I have been a loyal Apple supporter since late in college, when I purchased a used Powerbook on eBay. After that thing died, I bought my current MacBook (which I just upgraded the memory on!). Because I love the way that Apple designs their products, I decided to buy the iPhone 3g around that time, and have since replaced this with the new iPhone 4. Over the last few years I have found a few apps that I use constantly when I practice, or when I teach. In today's post, I'm going to talk about some of the staples of my app collection, and some that I have either sought out because of this independent study, or have been introduced to in iPad labs. The iPad is an extremely versatile device, and I hope to have the chance to integrate it into my curricula someday!
I have a folder on my iPhone called "Music Tools," so for the purposes of this blog I will refer to them as that. The two music tool apps that I use the most when practicing and rehearsing an ensemble is Cleartune and Clockwork (both from www.bitcount.com). Clear tune is an extraordinarily accurate tuner. It displays a cents gauge at the top of the screen between -25 and +25. The bottom of the screen shows the actual pitch on the top of a chromatic "wheel." The tuner stays right with whatever pitch is sounding (no lag). There is a small button in the middle of the screen that allows you to turn it on or off; there is also another button on the right of the screen that allows you to play any note you select on the wheel (through the device speakers). There nine octaves (!!!) perfect for providing a reference pitch or a drone for any instrument or voice. Some other features allow you to transpose, change temperament, or calibrate the A4 pitch frequency (for temperature changes, etc.).
Clockwork is versatile metronome app that just happens to be from the same developers as Cleartune. The main interface is a clock-like circle with a tempo slider underneath. There are several tuners on the market, but what makes this one stand out for me is the ability to set the subdivisions of the beat to different volumes. This makes using the app similar to using Boss's Dr. Beat device. It is lacking in a wide choice of metronome sounds (no voice). I like the click track feature which allows you to create sections within songs that define different tempi, or even gradual changes in tempo, changes in meter, and number of measures per section. This is ideal for rehearsing different pieces of music as a whole, although it does take some patience to learn. Also essential is the ability to tap and find any tempo.
Other than the occasional freeze up, I have no problems with Cleartune and I find it usually very reliable and always accurate, therefor I give it 10/10 for usability. Clockwork freezes up sometimes, and so checking tempo in the heat of rehearsal can be a stressful occasion. However there are great features and a slick UI, so I give it an 8/10. The application for the iPhone versions as an educator are great: I always have my phone with me, so I always have my tuner and metronome. If students have access to a practice room and an iPad, they too can have these tools, as well as the rest of their iPad arsenal (PDFs of music, recordings, website information, etc.). Each can be used to check pitch or tempo in rehearsal quickly; students can use Cleartune in groups to tune each other, or check the pitch tendencies of their instruments. Clockwork applications include gathering in groups or pairs and testing each other on the ability to maintain tempo or recite specific tempi. The better your students' pitch and internal pulse is, the better. The more access they have to these tools in order to practice more efficiently, THE BETTER!
It is worth mentioning a few free apps that are fairly comparable. Free is good when dealing with several iDevices, so I always try to look for these in the App store. Steinway & Sons has a beautifully designed (customizable colors) metronome app simply called Metronome. Tempo is set via a dial, but your finger will get in the way of what tempo you are actually setting. The tap feature is on par with clockwork, and you can set a variety of time signatures. However, there is no subdivision of beat which is most likely the cause of the free price tag. Gibson also makes a great free app called L&M Guitar as a promotion for their Learn & Master Guitar instructional series. Included are a metronome (same features as mentioned, few time signatures), a chromatic tuner that can be set to different guitar tunings, a chord reference chart that shows finger positions on a fretboard, and sample lessons from their previously mentioned series. This is a GREAT free app for students and pros alike! I highly recommend this last one for its functionality and free price tag.
I recently downloaded a really awesome free app for my iPhone called Anytune ($4.99 with advanced features) available from Anystone Technologies, Inc. This app allows you to upload any mp3 on your iDevice and slow it down (or speed it up) for practice purposes as well as specify sections and looping them. The technology allows you to change the tempo without changing the pitch, or to change the key by semitones which is helpful especially for guitarists, pianist and vocalists. This is great for students trying to play along with a piece of music, and it is especially useful for students trying to transcribe music. Jazz students will find this extremely helpful when transcribing jazz solos, an activity that is useful for incorporating new ideas and techniques into improvisation. Probably the most well known software of this kind is The Amazing Slow Downer (www.ronimusic.com) available for the computer as well as iDevices. Their app probably has more features and is more flexible, but I can't justify spending the $14.99 on an app that I don't use all that much.
The last thing I'd like to mention in today's entry is the Voice Memos app. I'm not sure if this is available on the iPad, but I assume it comes preinstalled on the iPad 2 because of its built-in microphone. Voice memos is the perfect way to record yourself practicing or your ensemble rehearsals. Play it back for students to critique, or import it and send it out via email. Only good things can come from self-critique and reflection. Having students do this will satisfy National Standard 7 (Evauluation of music and performances). Just like your metronome and tuner, iPhone users always have their recording device with them. Regardless of the developer of the apps you use, having a tuner, metronome and recorder will complete your rehearsal app trifecta!
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