Piano Music & Theory Software:

compiled by Doug Atkinson (e-mail magicref@lycos.com)
Last Update: September 2005 

Surprisingly, there were relatively few changes since the last time this page was updated in 2003. There have been a few price decreases and a few increases, and one or two shareware programs have seem to have disappeared, but the "main contenders" are still there.

This page is organized as follows:

Where to buy: short list of some Internet sites for purchasing music software.
Introduction: about the programs.
Music Software: A listing of programs I have found available for piano and music theory instruction. Includes Internet links.
Software Groupings: An attempt to categorize the various software products to aid in selection.

Where to buy: The following sites are a small sampling of places to buy music software on the Internet. Please note that I have not personally dealt with these companies so these are not personal recommendations.

http://www.audiomidi.com CA
http://www.lentine.com Ohio
http://www.kellysmusicandcomputers.com Canada
http://www.midi-classics.com CT
http://www.aabaca.com MN


Introduction

There are quite a few software programs available for learning music theory and how to play the piano. The following is a list of many of the programs I found that provide instruction, games, or drills in piano playing and/or music theory. I have not included "ear training" specific programs.

For piano instruction, the capability to use a MIDI keyboard is a definite plus. For example, in note drills, the student is asked to press the appropriate key on the piano keyboard to match the note on the staff. This helps the student associate note to key much better than simply identifying note value with the click of a mouse. If you don't have a MIDI keyboard, most programs that support MIDI do not require it.

There are several shareware programs for drilling note values and rhythm. Be sure to download the demo versions and try before you buy. You may find that some of the commercial offerings offer similar activities as part of the package. Even though the commercial programs may cost more initially, they may be more cost effective in the long run.

Please note that my "testing" of these programs was brief and was generally from demonstration versions that do not always provide full functionality. Please check out the programs for yourself for details. Also, I'm not an expert on which techniques are best for teaching, so I can't make any comments on how good the programs are at actually teaching. Rather, I have attempted to provide a general overview of the programs and their presentation.


Music Software Tutors:

Company: Adventus Interactive
Contact: http://www.adventus.com
Comment: Adventus Interactive produces a several music programs, including Piano Suite Premier and Children's Music Journey. The basic Piano Suite (offered at the $50 price point) seems to be no longer available. The piano tutorial software is designed to be used with a MIDI keyboard, although a keyboard is not necessary (though recommended). The software is designed primarily for children grades 3 - 12, but is certainly usable for adults as well. The graphics are slick, and the package looks well put together. Import and save MIDI files. There are no software demos to download, but an online Flash and MPG video demonstrations can be viewed. You can also subscribe to On-Line services for one-on-one or group lessons over the Internet. While a good, hands-on piano teacher is certainly preferred, this may be a good solution for those living in remote areas (although with Internet service) or if you absolutely can't find a teacher in your area.
The video demonstrates one of the neat capabilities of Piano Suite. When you get to the point where you can play written music, you follow along the notes displayed on the screen. You can use the "wait for note" method that doesn't force you to keep going if you have hit a wrong note. That is, if you hit a wrong note, a small "x" appears on the screen showing if you hit a too high or too low note, and won't "go on" until you've hit the right note. You can also use the the "notes and timing" method that uses a metronome along with the song, that encourages you to keep up with the timing of the song. z
A new offering from Adventus is Children's Music Journey, which offers animated interactive lessons with games and over 100 songs, and is designed for children ages 4-8. It provides lessons to play piano, read music, compose, and improvise music. There are 5 sections to the program: the lesson room, the practice room, games, the improv room, and the reference room with songs and theory. While no demo is available, you can watch a video and download the manual online. Adventus Interactive also produces ear training software called Ear Training Coach, and a music game called Musiq. Finally, you can download manuals, extra MIDI files and more at the Adventus Interactive website.
Programs:
Children's Music Journey: $35; bundled with M-Audio Keystation 49e USB MIDI Keyboard $150
Piano Suite Premiere: Piano Player with over 500 songs, Theory, Composing, History, Games, and more $90; bundled with M-Audio Keystation 49e USB MIDI Keyboard $180
Note: Reviews I've read indicate the M-Audio Keystation keyboards are pretty good, and include a USB interfact that eliminates the need for an external MIDI interface.

