I teach mainly beginners piano, but wondered if there's any good software or websites to recommend to support teaching of note reading, rhythm or aural? I know Hofman has been mentioned on the forums - if you use it, how do you use it? It would be great if it was English - ie, crotchets and bars, not quarter notes and measures! Any advice or recommendations gratefully received! I've been trawling through the web, and have been a bit overwhelmed and not sure what is good and what is not, and whether it's worh investing in buying software ......

There is a good website - a guy in Australia, general music / instrumental teaching / good ideas.

His name's Philip - I will do a search and post a link.

http://www.practicespot.com/

musictheory.net has some useful things. Also being a programmer I have done some note finding games myself. I'll upload them to my webspace if I get a chance and you can have a look.

Thanks Maggiemay - have looked at it seems to have a lot that I'm looking for. Neil - yes please, would love to see what you've done! I wish I could program stuff - I sort of know what I want, but can't do it myself. Thanks both.

Go to the Piano Adventures website, there's a woman on there called Susan Paradis who does some brilliant free downloadable games for beginners. Sorry can't send you the exact link, but hope this helps.

Susan Paradis - fantastic resources there! My laminator has been working overtime. Anyone know of any good online games to help a 14 year old boy learn note names?????? I wouldn't mind buying some software if there is some at a reasonable price. Anyone got any experience of some good 'uns?

I used "Noteable" at one point which I quite liked, it was cheap too, although Jalmus provides a free alternative.

I tried Musicgoals Rhythm once but didn't like it too much - it might have improved now though.
http://www.musicgoals.com/MGRhythm.htm

"Piano is fun" has worked really well for me - it is downloadable from the "Piano is Fun" website, but sadly isn't free - just under 30 dollars. Can be customised for pupils and has awards pages. Many of my pupils have also purchased this for use at home as they have wanted to get all the "stickers". Also, the gold level is exceedingly difficult but looks fun so they think that is great!

Try Sibelius...a teacher called Kevin Fairless has some good downloadable scores/exercises:

http://www.sibeliusmusic.com/index.php?sm=...s&uid=11670

Thanks Kevin - if you are reading. I especially like the scales flashcards which helped me get through the mountain of Grade 8 scales last year !

My very old browser won't support a lot of stuff, but I have just downloaded MuseScore - for free - and am just getting to grips with using it to create bits of music and exercises for my pupils. You can get it to play you what you have written as well! I found that really exciting

Here's a few (very basic) online theory games that I like:

http://www.funtrivia.com/flashquiz/SWF/quiz8-6.swf
http://www.funtrivia.com/flashquiz/index.cfm?qid=245180
http://www.classicsforkids.com/games/notename/notename.html