When Mindscape introduced Bank Street Music Writer in 1986, it was one of the greatest, most fun and easy to use, educational games produced to date. The title is very clear and self explanatory, not some sort of trick. Bank Street Music Writer allows the user to learn the basics of musical composition, write music, and hear the notes played back.
If the “gamer” wants to progress quickly along this educational format, understanding the basics of music is a huge bonus. However, the game is completely self-contained and no prior knowledge is necessary.
There is a large amount of documentation that describes the fundamentals of composition quite clearly. This is an excellent full tutorial that allows students who are not musically gifted or knowledgeable to utilize this program. The program’s tutorial uses the popular children’s song “On Top of Old Smokey” to teach children the basics of the game.
Game play is very simple. A series of numbers represents the different types of notes on the standard scale. The numeral “4,” for example, is used to select a ¼ note. Positioning the note on the page is a simple matter of pointing with the cursor. Each new song begins with a completely blank page of sheet music. The page is quickly filled with notes by using the above process.
Mindscape
did include a warning system with the Bank Street Music Writer. If the composer/player tries to use a note that would critically affect the tune and make it unplayable, the program will alert him or her so that it is removed. This feature is especially handy for those who are relatively new to writing or reading musical notes. Once entered, a note can be easily erased if the composer/gamer feels there have been an error. All placed notes can be replayed immediately so the composer can hear what he or she has created and adjust or move on as necessary.
For the more complex and advanced music students, parts for four separate voices can be written. They will appear in unique colours on the music sheet. The program also offers renditions of several famous finished pieces which students can listen to. Since the basis of the program is creating music, these works can also be edited and listened to by the student. Overall, it is a nice educational tool and will create hours of fun for the musically inclined and a simple learning platform for those who are musically challenged.
