Using two modes, Groovy Music: Shapes introduces children to basic music concepts. In “explore” mode users are guided through exercises that teach concepts such as timbre and dynamics. Topics are drilled in different way at least three times before moving on. Users are rewarded for their progress with bonus sounds that can be used when creating compositions.

In “create” mode children can utilize what they've learned in explore mode to create their own short songs. There are music “loops” that can be dragged into a “score” and layered vertically (for different pitches and harmonies) as well as connected horizontally (for melody and rhythm). Groovy Music: Shapes uses pictures (i.e. shapes) to represent the different sound loops. Thus the “score” to a finished song looks like a collection of fruits, balloons and animals.

Groovy Music: Shapes has a nice balance of fun exercises for children to learn concepts and the no holds barred creativity of making their own short songs. The quality of the sound samples is excellent, featuring skilled performances of classical and pop works. With a good amount of information for kids to master and the opportunities to create songs, kids won't easily get bored with the program.