Company: Aha Software (Family Games Freeware)
Contact: http://www.familygames.com
Comment: Aha Software primarily designs non-violent children's shareware games. They also provide some freeware geography tutors, and a nice, free, Note Flashcard program. While not tremendously exciting, it offers a nice drill tool for note reading, and the price is certainly right!
Programs:
NoteCard 2.0.1: Note Flashcard program for treble and bass clefs, with Guitar or Piano on-screen input graphics. Freeware

Company: AJF Enterprises
Contact: http://www.pianoisfun.com
Comments: AJF Enterprises makes a children's piano tutor program called Piano Is Fun. The program teaches the staff, treble and bass clefs, and note names. Progress reports and graphical rewards are used to provide incentive. Program supports up to 50 students. A demonstration program is available. I recommend you try it out since Piano Is Fun does not have the depth of some of the other products, although the price is fairly low.
Program:
Piano is Fun: 20 lessons & games for the child beginner in the Treble and Bass Clef. Features Toppy the top-hatted musical note. Provides instruction, not just drill. Introduces the staff, the Treble and Bass clefs, the note names (uses correct symbols) Practice games show the answer after a few seconds. Graduation games don't reveal the answer. Progress page gives stars and awards depending on the level achieved. Lessons 1-4: note names of treble clef. Lessons 5-9 keyboard positions of Treble Clef. Lessons 10-13 teach note names Bass Clef. Lessons 14-18 keyboard positions of Bass Clef. 19-20 Grand Staff. Create custom lessons. Ends with Gold Medallion challenge. $24.95
Note: While I didn't find any links from the main page, you can go to http://www.pianoisfun.com/download/ and download a single-page PDF brochure for the program and a "puzzles.exe" file that expands to music-related crosswords, connect the dots, mazes, and word search PDF games you can print and hand out to your children (not for commercial use).

Company: Alfred Publishing
Contact: http://www.alfred.com
Comment: Alfred Publishing is a large publishing company for sheet music books, piano methods, and also some software products. Essentials of Music Theory (EMT) is their newest product and looks to be well done. It is designed for the older student (ages 10 - adult). An online video demonstration is available, and you can request a demo disk from the company (no download available). Alfred also makes Teach Yourself to Play Piano, which is more oriented toward video instruction for playing the piano. Alfred's Interactive Musician provides Pitch, Rhythm, and Sight Reading training. A download demo is available. Theory Games for Windows/MAC has been updated since the old Windows 3.1 version, and now features new graphics and games. It is designed for children ages 7 and up. No demo is available, but screen shots are on the web site. If you buy this, be sure you are ordering the updated version! (The webite indicates only Level 1a-2 has been updated...)
Some older demos can be found at: http://www.alfred.com/sub_software/nmdemos.html (note that these don't reflect the current software for sale). Also, there is a Fun Zone section of the Alfred website that contains one downloadable game (Copycat) and four more on-line music related games. Finally, I should note that educator and LAN versions of most of the software titles area available for school markets. Check website for prices on Educator, Lab, and Network versions.
Programs:
Essentials of Music Theory Software Version 2. Thorough music theory in 3 volumes. $29.95 each volume, or $59.95 Three volume set (Student Versions)
Teach Yourself to Play Piano: Audio/visual format for older beginners or for reinforcement. Deluxe includes Interactive song player, videos, ear training, and bonus games. I believe MIDI is supported. $29.95
Alfred's Interactive Musician: Pitch, Rhythm, Sight Reading training. $39.95 Student Version
Theory Games for Windows/MAC. No piano/instrument instruction is provided. Games are a test of knowledge and were designed to accompany Alfred's Basic Piano Library for ages 7 & up. $19.95 Levels 1&2; $19.95 Levels 3, 4, 5

