Thursday, March 21, 2013

Music Apps for students

Over the past few months, I have been researching and testing various music apps. Please refer to this comprehensive list if you are looking for something that will appeal to your young musician.

My "must haves" are marked with the * asterisk.

Music Apps (iPad/iPhone)

* Flash Note Derby: Practice note naming through horse race ($.99)

* Note Squish: Tests staff notes in bass or treble clef; Set which notes are to be tested & change the speed of the game ($.99) http://www.appsmenow.com/review/45512-Note_Squish

* Music for Little Mozarts: Tests high/low, loud/soft, staff notes, etc. - Ages 4-6; ($.99) https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/music-for-little-mozarts/id412230593?mt=8



 
Against the Clock – Named Symphonies (free) [Test your knowledge of Classical music] https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/against-clock-named-symphonies/id471869412?mt=8

Jazzy ABC: Learn about musical instruments - Ages 4-6) ($1.99) https://itunes.apple.com/app/id546207474

Dr. Seuss Band: Musical instrument games ($.99) http://appshopper.com/games/dr-seuss-band

















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Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Metronomes


A metronome is a necessary tool for all musicians.  I recommend that my piano students purchase a metronome for home practice within the first 6 months of lessons.  The sooner one learns to play with a metronome, the better!

What is a metronome, you ask?  A metronome is a device that was invented in the 19th century for the purpose of helping musicians maintain a steady tempo.  A metronome helps musicians to internalize a sense of timing and maintain a steady tempo while playing.  It can also be useful for pointing out irregularities in one's rhythm.  Practicing pentascales, scales or other drills along with the metronome at a slow tempo is extremely beneficial.  Many composers indicate a metronome marking at the beginning of a piece or movement, so the musician understands the intended tempo at which to play. I recommend starting at a slow tempo (practice speed) and increasing the tempo gradually to a performance speed.

A quality metronome can be found for less than $20.00.  The metronome I recommend for my students is a Matrix MR500.  It has long-lasting battery power and is very simple for students to use on their own.  You can purchase a metronome at any music store or at an online retailer such as Amazon.com. 



Here is a direct link to Amazon.com's listing: Matrix MR500.

For students who practice near a computer, here is a very good online metronome that can be played through your computer's speakers.  Simply slide the indicator up for a slower tempo or down for a fast tempo.  Online Metronome



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