Playing an instrument or understanding musical theory can be a complex yet rewarding skill to develop, and modern technology provides a plethora of options to enhance the learning process. This article reviews the top 10 iOS apps available that can enrich the learning journey of music enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels.
1. Simply Piano by JoyTunes
Simply Piano by JoyTunes is an intuitive app for aspiring pianists which is suitable for beginners and professional players. It offers a diverse range of easy-to-follow tutorials and a comprehensive list of songs, ranging from pop to classical. The app uses the smartphone microphone to give real-time feedback, which accelerates the pace of learning.
2. Yousician
Yousician acts as your personal musical tutor for learning guitar, piano, bass, ukulele, or singing. The app provides interactive video lessons and tutorials, and its unique algorithm listens to your performance and provides immediate feedback. It also includes a Weekly Challenge, where you can compete with friends and users globally.
3. TonalEnergy Tuner & Metronome
TonalEnergy is a feature-rich app that combines tuner, tone generator, metronome and recorder functions. Its wide range of functionalities makes it a versatile tool for musicians of all skill levels, ensuring that your instrument is always properly tuned and your rhythm is unerring.
4. GarageBand
Apple's GarageBand turns your iOS device into a full-featured music-making studio. Its Live Loops feature makes it easy to create music like a DJ, while instruments like piano and guitar can be played through multi-touch gestures. Musicians can also record, arrange, and mix their own musical creations.
5. Music Memos
Music Memos is another marvellous app developed by Apple, specifically designed for songwriters. Simply record any musical idea, and the app will automatically detect chords and rhythm to turn your recordings into a sharable track. The app also provides a platform to analyze, rate, and organize your music ideas.
6. forScore
forScore is one of the most comprehensive sheet music readers available for musicians. It includes an in-app library where you can store, organise, annotate, and search your scores. The app is highly customisable and supports various file formats like PDF and MIDI.
7. Musixmatch Lyrics Finder
Musixmatch Lyrics Finder is particularly useful for singers and songwriters. It's a vast catalogue of song lyrics that sync in real-time with songs played from your music library or various streaming services. The app also provides translations, allowing you to appreciate international music without language barriers.
8. Soundtrap
Soundtrap is a music-making app that allows you to record and edit songs with a band online. It's perfect for writing and producing music collaboratively or recording podcasts. The app integrates with the cloud, making it easy to share projects and collaborate no matter where you are.
9. TuneIn Radio
TuneIn Radio is not a traditional music learning app but can help musicians discover new music and expand their tastes. This app gives access to over 100,000 real radio stations and millions of podcasts from all around the world, serving as a perfect tool for musical inspiration.
10. Capo touch
Capo touch helps guitarists and mandolinists learn songs swiftly by slowing down the music without changing its pitch. It also allows you to create a 'region loop', which repeats challenging parts until you master them. The app even detects chords automatically and lets you transpose the song as needed.