To get the best results, become familiar with
the program features and available help resources.
Practice slow at first, then increase the tempo.
Make regular use of the tempo slider.
Set up a regular time to practice and stick to
it. If you maintain a daily practice routine for at least three weeks
it will become a habit.
Do not expect perfect scores. If you match the
computer exactly, you will sound like the computer.
Coordination for musical performance starts with feeling the pulse. However, with difficult drills, practice very slowly before performing with the computer.
Help
To access context sensitive
help, press the F1 function key at any point. The help file contains information
about the program, music theory, rhythm symbols and terms.
Right-click on any button
or text for a short explanation in a "What's
This?" pop-up window.
Visit www.musicgoals.com
for more information and answers to music theory questions or to submit
a question.
see also Note Values, Time Signatures, and the Glossary for music theory basic information.
Maximize your results
Understand and use all three drill modes.
Goal mode is the test that you must pass to advance.
Practice mode provides extra drills and review. It can generate additional drills matching the difficulty of each step.
Custom mode lets you design drills to focus
on specific needs.
If you are making too many mistakes slow down.
If it is too easy speed up. You will make the most progress if you repeat
the same rhythms at different tempos.
If a rhythm looks difficult, play it through first
before you press Go.
Count the beats for each measure. You will do
better on the drills if you make an effort to count. This is especially
important with ties and with two part drills.
With dictation, It can be very difficult to remember
a longer rhythm. Listen for one measure at a time. Count the beat numbers
as you listen. Use scratch paper with empty measures laid out. Write beat
numbers in and draw dots where you hear rhythms.
With two part dictation, listen for one part at
a time.
Save a copy of any rhythm you find very difficult for additional practice. see also Save Rhythm
Like anything else, success comes with practice, effort, and determination. Find a routine that works for you. Stick to it and you will advance quickly.
Read this help file to get the most out of MusicGoals and to make the best use of your practice time.