Company: ARC Media
Contact: http://www.selectsoft.com/titles/arcmedia
Comment: Arc Media was acquired by Selectsoft Publishing announced on May 10th, 2004. These programs seem to be found in the "bargain" areas of software stores and are packaged in jewel cases. Easy Piano is stated to provide "Step-by-step video lessons; Print chords and tunes; Complete guide to reading music; Learn about piano history & famous players". A kid's program (now listed as by "Superstart Music") is Piano for Kids: with Professor Rhythm and his staff. Uses well known tunes and printable sheet music. Provides introduction to basic music theory, puzzles, games and exercises and uses a touch and click on-screen piano.
Programs:
Easy Piano: Step by Step video lessons with history. $19.99
Piano for Kids: Professor Rhythm teaches 6 year olds & up. Basics, printable sheet music $14.99

Company: Ars Nova
Contact: http://www.ars-nova.com
Comments: Ars Nova develops Practica Musica, a music theory and ear training program for the advanced student. It appears from the website that most of the theory is in a written book, while the software program concentrates on Ear Training and lets you set up exercises to implement that theory. While no downloadable demos are available, instructional movies on the operation of Practica Musica can be viewed online.
Programs:
Practica Musica 4.5: Advanced music theory and ear training tutor. Uses a music notation engine for interactive sessions. Includes real-time rhythm tapping. MIDI compatible but does not require MIDI. Available in Standard or Site Editions (any number of students) $100 standard edition, and can be downloaded

Company: David Bagno
Contact: http://davidbagno.com
Comments: David has written two well done games to drill music notes using a MIDI keyboard or the computer mouse. While the programs are not real inexpensive (at $25 each), the gameplay is good and they actually have instructional value, unlike some other "music games"
Programs:
Music Note Teacher: a Treble and Bass Clef note drill program works with MIDI keyboard or on screen using mouse. Note range can be adjusted; print functions. $25
Musical Space Invaders: Shoot the notes by hitting the appropriate key. Works with MIDI keyboard, adjustable levels of difficulty. $25

Company: Charanga
Contact: http://www.charanga.com
Comment: Charanga offers several packages, including: Keyboard Coach, Piano Coach, Teaching You Piano Skills, and Teaching You Music Theory Skills. From the information on the website, it appears that all of the programs support MIDI keyboards. No demos are available. Please check the website for more details.
Programs:
Keyboard Coach: Learn to play keyboards through 150 lessons. Learn to read music and play by ear; with video lessons and MIDI keyboard support $47
Piano Coach: Basic to Intermediate students, stages 3 & 4. Over 400 lessons. $47
Teaching You Music Theory Skills: up to Grade 5. About $15 US.
Teaching You Piano Skills: over 40 lessons. About $15 US.

Company: Dolphin Don
Contact: http://www.dolphindon.com
Comments: Dolphin Don's Music School is a shareware music instruction program for Ages 6 and up. Lessons cover: notes, rhythms, key signatures, intervals, chords. The "instruction" portion of this program is shallow, and uses mnemonics such as "Every Good Boy Does Fine" for remembering where notes lie on the staff. Supports two clefs for instruction, based upon your instrument selection, so Dolphin Don is not just limited to piano. I was surprised to hear Dolphin Don's voice as I was expecting a high pitched voice. Rather, Dolphin Don speaks in a low, gruff voice. The program supports multiple student logins so each child can progress at their own pace. The graphics are simple, and seem to have been designed for Windows 3.1. As you play a game, Dolphin Don will make a remark after each right or wrong answer, such as "sweet", "That's the ticket, baby", "yea yea yea yea yea!", "go beans jellybean", "you'll get the next one", "where's your head", and so forth. The game progresses slowly, offering 3 notes in treble clef, then 3 in bass clef, moving up to 5 notes in each and so on. You need a score of at least 90 to move on to the next lesson. There is no support for using a MIDI keyboard. I would recommend trying out the demo before buying this program.
Programs:
Dolphin Don's Music School: 10 educational games for ear-training and reading of notes, rhythms, key signatures, intervals, chords. Ages 6 and up. $39.95

