Bach Yomi

Bach Yomi is a music education method that teaches and reinforces musical concepts through a daily study of the works of J.S. Bach. Each day, students study the score of a new keyboard work by Bach. After examining the score, a 10 question multiple-choice quiz is given of progressively difficult questions. These questions require the student to analyze the piece from any number of angles--rhythm, melody, harmony, form, counterpoint, etc. The game is equally appropriate for students in their first year of study through advanced performers, since it is a guided study of the principles of music through an examination of the central keyboard collections of J.S. Bach. The app is a wonderful companion to piano lessons, as it reinforces all the central elements of music. The game is based on principals of music education, and most questions require students to tap rhythms, identify patterns, or some form of audiation that translate to better sight-reading skills. Some beginning students prefer to work through lessons along with a teacher, or more independent students may prefer to look up on new concepts and terms on their own. While an app that teaches Bach's central keyboard collections is clearly of interest to pianists, special care has been taken to ensure that the focus of the app is relevant to all musicians, and does not delve into specifics about piano fingering or Baroque ornamentation. In order to play the game students are expected to have at least a minimum basic of musical knowledge; at the least to know the notes of the treble and bass clef, note durations, and be able to visualize an octave of the piano keyboard. Familiarity with the circle of fifths will be of a great use too. The game is specifically designed for people with busy schedules that don't allow them to practice each day as they'd like. If you spend most mornings on the train instead of at the piano, you can utilize your commute time with guided score analysis that will sharpen your musical skills away from the piano.