<p> SmartMusic is an interactive, practice software program that allows music teachers to assess students effectively in music classrooms. Many educators and music education researchers question whether SmartMusic lives up to the claims of motivating students to practice more and improving students&rsquo; ability to self-assess their playing. </p><p> Music education researcher Rodney Gurley concluded that SmartMusic increased motivation to practice in middle-school aged students. In addition, he found that students in all assessed age groups (middle and high school) believed SmartMusic helped them to self-assess and correct their playing while they practiced. This quantitative study replicates Gurley&rsquo;s results, describes middle-school instrumental students&rsquo; attitudes towards the motivational factors of confidence, accuracy, and efficacy of their practicing when using SmartMusic, and shows that students believe SmartMusic can help them practice more accurately and effectively.</p>

<p> This research provides a guide to understanding, preparing, and performing Arnold Schoenberg&rsquo;s last completed opus, &ldquo;De Profundis&rdquo; (Psalm 130) Op. 50B, within the context of the Hebrew chant that inspired it and Schoenberg&rsquo;s other religious works, sketches, archival correspondence, and interviews with conductors. Theoretical and contextual analysis reveals significant discoveries relevant to an informed and accurate performance of the work. &ldquo;De Profundis&rdquo; embodies Schoenberg&rsquo;s mature and most flexible twelve-tone writing at the peak of his spiritual development. Op. 50B is a serial <i>a Cappella</i> composition scored for six-part mixed chorus with great rhythmic and melodic independence in the vocal lines, including soprano and baritone solos and choral <i>Sprechstimme</i>. A composer&rsquo;s final opus is generally regarded as his highest achievement, yet Op. 50, and in particular &ldquo;De Profundis,&rdquo; has received relatively little attention from music theorists or performers. While this research includes the traditional study of the composer and the score, there is also focus on distance learning through digital media and a symbolic interpretation of &ldquo;De Profundis&rdquo; that provides unique opportunities to engage the performer and audience. Through these efforts, others may be encouraged to hear and perform this beautiful work and to explore this unique method of rehearsing.</p>