An evolution of method books or a music teacher replacement?

A computer based practice system called In The Chair was recently featured at a large Web 2.0 conference. The software allows students to practice music from the system’s music library and play along with professionally recorded ensembles. Is this a possible evolution of the method book? With more and more students having access to computers in their homes and using them on a regular basis is it possible that systems such as this will catch on?

The company says on its website that it has partnered with Sibelius to allow music created in sibelius to work with the In The Chair system. This has some pretty interesting possibilities.

Does this have any implications for the ways that students do and do not practice? How should we make use of technologies such as this? Should we ignore them? Encourage the use of them? Some might even think that this could serve as a replacement for music teachers. If a community member of your school district finds out about software such as this and proposes buying a couple copies in place of paying music teachers how would you respond?