Javakeys is a virtual keyboard feature incorporated into Tritone's Javatrax evaluation sequencer. Javakeys was designed as a virtual educational tool that will support music education in a variety of circumstances. Using the lettered keys on the computer keyboard students can play music exercises in real time with pitch and timing assessment, without the need of a stand-alone music keyboard.

Javakeys operates in two distinct graphic modes. The "piano" mode is a graphic interface in the style of a traditional piano keyboard. Using a mouse, touch pad, or other cursor device, students click on the virtual keys and hear the appropriate pitch responses. This system is also sensitive to the duration of the click, resulting in variable lengths of notes and ultimately, timing.

In "type" mode, the keys of the computer keyboard are mapped out to represent a piano keyboard. Pressing down on these keys allows the students to practice techniques normally reserved for piano keyboards such as fingering and hand position. The keys are sensitive to pitch and timing and allow for polyphonic responses for playing chords and harmonies.

Both of these can be activated via touch screen technologies for touch response monitors or for interactive whiteboards. Activity marks as well as recorded performances are sent to the course management database and saved in the student's progress report for further evaluation.

There are multiple uses for this new feature.

1. Students taking Tritone Music Series courseware at school can now access content and perform homework exercises and practice with evaluation without an electronic keyboard. The marks and activities will be updated in CourseWatch 2.0 for later access and review by the teacher.
2. For schools wanting to introduce virtual music education courseware, Tritone with Javakeys allows them to access and begin the program without the use of a keyboard or the installation of a music lab. Access to the program can be from any computer or lab in the school.
3. For classroom presentations on whiteboards, Javakeys provides interactivity at the highest level. The Javakeys highly visual touch screen application (graphic interfaces) provides real-time interactive music exercises that can be performed on a whiteboard including classroom student participation.
4. For virtual school and distant learning applications Javakeys now allows students to have introductory music lessons that include evaluated performance elements - in addition to more standard interactive theory exercises - without the use (or purchase) of an electronic keyboard.
5. Special needs education for students with disabilities has always been and still remains a focal point for Tritone Music. Offering interactive touch technologies with Javakeys provides new support to reading and playing music. Music and music therapy are an integral part of educating special needs adults and children with learning and physical disabilities. Tritone Music Series content with visual and touch interaction is a tireless mentor.

* As a stepping stone, Javakeys enables an easy introduction to the virtual music learning environment. But ultimately, Tritone was designed to be used with a stand-alone electronic keyboard and recommends an electronic keyboard for the best results.

In combination, the duo of Javatrax and Javakeys creates an exceptional educational tool that, among many things, records and assesses a student's performance by showing a graphical display of pitch, timing and expression.

Tritone patented technologies definitely bring music education and performance to a new and exciting level.

Free Trial: http://www.tritonemusic.com/english/subscriptions_freetrial.htm

Javakeys Features

	Virtual onscreen appearance
	Two performance modes - "type" and "piano"
	Mouse clicks sensitive to duration of click
	Keystrokes sensitive to length of depression
	Keyboard mapped according to piano keyboard layout
	Enabled for polyphonic note play
	Octave shift +/-
	Fully integrates with Javatrax sequencer

Benefits

	Enables the introduction of virtual music education without the use of (purchase of) a stand-alone electronic keyboard or keyboard lab.
	Keyboard mapping mimics an electronic keyboard for training in fingering and hand position.
	Allows for total access and control when used with interactive whiteboard and touch screen technologies.
	Expands the accessibility of TMS to any computer, any location for any lesson or activity.