The Mozart Effect and More

2. What instrument is like you and why?

3. Which is softer: a whisper or the fur of a cat? What type of melody or instrument would you use in order to convey the softness of your choice?

Other examples of visual imagery are:

1. The Seasons: Spring, which inspired Vivaldi's "Prima Vera".

2. Dreams: The dream that inspired Hector Berlioz to write, "Symphonie Fantastique".

3. Art: The art exhibition, which Mussorgsky illustrated in "Pictures at an Exhibition".

In the book, The Children's Machine, Papert states that, "Children learn by working on problems that intrigue them, groping toward solutions, and exploring lots of territory along the way." Papert's ideas about learning expand on Piaget's statement that "to understand is to invent." In music education, ownership of a new concept is revealed when the child improvises on the base concept being taught. In other words, if the intervals of A, G, and E were being studied, the child would be confident in playing those notes in any order, and combine them with various rhythms.

Using software to stimulate creativity is an obvious answer for utilizing technology in the development of critical thinking skills. Some software has been manufactured with learning styles in mind. For visual learners, these software products would be particularly beneficial:

1. Inspiration is a powerful, visual learning tool that inspires students to develop ideas and organize thinking.

2. Mindman is a simple way to start learning how to structure your ideas.

3. The Axon Idea Processor is a program offering a visual workbench with a range of tools to record, process, and manipulates ideas.

Other software used for facilitating creativity, specifically through music education is as follows:

1. Sound Toys is software that encourages creating art with sounds and shapes.

2. Screenwriter software is great for script writing.

3. Multimedia software is used for movie production, which includes a sound editor.

4. Music Ace is used for drill and practice of music theory.

5. Band in a Box is easy to use, beginner level song composition software.

What should be stressed in this review is how transcendent music has been to all people in all avenues of life. Music is an ancient language, a spiritual oasis; it is a liberating and powerful expression that comes from the soul. Music is a chameleon of emotions and has a myriad of meaning for the listener, the performer, the composer, the director, dancers, artists,

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