this.
84 kathystevenson August 26, 2009 at 2:55 pm: newsletter
85 kathystevenson August 26, 2009 at 2:57 pm: subscriber
86 sunnyview99 August 26, 2009 at 4:38 pm: This would be idea for my daughter to learn piano. Thanks for the giveaway!
87 sunnyview99 August 26, 2009 at 4:39 pm: I subscribe via reader!
88 sunnyview99 August 26, 2009 at 4:39 pm: I subscribe to your newsletter!
89 sunnyview99 August 26, 2009 at 4:39 pm: I have your button: http://wut-givz.blogspot.com/
90 sunnyview99 August 26, 2009 at 4:41 pm: I blogged: http://wut-givz.blogspot.com/2009/08/5-minutes-…
91 sunnyview99 August 26, 2009 at 4:42 pm: I posted on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/posted.php?id…
92 sunnyview99 August 26, 2009 at 4:43 pm: I tweeted: http://twitter.com/sunnyview99/status/3564111971
93 paulhaddock August 26, 2009 at 6:00 pm: Wow what a great product. my son would like to learn to play
94 maweisberg August 26, 2009 at 6:19 pm: I want to win this
95 Kristie August 26, 2009 at 8:10 pm: I would really like to get my kids into music and this looks like it would be a great help!
96 Kristie August 26, 2009 at 8:11 pm: I subscribe to your newsletter.
97 Kristie August 26, 2009 at 8:12 pm: Your button is in my sidebar.
98 LindaKish August 26, 2009 at 10:00 pm: I would love to win this. Maybe I can learn something myself.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com
99 LindaKish August 26, 2009 at 10:01 pm: email subscriber

lkish77123 at gmail dot com
100 lifewithtlc August 26, 2009 at 10:40 pm: My children could definitely benefit from this!
101 lifewithtlc August 26, 2009 at 10:40 pm: button on sidebar
102 lifewithtlc August 26, 2009 at 10:40 pm: feed subscriber
103 lifewithtlc August 26, 2009 at 10:40 pm: newsletter subscriber
104 DJ August 26, 2009 at 11:19 pm: This would be great for my son, he wants to learn to play piano!
105 DJ August 26, 2009 at 11:20 pm: I subscribe
106 DJ August 26, 2009 at 11:20 pm: I get the newsletter
107 DJ August 26, 2009 at 11:21 pm: Button is up on my blog! http://nodinsnest.blogspot.com
108 jessyneil August 26, 2009 at 11:23 pm: Wow . . .this is cool!
109 jessyneil August 26, 2009 at 11:23 pm: Newsletter subscriber
110 jessyneil August 26, 2009 at 11:24 pm: Feed subscriber
111 wwe11 August 27, 2009 at 7:29 am: My kids love music so this would be cool to have for them.
112 susieqtpie August 27, 2009 at 9:08 am: This is awesome~! My kids would love this! (me too!)
113 ericka082 August 27, 2009 at 11:16 am: This would be great for my son who wants to learn how to play the guitar!
114 ericka082 August 27, 2009 at 11:17 am: Subscriber to your feed.
115 ericka082 August 27, 2009 at 11:17 am: Signed up for your newsletter.
116 ericka082 August 27, 2009 at 11:18 am: I got your button

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117 foursillysisters August 27, 2009 at 1:40 pm: I earned an extra entry with today's newsletter.
118 badgermomma August 27, 2009 at 1:47 pm: I earned an extra entry with today's newsletter.
119 Adele August 27, 2009 at 1:55 pm: I earned an extra entry with today's newsletter.
120 Jennifer Hedden August 27, 2009 at 1:58 pm: enter me
121 Nodinsnest August 27, 2009 at 2:04 pm: I earned an extra entry with todays newsletter!
122 Mel4Him August 27, 2009 at 2:09 pm: I earned an extra entry with today's newsletter
123 ElliK August 27, 2009 at 2:44 pm: I earned an extra entry with today's newsletter
124 lifewithtlc August 27, 2009 at 3:29 pm: “I earned an extra entry with today’s newsletter.”
125 Julie August 27, 2009 at 3:45 pm: Mmm I can finally learn how to play an instrument
126 Julie August 27, 2009 at 3:46 pm: I earned an extra entry with today's newsletter
127 Julie August 27, 2009 at 3:46 pm: feed subscriber
128 Julie August 27, 2009 at 3:47 pm: I subscribe to your newsletter
129 karenmed409 August 27, 2009 at 4:18 pm: I earned an extra entry with today's newsletter.
130 sidhartha90 August 27, 2009 at 4:29 pm: Thanks for the great giveaway!
131 sidhartha90 August 27, 2009 at 4:29 pm: I have your button up on my blog!
132 sidhartha90 August 27, 2009 at 4:30 pm: I earned an extra entry with today's newsletter.
133 sidhartha90 August 27, 2009 at 4:30 pm: I am subscribed to your feed!
134 sidhartha90 August 27, 2009 at 4:31 pm: Also subscribed to the 5m4m newsletter!
135 sidhartha90 August 27, 2009 at 4:33 pm: http://twitter.com/sidhartha90/status/3587087640
I tweeted!
136 lavonnelong Twitter: longwait4bella August 27, 2009 at 4:41 pm: I earned an extra entry with today's newsletter.
137 Marisa Moore August 27, 2009 at 6:56 pm: I earned an extra entry with today's newsletter.
138 Adele Jones August 27, 2009 at 7:13 pm: I subscribe to your newsletter.
139 srkb August 27, 2009 at 7:22 pm: This looks like a great program
140 srkb August 27, 2009 at 7:22 pm: I earned an extra entry with todayâ€™s newsletter
141 srkb August 27, 2009 at 7:23 pm: feed subscriber
142 srkb August 27, 2009 at 7:23 pm: newsletter subscriber
143 stampedwithgrace August 27, 2009 at 8:31 pm: this would be great for my kids!
144 stampedwithgrace August 27, 2009 at 8:32 pm: I earned an extra entry with today's newsletter
145 Staci August 27, 2009 at 8:59 pm: My little one loves learning about music. I'd love to share this with him!
146 Staci August 27, 2009 at 8:59 pm: I subscribe to your feed.
147 Staci August 27, 2009 at 8:59 pm: And I get your newsletter. Thanks!
148 Staci August 27, 2009 at 9:00 pm: I earned an extra entry with today's newsletter. Thanks!
149 Angela Winesburg August 27, 2009 at 9:30 pm: This looks like so much fun! My son will love it, thanks for the chance!
150 Jenny in Ca August 27, 2009 at 11:32 pm: nice music product, please enter me into the giveaway!

