Editing PLATO (computer system) (section)

==== Pitch recognition/performance judging ====
In 1969, G. David Peters began researching the feasibility of using PLATO to teach trumpet students to play with increased pitch and rhythmic precision.<ref>{{cite thesis|last=Peters|first=G. David|title=Feasibility of computer-assisted instruction for instrumental music education|date=1974|publisher=University of Illinois, Dissertation Abstracts International, 1974, 35, 1478A-1479a, University Microfilms No. 74-14, 598|type=EdD}}</ref> He created an interface for the PLATO III terminal. The hardware consisted of (1) filters that could determine the true pitch of a tone, and (2) a counting device to measure tone duration. The device accepted and judged rapid notes, two notes trilled, and lip slurs. Peters demonstrated that judging instrumental performance for pitch and rhythmic accuracy was feasible in computer-assisted instruction.<ref name="watanabe">{{cite journal|last1=Watanabe|first1=Nan|date=February 1980|title=Review of Audio Interfacing Literature for Computer-Assisted Music Instruction|journal=Journal of Computer-based Instruction|volume=6|issue=3|page=87}}</ref>

===== Rhythm notation and perception =====
By 1970, a random access audio device was available for use with PLATO III.<ref name="CERL Report A-13" />

In 1972, Robert W. Placek conducted a study that used computer-assisted instruction for rhythm perception.<ref>{{cite thesis|last=Placek|first=Robert|title=Design and trial of a computer-assisted lesson in rhythm|date=1973|publisher=University of Illinois, Dissertation Abstracts International, 1973, 34, 813A, University Microfilms No. 73-17-362|type=EdD}}</ref> Placek used the random access audio device attached to a PLATO III terminal for which he developed music notation fonts and graphics. Students majoring in elementary education were asked to (1) recognize elements of rhythm notation, and (2) listen to rhythm patterns and identify their notations. This was the first known application of the PLATO random-access audio device to computer-based music instruction.

Study participants were interviewed about the experience and found it both valuable and enjoyable. Of particular value was PLATO’s immediate feedback. Though participants noted shortcomings in the quality of the audio, they generally indicated that they were able to learn the basic skills of rhythm notation recognition.<ref name="Placek">{{cite journal|last1=Placek|first1=Robert|date=April 1, 1974|title=Design and trial of a computer-assisted lesson in rhythm|journal=Journal of Research in Music Education|volume=22|issue=1|pages=13–23|doi=10.2307/3344614|jstor=3344614|s2cid=145786171}}</ref>

These PLATO IV terminal included many new devices and yielded two notable music projects: