Does anyone use this software? I'd be really interested ot hear people's opinion of it?

Jane

From what I can see at www.smartmusic.com, it looks good value for money.
However, it means you have to practise next to your computer and fiddle around with speakers and microphones. I'm not sure this would appeal to most people.
As far as I can see. there's an option to use it for $9.90 a month, so you could always try it out for a while.

The intelligent accompaniment function intrigues me. I wonder how fast it responds to changes in tempo.

Steve

Yes, I have it. It's excellent -I'm mainly using the flute files. Computer's in the kitchen so I have to play there but it's not a big problem. I'm only using ordinary computer speakers-which are fine, have to remember to plug the (USB) mic in before I launch smartmusic or it doesn't detect it (I haven't got the smartmusic mic- the existing one is adequate). The sensitivity of the intelligent accompaniment can be set depending on the piece & how sensitive you want it to be - it does respond as you'd expect a real accompanist to react.
You can alter tempo, set practice loops, change repeats. I've been very pleased with it

Andy,

Is there a good choice of accompaniments? Classical, jazz etc? I was wondering if something like this might be useful for my clarinet.
Any features you find especially useful?

Steve

I think there is a list of what music it covers on the Smart Music site:
here

I read about it on the ABRSM site. In addition to the trial version, there's also a deal that enables you to get it for £20 - if it's good, that's pretty good value for money, I suspect.

Yes, in addition, if you're a member of Flutewise you can get the same discount.

I think otherwise it is £80

I'm sure it's useful, as the ABRSM endorse it, but there are some other options. If you have a music notation program like Finale or Sibelius you can (usually) find MIDI files of most common repertoire and import them into the program. Then you can set it to play at whatever tempo you want. You can easily delete the solo instrument involved and just keep the accompaniment too.

One other useful (free) tool is Audacity, http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ which allows you to import audio recordings, e.g. off CD, cut them up into useful bits, and also alter the tempo.

The final resort is the good old metronome of course...

I don't know about clarinet but the flute list has classical & jazz. Some of the jazz tracks bring up the music on screen - so you don't have to have the sheet music for it.
It's very much more flexible than using a cd with the accompaniment on. Adjusting the tempo is very easy. Being able to take difficult sections as practice loops is very useful ( ). For £24 inc. P&P I think it's very good value

Thanks everyone. I think I'll download it after Christmas, and play around with it.

I have noteworthy, and I've got the basic scorch (the reader package, not the scribe). I do use the midi file system on there sometimes, but this sounds more comprehensive.

Another option FYI: http://www.piano-accompaniments.com/

I use smartmusic. It is very good and comes with Suzuki music up for Violin, Viola and Cello up to book 5.

If you match it with printmusic 2004 (not 2006) you can create music and save it as smartmusic file.

It is an impressive system but it does require a computer and an active internet link.

Regards
Jon

Unfortunately, I can't wait to use it, but have to wait for my laptop to be connected to the internet first. It'll be a major help especially for exams and performance assessments especially when I have limited practise with the accompanist.

Well, I've taken the plunge and ordered. I'll let you know how I get on. Do be aware, if you're considering it that there are a few hidden costs that add onto the price quoted on the website. £21.99 is a pre-vat figure. You also need to buy microphones if you don't have them already (£9.99 for an instrumental one, and £9.99 for a singing one). The price also doesn't include delivery. So with all that added on, my order came to £46 - quite a bit more than the £21. However, if it's as good as it looks, I guess it'll be reasonable value for money still.