Home » Film, TV, & Pop Culture » Music Education » Sum-Fun-Summertime!

Sum-Fun-Summertime!

© Deborah Jeter

Now that the school year for 1997-98 is finished, at least for me, I find myself wanting to do some intense R&R. So, come along on this Internet joyride with me. You'll be surprised where we might end up. It's all in fun, but in an interactively, musical way.

The sites we'll visit offer interactive sections. You are going to need a java capable browser and Shockwave. Be prepared to sit and wait for some of the cool sites to load. It didn't bother me a bit. After the hectic week that I just had, I didn't mind doing nothing for a few minutes.

First site on the agenda is Shockrave! Click on the Music category and you'll see a list of delights.

Another section of the Macromedia site is "Get Shocked" where you can interact with cutting edge music techology on the Internet. Go to the music section via this link. Remember, you will need the Shockwave plugin, but then of course, you probably already do, since you love music. ;-)

The DJ has over 70 styles of music for you to listen to while you surf the net. Give it a try. It's very hip.

Virtual Music is an online store that has interactive software for teaching rhythmic patterns and more.

"While learning to play a selection of the new Aerosmith songs, players can also try to complete a bizarre musical puzzle, record their own virtual guitar and drum tracks, or travel through animation based on paintings created for the CD booklet."

Here is the FREE stuff that is offered at Virtual Music.

PBS: Austin City Limits has an interactive games page, too. Be sure and look at the All American Music Quiz Page and Name that Tune while you are there.

Other Links for Fun!

Java Guitar Have you always wanted to play a guitar, but hadn't figured it out, yet? Take a look at this! Choose the chord or individual strings that you want to play and have fun as you learn. This site requires a java capable browser.

Fox Network Interactive Page is not geared toward music but I found the Simpsons section amusing. There is a postcard area that offer some real doozies! Check it out, just for fun.

The Brain Opera Site offered by MITechnologies is an interesting site! There isn't any interaction here, unless you purchase the software. This site was included in the interactive links list because of the innovative uses and information given for this interactive CD. The Brain Opera Mind Forest includes sections on melody, harmony, harmony, gesture and of course, the forest. There are more sections that offer great ideas for creating sounds and modifying sounds.