Music Ace Makes Learning Music Theory Fun in Appleton Boychoir

About five years ago, the founders of the Appleton Boychoir went on their annual planning retreat. Their conclusion – Appleton Boychoir students were realizing a tremendous performance experience, but when those students applied to a music school or attempted other advanced musical engagements, many found their music theory foundation lacking. To help address this situation, the choir directors decided to incorporate formal music theory instruction as an integral component of the Boychoir experience without diminishing the time available for performance and practice.

When a student is initially accepted in the choir, usually around age nine, they receive their own Windows- and Macintosh-compatible CD-ROM of Music Ace 2. During the first year, the students are focused on the rhythm-oriented lessons of Music Ace. During the student’s second and third years, they work through the rest of the Music Ace lessons. The annual tuition for choir members is approximately $300; this includes the cost of the Music Ace software.

The Appleton Boychoir selected Music Ace 2 because of the strength of the rhythm lessons and because it wanted a syllabus that was not piano-keyboard-centric. While the students enjoy Music Ace, the program’s reputation as a serious music education program is underscored by what members and directors describe as the tough, challenging assessment games.

“Our experience is that students using Music Ace receive maximum benefit if we provide some guidance and encouragement, especially to those with limited piano skills,” said Unger. “To affect this, we have been able to convince choir graduates to stay involved with the Boychoir, as Music Ace mentors, providing instruction and assistance to the younger students.”

“The Music Ace curriculum is delivered in a positive way that doesn’t discourage the students,” added Unger. “The encouraging style in which lessons are delivered is consistent with the teaching and instructional philosophies of the Appleton Boychoir. We want to create musicians with a great musical background, better prepared for on-going music engagements, and Music Ace is a key part of that preparation."

Computer-Aided Lessons Help Boys Progress from Choir to Choir

Boys start in Repertoire Choir and then progress to the Junior, Senior, Concert and top-level Ambassador Choirs. They advance after exhibiting certain skills and completing Music Ace lessons.

The entry-level Repertoire Choir does rhythm exercises and sings simple songs.

The Junior Choir learns 15 folk songs, including 8 from memory which they must sing well.  This is the first level that uses Music Ace 2.  All boys must complete the 12 rhythm-oriented lessons and games selected by the choir directors to move into the Senior Choir as follows: