Great iPad apps for Music Teachers

One of the fabulous perks of working in the public school system is the funding for technology!  In addition to the already available document cameras and projectors at my school, this school year, our principal plans on obtaining iPads for all teachers at the school. Having done my last student teaching assignment in graduate school at a math, science, and technology school I was spoiled with the use of iPads, document cameras, projectors, computer labs, and iPods. I am so excited to have the opportunity to use the latest technology in my classroom to supplement student learning. I think it’s crucial to appeal to students in this way since they are growing up in such a technologically advanced generation.

In anticipation of my classroom iPad, I started researching educational music apps that I can see myself utilizing frequently in my classroom to extend student learning. Thankfully, there are some free ones out there, but of course the majority will cost money.  I’ve categorized them and added a short description to make it user-friendlier for readers who are also interested in a variety of music education apps. Also note, that some of these apps work for multiple subjects other than music.

Be sure to leave comments if you know of other apps I may find useful in my music classroom!

Free iPad Music Apps For Teachers

§  Harmonizer – This is a free app that works as a pitch trainer, and introduces kids/students to basic chord theory. It is a very colorful app, and tries to link sound with color.

§  Beatwave – lets you create sounds and rhythms. You can record your creations, and save them for future use.

§  PraiseHymns –Hundreds of hymns loaded in 4-part harmony. See sheet music right on iPad and it plays the tune! Great for sight-reading, analysis, and tune research.

§  Ear Trainer Lite – Theory ear trainer. Does intervals in game/quiz format. Simple and good.

§  Rhythm Quiz – Rhythm Quiz is an educational music game designed to improve rhythm-reading skills.

§  Virtuoso – free piano app. Probably one of the best free piano apps out there.

IPad Music Apps For Teachers that cost money:

§  Guitar Toolkit ($9.99) – Good guitar app. has a tuner, Chord Book, and voice-referencing tool.

§  A.P.S. Musicmaster Pro ($14.99) – This app has a tuner, metronome, plays chords on a pitch pipe type of graphic, full fingering chart for each instrument. You can scan your scores, or marching band drill and edit, or make rehearsal markings on your iPad. It can also record tracks, has a stopwatch, and has a calendar that you can integrate with your calendar on your computer.

§  Keynote Remote ($0.99) – is a presentation app. It is compatible with PowerPoint.

§  Bento ($4.99) – Is a great app for creating a music library and can be used as a grade book as well as inventory.

§  Circle Theory ($4.99) – Good music theory app. As the name implies it uses the circle of 5ths.

§  iHarmony ($0.99) – Another music theory type of app. has a full collection of scales, chord, and harmonization’s that you can use in beginning or advanced theory class.

§  Cleartune ($4) – Accurate Chromatic Tuner

§  Flashnote Derby ($1) – Simple game to practice identifying notes on treble clef

§  Rhyme Time ($1) – Rhyming Dictionary

§  PracTime ($2) (iPhone app) – practice journal for students

§  HolidayBells ($1) – playable pitched bells

§  Notes for Little Composers ($0.99) – For ages 3 and up, this app can be used to introduce beginners to music notation and basic composition.  The user taps on the treble clef screen to make notes, hear the names of notes, and create simple songs. Ideal as an accompaniment to starting music lessons.