Focus on Sound Newsletter May 2019

We add new material or features several times week on average. We frequently add information via the bell icon at the top right of the screen. If it's red with a figure 1 (see the screenshot on the right), it means there's new information. This is definitely the best way to stay in touch with developments.

Other ways of keeping up to date include the MusicFirst Facebook group and these occasional newsletters - though they only come out about three times a year.

• Have you ever wanted to let students have another attempt at one of our discussion/writing tests?
• Do you want to set an assessment or exam using existing tests that some students might already have tried?

If so, our new 'Reset to zero' button will be very useful. It is available via class test results for individual tests. It deletes all the marks, etc. for the whole class for that particular test.

You get to the aural tests via the Tests -> Sound Words screen.

Here's an example of a pentatonic melody recognition test.

Currently in development - you will soon be able to set a notification to students so that when they open up Focus on Sound they will immediately be directed to the custom lesson you have set.

As well as the shortcuts shown, you will also be able to specify more precise dates.

This new feature is expected by mid June.

There are now five different test types available for you to create via FoS Pro. Users of all versions can see examples in the main app now.

Here's a screenshot from test type 5 - single sound/single picture.

If you haven't seen any of these so far, there's a new way of navigating the different questions.

You can move to the questions in any order. The picture and sound stay the same - though there is also a way of having a question with missing notes in the score that you fill in from a panel at the side.

In the example above you can see that the user answered questions 1 and 3 correctly. The current question is no. 4.

We now have a number of tests using this new technique - including tests for the AQA Beatles set works. The student drags answers from the panel on the right to one of the answer boxes.

If you work quickly, you can create one of these tests yourself in five or ten minutes. They're really easy to do.

With so many different types of test in Focus on Sound, sorting out problems with the results display for teachers has been something of a headache. We think the system is now bug free, though we're going to be working on the ordering of the results.

Please do use the feedback button if any results appear to be missing. Don't forget the best way to view results is via the button for the individual test or lesson.

We're still looking for teachers to create material for us, or to provide suggestions. We're particularly interested in ideas for technology content as well as links to composing or performing ideas.

Also let us know of good sites we can link to in lessons. Just email Simon direct or use info@focusonsound.com

Best wishes from the Focus on Sound team for a great half term (those of you in the Northern hemisphere who have one now).