Company: ECS (Electronic Courseware Systems)
Contact: http://www.ecsmedia.com
Comments: ECS produces a large number of music education software programs for the classroom environment with progress reports and student record management, designed for grades K-8. Most of the demonstrations I viewed used simple graphics, likely to ensure compatibility for older PCs found in some schools. Each program seems to do its job, but for the home user the presentation is lacking and the pricing for combining multiple packages would get quite high. I would recommend checking out the demos if a particular program seems to fit your need.
Programs: (examples, see the ECS website for a complete list)
Elements of Music: Entry level drills for major/minor key signatures and naming notes from Staff or keyboard. $80 single station
Functional Harmony: Practice basic chord analysis, diatonic 7th chords, secondary dominants, and more. $150 single station
Music Flash Cards: Drill and practice format w/nine lessons. $99.95 single station
Early Keyboard Skills: Teaches keyboard positions. $40 single station
Musique: Complete curriculum of self-paced exercises. Supports MIDI. $595 single station

Company: eMedia
Contact: http://www.emediamusic.com
Comments: eMedia Piano & Keyboard Method offers over 300 step-by-step lessons starting from basics such as hand position, rhythm and playing on black keys, and moving on to music notation, sight reading, scales and more. Works best with a MIDI keyboard. Also available with a MIDI Keyboard for either $129.95 or $149.95 (website does not specify the brand of Keyboard)
Programs:
eMedia Piano & Keyboard Method: Song based method with on-screen instructor Irma Irene Justicia, M.A. $59.95

Company: Happy Note Software
Contact: http://www.happynote.com/music/learn.html
Comments: Happy Note Software produces shareware and freeware music education programs. Note Cracker, Notes In Space, and HnTetris seem to have little to do with music, as you don't need to know anything "musical" to play the games. They may aid in recognition, however, and they are now offered as freeware. Play it By Ear provides a little more correlation, but I didn't particularly care for the game. Treble and Bass Clef was probably the best of the bunch. All can be downloaded and tried before you buy, which I would recommend as the prices are not that cheap for what you get.
Programs:
Note Cracker, Notes In Space, HnTetris: Freeware music note games
Play It By Ear: A game of note recognition. The note sounds, and you need to click on the right staff note. $30 or $40 with Treble & Bass Clef
Treble & Bass Clef: Arcade game: shoot the note with the corresponding cannon value. $30, or $40 with Play It By Ear.

Company: Harmonic Vision
Contact: http://www.harmonicvision.com
Comments: Harmonic Vision develops the Music Ace programs. These programs look very good for teaching young children (grades 1-8), and could even be used by adults if you don't mind the cartoon professor. The professor speaks to you, and the note characters are cute. The notes do not have stems, however, and rhythm isn't taught until the 2nd program. Demos are available for download and are well done. MIDI Keyboards are supported but are not necessary. Compare with MidiSaurus (below). Music Ace Maestro is designed for the school envrionment and allows teachers to track many students and for the software to operate on a LAN.
Programs:
Music Ace: 24 lessons on staff & keyboard, pitch, note reading, sharps & flats, games, etc. $49.95
Music Ace 2: 24 lessons: Rhythms, Key Signatures, syncopation, melodies, harmony, intro to ear training. $49.95
Music Ace Deluxe: combines 1 & 2 $79.95
Music Ace Maestro: combines 1 & 2 with Student Management. $128 stand alone, and network pricing is available.
Topics covered in Music Ace are:

