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Jazzy Cat
Jazzy Cat is a learning game that I created using Construct. The game uses declarative knowledge and the strategy of repetition to reinforce memorization of musical chords. It is set up like a 2D side-scroller and you play as cute cat named Nym. Each level represents a different musical chord, and the game goal is to collect at least one of each bird that represents the notes in the chord to unlock the door at the end and walk through it. Yes, you also have nine lives just like any other cat. The vultures in the game represent the dissonant notes in the chord. I am currently working to complete all of the levels in the game and launch it for those of any age in music classes.
Q: When you collect a bird, for example, a C-Bird, does it play the actual note?
A: Yes it does! Every bird or vulture plays its represented note. At the end of the game you have to recall the chord the level was based on and it does actually play the chord!
Q: Have you seen any learning occur for people playing this game?
A: Yes, while this game is meant as a supplement to music theory classes, I have tested it on friends who have no musical knowledge. Four days later, these friends were able to recall the notes in a C-Major chord.
Q: What is the need for this game?
A: In my undergrad, I was a music major. The only way to learn musical chords is simply by memorizing them. Time-after-time in music theory classes I would see amazing musicians fail because they simply did not have the ability to memorize the chords. I want this to supplement those classes and remedy this issue.
