While I can pick up a guitar or sit down at a piano and work my way through rudimentary renditions of just about anything, I've never managed to learn how to read music. It's one of those things I really regret not getting around to. There may be hope for me on the horizon however, for Agetec is releasing the educational music game Rhythm 'N Notes on the DS this fall.

Rhythm 'N Notes aims to teach players the fundamentals. Reading music and identifying complex chords on the piano as well as keeping time and advanced rhythmic patterns while banging on your drum. It really does sound like a perfect solution to my particular problem, even if it does feature a main character with stag beetle pincers on his head. Either way, I'm glad the DS's educational potential is starting to get tapped outside of Japan. Learning is fun! Michael Fahey

Agetec's Rhythm 'N Notes To Strike Chord With Nintendo DS Handheld Players This Fall

Real Music Training In The Palm Of Your Hand

SUNNYVALE, CA - June 1, 2007 - Agetec, Inc. announced today that they will be releasing Rhythm 'n Notes for the Nintendo DS handheld game console this fall. This unique title offers tonal and rhythmic music training in the form of entertaining piano and drumming games. No matter what your musical background or tastes, Rhythm 'n Notes is for you!

A perfect mixture of fun and education, Rhythm 'n Notes has something to offer gamers and musicians of all ages. A wide variety of note lessons encourages players to recognize and identify not only notes but also complex chords. Rhythm exercises teach and test the fundamentals of keeping time as well as advanced rhythmic patterns. Starting lessons initiate the beginner from start to finish while advanced levels keep experts on top of their game. Open practice mode allows players to familiarize themselves with all notes and chords, both by name and sound.

"Educational games that are truly fun are hard to come by," said Mark Johnson, Producer at Agetec, Inc. "Rhythm 'n Notes gets it right with addictive, enriching play."

There is a mix of gameplay elements as players learn the fundamentals of music composition. Drumming consists of actual tapping on the DS touchpad with the stylus to the beat of the rhythm in order to succeed. When it comes time to tickle the ivories, then a good ear is needed to match the proper tones. Work your way through all the levels and unleash your inner maestro!

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