Introduction to the Staff

The ABC's of the Bass Staff

Introduction to the Piano Keyboard

Above the Bass Staff

Playing with Pitch

Below the Bass Staff

The ABC's of the Piano Keyboard

Same Pitch, Different Timbres

More Piano ABC's

The ABC's of the Grand Staff

The ABC's of the Staff

Half Steps and Whole Steps

The ABCs of the Treble Staff

More ABCs of the Grand Staff

More Treble Staff ABC's

Sharps and Flats

Keyboard Review

Sharps and Flats on the Staff

Below the Treble Staff

More Sharps and Flats on the Staff

Above the Treble Staff

The Key Signature

Loud and Soft, Same Pitch

Introduction to Major Scales

Topics covered in Music Ace 2 are:

Beat and Tempo

Dotted Quarter Notes

Hearing Rhythms

Flat Key Signatures

Review 1 Note Names

Rests

Review 2 Sharps and Flats

More Flat Key Signatures

Basic Rhythm Notation

Syncopation

The Quarter Rest

Sixteenth Notes

Key Signatures and Major Scales

Minor Scales

Melody

Three Sounds Per Beta

The Measure

The Time Signature

Sharp Key Signatures

Intervals

Notes Longer Than a Beat

The 6/8 Time Signatures

More Sharp Key Signatures

Introduction to Harmony

Company: Interactive Digital Design International
Contact: http://www.iddincusa.com
Comments: Midisoft provides several programs, including Quickstart Piano, Music Mentor, and a child's program called iReadMusic. No downloadable demos are available. Please see the website for more details.
Quickstart Piano: piano tutor with 40 MIDI songs (seems to be playing focused, not theory) $40
Quickstart Music Mentor: Music Theory tutorial geared toward the older student. Includes lessons on: melody, harmony, scales, chords, music reading, timbre, rhythm, history, more. $30
Quickstart Music Suite: Includes Piano, Mentor, as well as Digital Recorder and Studio Composer. $99 (special for Parents and Educators - $60)
I Read Music With Music Theory: 2 CDs with music, theory, and 10 games. $30

Company: Metronimo
Contact: http://www.metronimo.com
Comments: Shareware and freeware programs from France. These programs lean more toward drill with little or no tutoring. The programming is decent, and the programs would be useful for drilling basic note and rhythm facts. The programs cost $33 US each, which in my opinion is a bit high compared to complete tutor programs like Music Ace. There are a couple of free games as well (Minitetronimo & Musical Instruments). As of version 2, MIDI is now supported in Pianonimo. I would recommend trying the demos before buying.
Programs:
Metronimo Music Theory: Presents music theory drills for the treble and bass clef, music symbols, key signatures. The basic game is clicking the letter that corresponds with the staff notes. The 2nd game style is a drag and drop matching game.
Pianonimo: A piano/note drill for Treble & Bass Clef with 6 games and MIDI support. 
Rhythmonimo: game software to learn rhythm
Book of Composers: Hangman style game to guess composer's from a set of clues. Includes 2 hours of music and 52 composers.
Metronimo Quiz: Over 600 questions about music history and terminology for 1, 2, or 3 players (in French only).
Tetronimo: Advanced music "Tetris" type game. Drills Treble, Bass, Baritone, Soprano, Mezzosoprano, Alto, and Tenor clefs. Move the falling staff notes to their corresponding value at the bottom.
Mini-Tetronimo: move falling notes to proper box (free)
Musical Instruments: Drag and drop the correct instrument over the sound (free)

Company: MiBAC Music Software
Contact: http://www.mibac.com
Comments: MiBAC produces music education software for the older student going up to college level music theory. Demonstration versions are available. Compare with Rising Software's Musition 2. Downloadable versions are available at reduced cost. The MiBAC support section has a nice explanation of how to connect your MIDI equipment to your PC, and an online music theory tutorial.
Products:
Music Lessons I Fundamentals: Eleven drills in treble, bass, or alto clefs. Note Reading, Circle of Fifths, Key Signatures, Major/Minor Scales, Modes, Jazz Scales, Scale Degrees, Intervals, Note/Rest Durations, Scales/Modes/Jazz Scales Ear Training, and Intervals Ear Training. MIDI is supported. $119
Music Lessons II Chords and Harmony: Studies Chord Elements, Triads, Triads Ear Training, Seventh Chords w/ear training, and Roman Numeral Chord ID. It develops visual recognition, written notation, Piano/Guitar skills, and ear training. $149

