For developing essential musicianship skills, no other software package can equal Alfred's Interactive Musician. The program features three unique sections-Pitch Training, Sight-Reading and Rhythm-and is designed to enhance recognition of intervals, chords and scales, improve ability to sight-read, and prepare for various types of rhythms. The self-paced program responds instantly to the user's actions, helping to quickly identify strengths and weaknesses. With multiple levels to choose from and the ability to customize levels, Alfred's Interactive Musician gives complete control over the content and difficulty of the program. This program may be used in a classroom setting. With the Educator and Network versions, teachers have the ability to create assessment tests that are scored electronically and have immediate access to student progress. Students work at their own pace, while the teacher sets up guidelines for the student to follow. Drills are randomized, so exercises may be played over and over without duplicating material.
Morty Manus is president of Alfred Music Publishing Co., Inc. When Morty joined the company, he had recently received a business degree from City College of New York. As a clarinetist and pianist, he saw the need for quality music education publications. Drawing upon his musical experiences, Morty oversaw the development of instructional publications for accordion, guitar, piano, and drums; performance music for band, orchestra, chorus, and music theory.
Morty is the author and editor of numerous Alfred titles, including Alfred's Basic Guitar Course, Alfred's Basic Piano Library, Alfred's Adult Piano Course, and Essentials of Music Theory. In 2008, he received an honorary doctorate degree in music from the VanderCook College of Music in Chicago for "having made a significant contribution to the music education profession as evidenced by his outstanding creative achievements, scholarship and leadership."
Morty met his wife Iris when she was working for Alfred on Saturdays. Iris has worked on a full-time basis for Alfred since the late 1960s, and maintains the position of executive producer.
