Recommended Apps
These are iPod/iPhone/iPad apps that I currently use in teaching or personal study and recommend. Some are free while some cost a few dollars. All are definitely worth the investment. I use these apps each week with students and can see how much that they are enjoying the games and learning and growing musically.
It has been awesome to see students light up when they get to play games on the iPad and it adds a new dimension to their learning experience. I am currently using and testing a variety of other apps and I will be updating this list as I discover more apps that I feel comfortable recommending. Have a suggestion for a great app or a question? Use the Contact tab above and let me know!
Click on the Titles below to check out the app in the iTunes preview.
NOTE: Games that are available for only iPod/iPhone can also be downloaded and viewed on the iPad, but not vice-versa.
It has been awesome to see students light up when they get to play games on the iPad and it adds a new dimension to their learning experience. I am currently using and testing a variety of other apps and I will be updating this list as I discover more apps that I feel comfortable recommending. Have a suggestion for a great app or a question? Use the Contact tab above and let me know!
Click on the Titles below to check out the app in the iTunes preview.
NOTE: Games that are available for only iPod/iPhone can also be downloaded and viewed on the iPad, but not vice-versa.
Guitar Fretter iPod-iPhone-iPadBattle the evil minions as they attack the guitar fretboard. As the minions scroll down the screen you press the note on the fretboard. Great, fun way to work on knowing the notes up and down the fretboard.
ALSO AVAILABLE FOR ANDRIOD. PRICE: $1.99 |
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metro timer iPod-iPhone-iPadMetrotimer is exactly what it sounds like: It's a metronome and a timer built into one handy app. Nothing flashy here, but definitely useful! On top is a simple, precise metronome. On bottom is a timer that counts down to 0. When the timer cuts off so does the metronome. A great way to practice drum
rudiments, scales, or exercises for a set amount of time at a consistent tempo. PRICE: FREE |
Songsterr+ iPod-iPhone-iPadSongsterr is an interactive guitar tablature player. Not only can you access over 70,000 tabs instantly but you can view them for various instruments for each song (acoustic guitar, separate electric tracks, bass guitar, and drums) and Songsterr will play the track while the curser moves through the screen. So, you are able to 'see' what the tab should sound like. You can
access all of this for free at www.songsterr.com. If you want it on the go, there is a free version of the app that lets you access the tablature without the playback feature or you can pay the $5 (definitely worth it!) to hear the tab. PRICE: $4.99 |
Slow Down Music Player iPhone-iPodAnother app with a title that describes it all. This app slows down music tracks (mp3s, etc) for practice purposes. If you are trying to practice or transcribe a specific part of a song you can loop it and play it at a slower tempo to work it out. For drum students, if a practice track or song is too fast for you use this app to slow it down to a reasonable tempo.
PRICE: FREE |
Drums Challenge HD iPadChallenge other drummers in a drum competition. The computer drummer plays a rhythm and the student has to match the rhythm. Great for helping students to understand rhythm and timing within a song. They actually get better at rhythm and staying on beat without even realizing that they're practicing!
PRICE: $1.99 |
Rhythm Sight Reading TrainerThis app tests your ability to sight read rhythms and play them along to a
metronome. While the first few exercises are simple, I have found myself challenged by later exercises. You tap the rhythm on screen to a metronome and are graded for accuracy. Great app to work on reading new rhythms for any musician. PRICE: $2.99 |
Garageband iPadI can't say enough about this app. Make quick and easy recordings. Play realistic virtual instruments. Students can use this to record themselves or to record practice tracks. Endless possibilities. For $5 this is a no brainer. PRICE: $4.99 |
...COMING SOON...
Wild Chords iPadI've been beta testing this app for Ovelin for a few months. Students have really seemed to enjoy it and I can see a difference in their ability to play chords and tab. Looking forward to them being able to play it at home! The basic premise is similar to the Pied Piper: Animals have escaped the zoo and by using your guitar you can capture and return them.
The C chord captures the Crocodile. The G chord captures the Giraffe, etc. The second part of the game is based on guitar tablature simulated by tiny birds with fret numbers on power lines. The game should be released sometime this fall. PRICE: ??? |
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