Company: Musicorum
Contact:  http://musicorum.apinc.org/sommaire.php?lang=en
Comments: Musicorum is a French website (in English or French) that provides free Music Theory lessons and exercises. It includes a PDF download called "Learning the Code", described as a free piano method for students aged 8-12, and a downloadable or online JAVA applet for quizzing music notes.

Company: Northern Lights Technology
Contact: http://www.musicmastery.com
Comments: Music Mastery features rhythm, melody, pitch, drills, music printout, MIDI support, and more. No games. It is not clear from the website if the program is tutorial in nature, or rather if it is intended for teacher-guided lessons only. There is also support for school settings with LAN support and multiple students.
Products:
MusicMastery: $59.95 or Site License: $299

Company: MusicWare/Town4Kids
Contact: http://www.town4kids.com
Comments: The MiDisaurus line of music theory education products comes in 12 volumes. It is designed for young children (pre-school through 4th Grade) and uses cute dinosaur characters. The dinosaur character have child-like voices and the lessons are presented at a pace for young children. For this reason, MiDisaurus would likely be too irritating for an adult to use. A MIDI keyboard can be used to enhance learning. The lessons cover a wide range, but the volumes are expensive if you want them all. Each volume lists for $44.95 each, or 4 volume sets for $149.95
Products:

Volume 1

Volume 2

Hands & Fingers

Note & Rest Values: Dotted Half, Eighth

Black & White Keys

Steps and Skips

Ascending and Descending Keys

Accents & Dynamics

The Musical Alphabet

Time Signature 2/4 3/4 4/4

Listening Skills

5 Finger Positions: C, F, and G

Note & Rest Values: Quarter Half & Whole

The I Chord

Middle C Close Position

Music Composition

Dynamics Loud & Soft

Introduction to Orchestral Instruments

Steps & Skip

Sing Along Songs

Sing Along Songs

 

Volume 3

Volume 4

The Grand Staff and Note Reading

Intervals of 2nds, 3rds, 4ths, and 5ths

Steps and Skips, Half Step and Whole Step

Note Values: Sixteenth Notes and Patterns

Note Values: Dotted Quarter & Eighth

Dynamics

Dynamics

Accidentals

Time Signature 2/4 3/4 4/4

Binary and Ternary Form

Articulation

5 Finger Positions of Db, Eb, and Ab

5 Finger Positions D, E, A, B

Group 3 Keys

Group 1 and Group 2 Keys

The V7 Chord

Introduction to Orchestral Instruments

The I-V7-I Chord Progression

Sing Along Songs

Music Composition

 

Introductions to Orchestral Instruments

 

Sing Along Songs

Volume 5

Volume 6

Time Signatures

Intervals of 8ths and the 8va sign

Intervals of 6ths and 7ths

Anacrusis

Allegro and Adagio

Sequence

Articulation: Legato, Staccato and Fermata

Chords and Harmony

The I and V7 Chord

5 Finger Positions of Bb and Gb

Tetrachords

Group 4 Keys

Harmony

Tetrachords

Accompaniment Patterns

Accompaniment Patterns

Introduction To Musical Instruments of the World

Introduction To Musical Form

Keyboard Playing

Keyboard Playing

Volume 7

Volume 8

Key Signatures

Key Signatures

Note Values: The Dotted Eighth-Sixteenth Pattern

The Blues Scale

Chords and Harmony

The Pentatonic Scale

The Major Scales

Chords and Harmony

5 Finger Minor Position

Major, Minor, Diminished, Augmented Chords

The Major IV Chord

Music Composition: Question and Answer

The minor i and minor iv Chords

Introduction To the Great Composers

The I-IV-V7-I Chord Progression

Keyboard Playing

The i-iv-V7-i Chord Progression

 

