Customer Reviews

Theory Games Software Levels 1A - 2 (Alfred's Basic Piano Library)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The fun graphics, such as ladybugs and frogs, really appeal to the young piano student. The games are imaginative, comprehensive and useful.

It's hard to rate this. My youngest (5 year old) thinks it's ok, my middle 7 year old loves it, and my 10 year old is between like and love. I am on the ok side. The games are ok, they let kids practice terms, note reading etc. The problem I have with this game that I wasn't aware when buying is that it doesn't load with WIndows 7. I had to load it on my old laptop with Windows XP, but this one is breaking down. Once it does, game over. I also had a problem with this program using virtual drive (doesn't work). This is the only game that didn't work on my virtual drive. I like to use it so when we travel, kids can play all their game on laptop without me hauling all CD along (plus I don't like my kids to handle CDs because especially the younger ones damage them). So my complaints are more technical. My kids like it enough that I did buy the level 2-5 for my 10 year old (this game was too easy for her as she is more of a 4-5 alfred playing level, little behind on theory).

I looked and couldn't find the software specifics, such as if it would run with Windows Vista or Windows 7. The package said that the current copy right was 2004, which you would think meant that it would run on the newer PC systems. However, it does not. This has taught me to look at the publisher of the softwares website before I purchase something like this again. I tried to play the games on Windows Vista because I have another PC game from 1995 that works just fine. However, this one does not and I immediately started the process of returning the item.

This product is fun and very educational for the young piano beginner. But it only works for windows 95 and up to 7? My computer has Vista and it would not install on my computer. The old laptop is the onlly computer that would take the program, which cannot let my child play until the dad is home with the laptop. Bummer!! If it was made for newer computers I would buy it again in a heart beat.

I am a piano teacher and have used this program for years. My students love it! As far as loading it on a Windows 7 computer, I just loaded it on my Windows 7 laptop. You simply have to run it in compatibility mode with Windows XP and it works fine. On my computer, I installed it normally. When you go to run it for the first time, simply right-click on the icon and click "troubleshoot compatibility" and Windows will walk you through the steps to run it in XP mode. Windows 7 is much better at recognizing older software than its ancestors.