also,

“I earned an extra entry with today's newsletter.”
151 christopher h August 28, 2009 at 1:43 am: very neat
152 susanlanai August 28, 2009 at 4:02 am: I earned an extra entry with today's newsletter.
153 jennifer57 August 28, 2009 at 7:24 am: this looks really great!
154 K2K August 28, 2009 at 7:37 am: This looks like a fun product
155 K2K August 28, 2009 at 8:10 am: I subscribe to your feed.
156 K2K August 28, 2009 at 8:19 am: I subscribe to your newsletter.
157 K2K August 28, 2009 at 8:19 am: I earned an extra entry with today's newsletter.
158 kngmckellar August 28, 2009 at 8:34 am: What a nice prize!
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159 kngmckellar August 28, 2009 at 8:35 am: subscribe to feed.
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160 kngmckellar August 28, 2009 at 8:35 am: subscribe to newsletter.
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161 kngmckellar August 28, 2009 at 8:36 am: http://kngmckellar-glorias.blogspot.com/

have your button here.
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162 kngmckellar August 28, 2009 at 8:37 am: http://twitter.com/kngmckellar/status/3601620323

tweeted
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163 susansmoaks August 28, 2009 at 11:02 am: yes we love music and we would love to use this as a learning tool
164 susansmoaks August 28, 2009 at 11:12 am: signed up for the newsletter
165 susansmoaks August 28, 2009 at 11:14 am: subscriber
166 chelsea August 28, 2009 at 11:46 am: My kids love music. I would love to win this for them! Count me in! Thanks!
167 chelsea August 28, 2009 at 11:47 am: I receive your newsletter!
168 Robyn Popham August 28, 2009 at 11:47 am: I would love my kids to have this as they are learning the piano and guitar.
169 Robyn Popham August 28, 2009 at 11:47 am: I subscribe
170 chelsea August 28, 2009 at 11:48 am: I also subscribe to your feet via blogger reader!
171 Robyn Popham August 28, 2009 at 11:50 am: I get your newsletter
172 Robyn Popham August 28, 2009 at 11:51 am: I earned an extra entry with today's newsletter.
173 Robyn Popham August 28, 2009 at 11:56 am: I put your button in my sidebar
174 Robyn Popham August 28, 2009 at 11:57 am: I blogged about this week of giveaways http://buttercups-grotto.blogspot.com/2009/08/b…
175 lilyk August 28, 2009 at 4:27 pm: Please enter me into the contest. Thanks!
176 lilyk August 28, 2009 at 4:28 pm: I subscribed to your feed.
177 lilyk August 28, 2009 at 4:29 pm: I signed up for your newsletter.
178 gkran August 28, 2009 at 11:18 pm: Please enter me
179 Laureen August 28, 2009 at 11:40 pm: I would love for my girls to try this out. Thanks!
180 Laureen August 28, 2009 at 11:41 pm: I signed up for your feed. Thanks!
181 Laureen August 28, 2009 at 11:42 pm: I receive your 5M4M newsletters. THanks!
182 Laureen August 28, 2009 at 11:42 pm: I earned an extra entry with today's newsletter. Thanks!
183 Laureen August 28, 2009 at 11:44 pm: Tweeted: http://twitter.com/MamandeEDS/statuses/3618609304
184 Urailak August 29, 2009 at 1:47 am: I'd love to win this. Please count me in. Thanks!
185 Urailak August 29, 2009 at 1:49 am: I subscribed to your feed.
186 Urailak August 29, 2009 at 1:49 am: I'm on your newsletter list.
187 Urailak August 29, 2009 at 1:51 am: I have your 5M4Giveaways button in my sidebar.
188 LT at A Day With Two August 29, 2009 at 9:47 am: “I earned an extra entry with today's newsletter.”