Recommended Music Apps for Learning an Instrument

August 31, 2024
Luis Hernández

Category: EdTech

As a teenager, I was drawn to the idea of playing an instrument. The guitar was my first love. I remember spending hours listening to records, trying to replicate the notes by following a basic fingering guide. It was a challenging yet rewarding experience, even though I never truly mastered the guitar.

Later, I turned my attention to keyboards, where I found a bit more success. With the help of MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) software and a small MIDI keyboard connected to my computer, I gained the capability to control and practice a wide array of virtual instruments and synthesizers, and I started making progress. The technology and software available at the time made learning easier, and I enjoyed exploring different sounds and styles. Although I never became a proficient musician, I found immense joy in playing pieces from some of my favorite artists and bands, like Chick Corea and Supertramp. These sessions were more about entertaining myself than achieving any level of mastery.

Supporting My Kids’ Musical Development

Fast forward to the present, and now I find myself in a different role, supporting my kids in their own musical journeys. Recently, I accompanied my oldest son to his private saxophone lesson. He’s been playing piano since he was a small child and is incredibly talented, but he has a habit of rushing through pieces. It’s something that has been pointed out during his performances; he plays each note perfectly but tends to speed up the tempo, and he is eager to show off his skills.

During the saxophone lesson, the teacher emphasized the importance of taking time with each note, making them sound full and mellow, and staying on the beat. This reminded me of my own experiences with music. I’m a jazz fan, and although I’m not really a musician, years of listening to jazz masters have given me an understanding of when a tune needs to be played with intensity or with ease. On the way home, I talked to my son about what the teacher had said. I told him that while some pieces are often played with speed and energy—like certain works by Charlie Parker—others can benefit from a more measured approach, as is often found in the diverse music of Stan Getz or Ben Webster. We even listened to some of their famous pieces in the car, which led to a great discussion about finding one’s own style while respecting the music. You can listen to all the artists mentioned in this post at the end of the page, where I have embedded their music with SoundCloud links.

Recommended Music Learning Apps

This experience got me thinking about how I could better support my kids as they navigate their musical paths. My youngest is also musically inclined, playing both piano and double bass. I started researching apps and technology that could help them practice more effectively. I was looking for tools that could provide real-time feedback on tempo, dynamics, and other critical aspects of performance.

I found several apps that I think are incredibly useful, and I’m excited to share them with you. Many of these tools not only listen to the performance but also offer constructive feedback, helping musicians—whether beginners or more advanced players—hone their skills. Whether you’re a parent looking to support your child’s musical education or an adult learner, these apps could be just what you need to take your musical journey to the next level.

Tonestro is a robust app tailored for wind and string instruments, offering interactive video lessons and real-time feedback on pitch, rhythm, and dynamics. It’s designed to be a comprehensive practice tool for instruments like saxophone, trumpet, flute, and violin, among others. The app helps users track their progress, making practice more engaging and effective, particularly for wind instruments.
Song Master specializes in ear training, providing exercises to improve your musical ear across various areas such as intervals, chords, scales, and rhythm. The app is customizable, allowing you to tailor your learning experience and track your progress effectively, making it a great tool for refining your listening skills.
SmartMusic, part of the MakeMusic suite, is an educational platform offering access to a vast library of interactive sheet music. It provides immediate feedback on performances, making it ideal for structured learning both in the classroom and at home. It’s particularly useful for students and educators looking for detailed progress tracking and performance analytics.
Yousician is a popular app that offers gamified lessons for various instruments, including guitar, bass, ukulele, and piano. It provides interactive feedback and tracks your progress, making it a great choice for beginners and more advanced players alike. The app also includes competitive elements to keep users motivated.
Flowkey is designed specifically for piano learners, providing structured lessons that combine video tutorials with real-time feedback. The app allows users to learn popular songs at their own pace, gradually building their skills from beginner to advanced levels.
Transcribe+. This app is perfect for those who want to learn by ear. Transcribe+ allows you to slow down any audio or video to master complex musical passages, making it an excellent tool for transcribing solos and analyzing intricate details in music.
Metronaut is a unique app that enables you to play along with a virtual orchestra. It supports a wide range of instruments, including voice, and offers over 4000 pieces to practice with. This app is particularly useful for those who want to experience playing in an ensemble setting from the comfort of their home.

These apps can greatly enhance your and your children’s musical learning experience, offering a range of tools that cater to different aspects of music education, from ear training and practice logging to interactive lessons and real-time feedback. Some of these apps are powered by artificial intelligence, which is particularly important for me and my area of research.

If you know of any other great music-learning apps that I missed, please share them in the comments below; I’d love to hear about them! Additionally, I’m curious to learn about your preferences when it comes to learning an instrument. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just starting out, your insights could help others in their musical endeavors.

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