Aquallegro

Aquallegro 5 – by Andy Van Ness

Aquallegro is a free ear-training program that is made for the Macintosh platform. It tests various aspects of music, keeps a record of a users progress and allows the user to customize quizzes and the scope of each module. The main modules (from their headings) consist of Notation, Aural Skills and Keyboard Skills; and while the program is small in window size and content, it delivers an educational experience for improving aural skills remarkably well. I have it installed on my classroom machines as part of their disc images.

> General User Interface

Aquallegro’s GUI uses a simple ‘mac scheme’ interface aptly referred to as Aqua with a grayish box plus bright blue, purple or green shiny icons. The software is entitled with ‘bold’ black text and the icons have a ‘regular’ black text reference. Each module is clearly listed with its available options as well as the preferences menu by a white ‘light switch.’ Buttons are used for answering questions, as well as the Qwerty keyboard set within a clear frame and drop shadow showing them to be ‘buttons.’ Checkboxes are also used with bright blue ‘ticks’ to modify the questions of each module. The best navigational tool is the app’s icon; this starts a quiz or brings the user back to the main window.

The software is attractive and clearly presents its functions, however, most of the interface is static and not animated. Aquallegro is designed as a drill tool and its titles, text and windows reflect a necessary navigational purpose (moving from task to task) rather than emphasizing creative animations or flashy fonts. The language also sticks to this purpose and only provides enough information to help the user within each module.

Nevertheless, Aquallegro is clever in its drills, providing challenges and movement from window to window. Its functionality does become repetitive – drilling listening skills – but by this it achieves its purpose. Interaction and subsequent success with the program is what maintains attention and participation for the user. Additionally, if a skill is becoming difficult, the user can modify it, making each module accessible for any user.

> Musical Features

Aquallegro has a strong musical focus – it’s its only focus. Each module addresses certain aspects of pitch, rhythm, signs and score recognition. The level of musical difficulty depends on the comprehension of the user (hints are provided in each pane) and the options ‘checked’ before the quiz begins. Terminology such as intervals, minor 3rd, triads, solfege, scales and the ‘musical terms’ section do require prior knowledge especially the names of intervals to type in via the Qwerty keyboard. To answer questions users can press buttons, type or use a MIDI keyboard after being presented with written score (treble, bass, alto, tenor clefs), audio sounds (MIDI) or text in the form of multiple choice (signs & terms section).

Feedback is the bonus with this program. The user is given a score for each question answered and a grade, which is logged in the preferences pane. Tasks are timed and the option to have multiple attempts can be toggled on/off. Additionally, options such as a ‘you are correct’ notification or the ‘correct response’ can be displayed before the next question is presented. The ability to keep track of a users progress via a login name is wonderful for a freeware application and does wonders for the classroom.

> Rating

The best feature of Aquallegro is its clean interface and simple navigation. The musical content is excellent and thoroughly applicable to the classroom or teaching studio. The questions can be difficult to answer in the way the program requires, but it can be solved with some teacher intervention. The ‘button’ answerable questions are superbly done. Animation and scrolling scores would be (in my opinion) the next step but that would increase the program size and add complexity. Its attractiveness is its simplicity in interface, content and design.

Let me know if you use this program in your teaching!