Class Piano Lab Accessories
Also see: Everything you've ever wanted to know about Class Piano Labs
Beyond a basic class piano lab consisting of pianos with headphones and a teacher controller unit, there are some additional items you might want to consider, for example -- setting up a computer on each student work station.
This will add approx. $1100.00 to the cost of each workstation and will provide opportunities for live INTERNET connection to sites which specialize in ONLINE Class Piano materials. See Class Piano. In addition, it will provide opportunities for individual interactive music software such as:
1. learning the notes on the keyboard
2. learning the notes on the staff
3. sequenced recordings of individual repertory
4. various accompaniment patterns and stylesYou will also discover that it is MUCH easier to manipulate your own sequenced examples using a computer than trying to do it directly on the ONBOARD sequencer of your keyboard.
ONLINE study questions can be assigned, graded and grades recorded.
This only scratches the surface of possibilities. Please contact us for detailed information about using computers in your class piano lab.
Here are some accessories that you will need to use computers in your class piano lab:
A MIDI interface box and cables:
A MIDI interface box is needed to connect your MIDI keyboard to the computer. The box is connected to the computer with a USB cable. The piano is connected to the interface box with MIDI cables. See MIDI Info.
We do NOT recommend the MarkOfTheUnicorn FastLane interface box because it is made of plastic and the MIDI ports are easily damaged. In addition, it requires the installation of specialized software.
Interface BoxYour price: $89.00 (you need 1 per worstation)
You will need 2 midi cables to connect your MIDI keyboard to the MIDI interface box (see above)
Your price: $4.00 each (you need 2 per workstation)
You will need 1 USB cable to connect the MIDI interface box to the computer.
Your price: $9.95 each (you need 1 per workstation)
Of course, you will need a computer. This 2.4 GHz model comes with Windows NT, 40 GB hard drive and a 15" flat-panel monitor. In addition, computers are INTERNET READY and all software is already installed including DeepFreeze. We HIGHLY recommend that class piano lab computers have a MINIMUM of software because the use is specialized and YOU will NOT have to worry too much about maintenance problems. Computers will be configured to operate with only the MOUSE -- no computer keyboard (one less piece of gear!).
Your price: $699.00 each
Specialized interactive music software includes: (Site License is $10.00 @ per computer)
-SCM Staff Note Speller (learn the notes on the staff)
-SCM Staff keyboard Speller (learn the notes on the keyboard)
-SCM Repertory Sequencer (plays sequenced recordings)Other software available to teachers:
-MasterTracks Pro Sequencer (for creating your own sequenced recordings which can then be played by the students using the SCM Repertory Sequencer.
-ONLINE Quiz Generator with grade book and record keeping: Available Fall 2004 ($250. per year, or FREE when using Smith Creek Music's Class Piano Resource Materials)
-Access to Smith Creek Music's ONLINE Class Piano Website: $250.00 per year subscription, or FREE when using Smith Creek Music's Class Piano Resource Materials)
See A Critical Overview of Class Piano Lab Manufacturers.
Contact us for information about designing and installing a class/group piano lab in your school.
