Computer Program Is a Virtual Music Teacher

A new computer program promises to make music lessons more fun for kids. But some people are skeptical that a virtual teacher can do for kids what a real teacher can.

With "smartmusic," students can play their flutes or clarinets into microphones attached to their computers, and the program can direct them, listen to their pitch and correct them as they go.

Students say the real-time feedback on the screen makes practice much less boring — and more like playing a computer game.