I must add that my teacher did not appreciate the synthesized instruments technology. Her main objection is the "mechanical" sound it produces, which is of course, true.

But she understands it has produced a big improvement in my understanding of difficult rhythms and in the interaction with other instruments, so she now accept it.

Some quick comments:

Orchestras aren't all doing as well as before. There are many cutbacks and bankruptcies.
There have been a great deal of issues with group leaders incorporating comp. synthesizer music into performances such as Broadway musicals and others across the country. I have performed with computerized sampling as part of the group. It does not play with feeling. IT does not change or mature in quality of feeling and it does not follow you or anyone else for that matter.

Here's an overview of SmartMusic:
http://www.smartmusic.com/Teachers/Default.aspx
Smart music can follow the student.

Take care,
~bilbo
N.E. Ohio

Thanks for the link

I have read quickly about the assessment feature and the intelligent accompaniment, so far. No doubt the situations is much, much worst than I had imagined.

I was scared by my own list of negative aspects of this new reality and wonder if I was not exaggerating. Now I think I fell too short in pointing out many other menaces.

My Finale files are baby games, compared to what this piece of SW can do.