This Java applet is designed to demonstate various historical tuning systems. The site offers examples and allows the user to manipulate and experiment with the tunings. The site also has additional links to extensive descriptions of tuning systems with audio examples.
Type of Material:
Demonstration JAVA applet and supporting reference text.
Recommended Uses:
This site could be used for purposes of demonstration within a music history, music theory, or acoustics course. In addition, it could be used in any problem-based physics course where acoustic wave properties are studied. The author also suggests that the site may be used as an aid to violin tuning.
Technical Requirements:
Most recent version is based on JDK 1.3: requires current Java or Java compliant browser. Can be run as stand-alone application with the addition of several downloadable components included on the site.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
Students are introduced to issues associated with different Western systems of tuning and temperament and can visually and aurally compare a variety of these systems. The applet allows for the creation of customized tuning systems.
Target Student Population:
This applet and site is directed toward students in a music history or theory course as well as others who have interest in the historical development of instruments and aesthetics like, composers working on microtonal projects, harpsichord players, pipe organ builders, music history students, music theory students, computer music students.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
A basic knowledge of terms used in tuning systems is necessary to understand the material presented. A basic understanding of algebra and the physics of sound waves is necessary for a comprehensive understanding of the material presented.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The content of the site is accurate and clearly explained. The site is extensively annotated both in terms of content and technical background information.
Concerns:
The sound quality at this site has a low resolution.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
The site offers enough context for beginners to understand. The interactive multimedia is engaging and offers flexibility. The site is easily repurposed for other activities. The inclusion of text, graphic, and audio content supports multiple learning modes/styles.
Concerns:
Some of the graphics appear pixelated. Support pages for different versions contain different graphics and links. Students will need a structured context via presentations or assignments to understand the content.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The applet is easy to use and the directions are clear.
Concerns:
The site is not an easy-to-navigate site and needs a better layout and link descriptions. Multiple versions of the applet are linked through the support pages: this may be confusing to some users.
Creative Commons:
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