Theme and Variation

 

Music Composition: Question and Answer

 

Introduction To the Great Composers

 

Keyboard Playing

 

MiDisaurus Focus Series: Four additional volumes focus on particular areas. $44.95 each
Rhythm: Explores Note and Rest Values from Whole to Sixteenth (including dotted values). Tempo and Time Signatures.
Notation: Explores Dynamics, Accents, Ties & Slurs, Articulation, Accidentals, Key Signatures and Sight Reading.
Musical Instruments: Explores the instruments of the orchestra and instruments from around the world.
The Great Composers & Their Music: Explores Musical Forms and representative works by the great composers.
Also available: Music Fun with MIDIsaurus $19.95

Company: PG Music
Contact: http://www.pgmusic.com
Comments: PG Music makes the famous "Band In A Box" software, which I have seen referenced many times by educators for classroom use. Band In a Box is not music theory, but a tool for creating music. PG Music also makes Beginner Piano and Jazz Piano Masterclass software. There are no demos of these programs available. They seem to be more video instruction rather than interactive software programs.
Programs:
Band In A Box: automatically generates a complete professional quality arrangement of piano, bass, drums, guitar and strings in a wide variety of popular styles. $88
Beginner Piano Masterclass Vol 1. 10 lessons, 3 hours video instruction by Miles Black. Reading music, scales, triads, comping, improv, more $29
Jazz Piano Masterclass. Volumes 1 and 2. Roots & Shells, Block Chords, Stride Piano, more. $29 each, $49 set.

Company: Pianomouse
Contact: http://www.pianomouse.com
Comment: Pianomouse is made (or distributed) by ECS Media (see above), but it has its own website so was left as a stand alone entry. This program presents some games for young children to play to introduce them to music. Some on-line demo games can be played at the website. The games that can be played on-line seem rather shallow, so it is not clear if the games on the CD are in more depth or not. Although the Pianomouse programs are not as in-depth as MiDisaurus and MusicAce, the programs are inexpensive and the graphics are well done. Prices are $19.99 each, or all three can be purchased as a package for $54.97
Pianomouse Goes to Pre-School: 12 games such as Musical ABCs, and Instrument Parade.
Pianomouse Music Theory FUNdamentals: 16 lessons & games for ages 6-12. Keyboard, pitch, musical alphabet, treble/bass clef notes, note and rest values, time signature/counting, sharps flats and naturals, enharmonic notes, half/whole steps, 5 finger pattern.
Pianomouse Meets the Great Composers Volume 1: history and games

Company: Pianosoft
Contact: http://www.pianosoft-europe.com
Comments: Pianosoft makes several shareware programs for children's music education. In my trial of the demos, I didn't find them to provide a very good price for value ratio. I would recommend you download them and try them out yourself before buying.  Prices are $19.90 for CD delivery, or $14.90 download
Programs:
Musical Notes Preschool: a match game with "B for Bear" and note associations.
Piano Fingers Test & Exercise: Finger training. Hit the keys as the picture comes up.
Step By Step Note Teacher: A note drill program.

Company: Rising Software
Contact: http://www.risingsoftware.com
Comments: Website states, "Musition 2 is a comprehensive music theory and fundamentals package for music students of all ages and abilities. Musition's interactive teaching makes learning music theory fun and easy. The structured drills and instant feedback create a stimulating learning environment, enabling students to achieve their maximum potential. Complete with 25 topics and sophisticated record keeping features..." A 9Meg demo version is available for download. Compare with MiBAC's Music Lessons I/II. Rising Software also makes the Auralia Ear Training program.
Product:
Musition 2: Comprehensive music theory & fundamentals. Drill heavy. $149

