Frequently asked questions

Do I need to know anything about music theory?

No, not at all! Our unique learning tools will guide you every step of the way. The instructions also offer a suggested step-by-step progression to gradually extend your comprehension of music theory. Or, if that sounds too educational, you can simply play it as an addictively fun card game!

Can people with different musical skills play together?

Yes. Once you’ve established which sequence you’re playing in a round, place the corresponding Oom-Pah! note cards to the side for easy reference. This way all players know which cards to place in the centre, and are on the same level.

Do I need to be able to read music?

Not at all. In the Standard Edition there is no musical notation involved – colour coordinated letter notes on the playing cards and Key Learning Table (KLT) represent each pitch. You may refer to the back of the KLT to see how the notes appear in a musical score, but this is not essential to playing this version of the game.

Will it teach me to read music?

In an incremental fashion, yes it will! The Oom-Pah! Standard Edition is designed to introduce players that are new to music, to theoretical concepts and musical patterns. Players become familiar with the notes’ colours for easy recognition, before moving on to our soon to be released notation expansion pack of Oom-Pah! These cards will replace the letter names with the corresponding coloured notes positioned on staff lines.

Does the game include ear training?

Not yet, but we will be releasing an app to complement the game in the near future, designed to help you develop your aural skills. In the meantime, other Oom-Pah! resources include colour coordinated stickers which can be placed on most instruments to enable hand-eye-ear coordination and training. We also encourage applying sequences learnt in the game directly to your instruments.

Can I apply what I learn in a practical way?

Yes. We encourage you to directly apply your newfound knowledge to whatever instrument you play.

None of my friends are game players or musicians. Can I play on my own?

Yes! Just like card games such as solitaire or patience, oom-pah! Is a highly enjoyable game played solo. You can go at your own pace, develop your musical knowledge, and meditatively train your brain all at the same time! Who needs friends when you have oom-pah!?

Does the game cater for more than four people?

The oom-pah! Standard edition is designed for 1–4 players. However, you can play in teams if you have more people. A soon to be released expansion pack will contain playing cards with contrasting colours so two or more sets can be combined. But be prepared for some major chaos…and minor blues!

As a singer, certain keys are out of my vocal range. Will this game help me transpose music?

Absolutely! Simply place the relevant scale stencil over the key learning table, and align the root note of the key you wish to transpose to.

Is there a rhythm component?

As much as we wanted to, we couldn’t include absolutely everything in the standard edition, but an expansion pack that includes rhythm will be on its way soon. With slightly different rules of play, combine this with the standard edition to take your musical creativity to the next level.

Can I buy in bulk for my school?

Yes. We’re offering a few different school pledges on our upcoming indiegogo campaign. Otherwise contact us directly for bulk discount rates.

Can I buy the learning tools separately?

The learning tools will be available to purchase separately later this year.

I don’t need the learning tools. Can I buy the cards separately?

If you are already on top of music theory and you just want to play the game, the Oom-Pah! playing cards will be available for purchase separately later this year.

Why did you choose this colour scheme for the notes?

We based the colours on the sonochromatic scale, which maps particular light frequencies with their corresponding sonic (sound) frequencies. The synesthetic nature of combining these aspects helps to connect neural pathways for ease of learning and memory recall.

Do I need to understand all the information on the stencils to play?

No. The hints included on the stencils are offered to enhance and extend your musical knowledge if you so desire, but are not necessary for playing the game.

Will there be an app available?

We’re passionate about the hands-on, kinesthetic, and social experience of playing card/board games, and how these elements directly apply to making music. However, we’re also very aware of how important acoustic information is when learning music, so are currently liaising with a developer to create an Oom-Pah! app which will accompany the game.

Are there instructions in other languages?

Not quite yet but we are working on it!

Does the game only include western musical scales?

The Oom-Pah! Standard Edition is based on the Equal Temperament Western musical scale and relevant theoretical concepts. However, we will soon be creating other versions that include traditional and non-traditional music scales from all around the world.

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