Development and implementation of a microcomputer-assisted approach to chord quality recognition and harmonic dictation utilizing chord voicings and progressions common to the jazz idiom

The merit of Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI) in ear training for musicians has been demonstrated. However, the development of CAI software for microcomputers has not kept pace with advances in microcomputer and digital synthesis hardware. Most of the microcomputer ear training programs available have been concerned with the development of fundamental aural skills. Very little software has been developed for teaching the advanced aural skills needed by improvising musicians. The purpose of this study was to develop microcomputer programs to teach chord quality recognition and harmonic dictation utilizing chord voicings and progressions common to the jazz idiom and to implement the programs as a part of a jazz theory course.

The programs were designed to run on "Apple 11 plus" or "Apple lie" computers and utilize the Mountain Computer Music system for music generation capabilities. The programs are "shells" which can read any data files which are in the format of the program conventions, allowing the software to be used for teaching a variety of musical materials and thus expanding potential uses.

Two sets of programs were developed: one to teach chord quality recognition, the other to teach harmonic dictation. Different teaching strategies are applied within each set.

The computer programs described in this study provide: independent study, paced according to the level of each student; computer testing and record keeping; flexibility, allowing instructors to change musical materials within the programs. The programs were first used as a support activity for a jazz theory course at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville in the Spring of 1984.