Company: Softech Multimedia Inc.
Contact: http://www.pianoprofessor.com
Comments: Piano Professor v3.02c. Website is "under construction", but shareware download is still available. Have yet to get demo to work...
Product:
Piano Professor: General music theory, name that note, Chord encyclopedia, virtual keyboard, more. $10

Company: Take Note Publishing
Contact: http://www.takenotepublishing.co.uk/cats/
Comments: Computer Aided Theory Skills (C.A.T.S.) is designed to teach and test music theory up through grade five. Volume 1 covers Beginner to Grade 2, and Volume 2 is Grades 3-5. Each volume is broken up into Learn and Test sections. CATS teaches Notes & Rests, Pitches, Intervals, Triads and Chords, Scales, Symbols and ornaments, Musical Terms, Key Signatures, Time Signatures, and more. The graphics used are very simple, and no demo is available. You can view screen shots at the web page. They do not appear to support MIDI keyboards. Although I haven't tried CATS, it doesn't look like it stands up to the competition, based on information from the website.
Program:
C.A.T.S. (Computer Aided Theory Skills). For Windows. Volume 1 $27; Volume 2 $45; 2 volume set $64.

Company: Teoria Music Theory Web
Contact: http://www.teoria.com
Comments: Teoria used to be software with MIDI capability, but now seems to be just (well, not "just") an on-line Tutorial with Macromedia Flash exercises, all for free! You can also join as a member and download the entire website for use offline ($20 fee). I've only briefly browsed the pages, but they look to be well done. 

Company: Treblis Software
Contact: http://www.treblis.com
Comment: Rudiments 2.1 teaches rudimentary music theory including preliminary, grade 1, and grade 2 (Intermediate - College level students). A 30-day version can be downloaded. Treblis also makes Ear Training 1.3 software.
Program:
Rudiments 2.1: A drill program for older students. Designed for schools with an Ensemble student database. $80 for 1 user license

Company: Voyetra Music Software
Contact: http://www.voyetra.com
Comment: Voyetra makes music software that you will often find in your local computer software store. The produce a couple of nice looking piano instruction programs, widely available, and offer lower prices than in 2003! While no demos are available, you can download the manual and a video on hooking up MIDI connections at the website.
Program:
Teach Me Piano: 150 lessons, 100 exercises. 75 songs. MIDI keyboard compatible. Teaches notation, rhythm, finger positions, key signatures, scales, and chords. $29.95
Teach Me Piano Deluxe: adds recording station, Jammin' Keys, Games, History $49.95


Software Groupings:

I split the programs up into 6 "rough" groups, though there is some overlap between the groups. I have placed a program in a certain group largely based on the descriptions I have found on the program, and there is always the possibility that I would change groups once having used a program.

Piano Software Tutors using MIDI keyboards: programs focused on use of a MIDI keyboard for piano instruction. Although all state that a MIDI keyboard is optional, these programs thrive on the use of one. Also, these programs seem to include a lot of music theory.

Piano Software Tutors focused more on video instruction: These programs seem to focus more on video instruction and less on MIDI keyboard use, although several do support MIDI. They seem to concentrate more on getting the student to play music fast, with less emphasis on theory. These first two categories are quite blurred.

Children's Piano and/or Music Theory comprehensive programs: These programs provide piano and/or music theory in a format designed to attract children. Some, such as Music Ace and MiDisaurus are very comprehensive, while others provide beginner's basics.

Older student's music theory programs: Programs designed to teach music theory, with necessarily a focus on pianos. They don't feature MIDI interfaces. Designed for the older student.

Advanced Music Theory & drill programs: These programs are for the advanced music student who wants good drill and progress tracking of his or her skills. While some limited instruction is present, these programs seem to focus on drill for theory already learned.

Focused drill programs: These programs focus on one aspect of music theory, such as learning notes, or learning the keyboard, or are fairly limited in their scope. Most of these are shareware or freeware offerings.

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