Patent ID: 6366758
Filing Date: 2002-04-02
Classification: G09B

Abstract:
An apparatus for facilitating an understanding and recognition of ensemble music in infants and small children, comprising:a housing; a speaker positioned within said housing; a plurality of input devices positioned on said housing, said apparatus being constructed so as not to include a keyboard for entering individual sounds; and music generating means within said housing for storing and playing at least one developmentally appropriate prearranged multi-channel musical composition, said music generating means being electronically connected to said speaker and said input devices, and wherein said music generating means is constructed and arranged to be able to, in response to actuation of at least one of said input devices by a user, change the identity of channels of the multi-channel composition that are being played without interrupting the musical composition as it plays, said channels being arranged so as to permit a small child to conduct limited experimentation and improvisation within developmentally appropriate limits with respect to the musical composition, but to preclude discordant sounds that will not enhance the learning and development process.