I am not an elementary music educator, and have taught secondary music for my entire career. I believe that education (as a whole) is going to experience an iPad revolution, placing iPads in all schools, many on a 1-to-1 basis. Knowing that iPads are used by people from age 2 to 99 (sounds a bit like “Chestnuts Roasting Over an Open Fire/the Christmas Song”), as long as an iPad (in the lower levels) is put into a sturdy case, there is no reason an elementary student could not use an iPad in their classes.
Many of the apps I suggest in this blog are best suited for students that are in secondary education or beyond. What about the good apps for elementary music educators? I asked the readers of techinmusic ed for their recommendations. Before I offer the lists, I would like to say that there seem to be limited blogs or resources for technology in elementary music education. There is a place for an elementary music educator that would be interested in creating an “iPad” focused blog specifically for elementary music education. That said, two music education blogs I’ve found are:
- Carol Broos (4th through 8th grade elementary music education teacher)
- Kevin Lane (Elementary music education teacher)
- Brenda Muench
If you can recommend other good technology-related elementary music education blogs, please let me know (send me an e-mail) and I will include them on this list.
The apps:
+ indicates a universal binary [works on all iOS devices]
* indicates iPad only
– indicates iPod Touch/iPhone formatted (does not run full screen on iPad)
From Kevin Lane:
Music Drawing Full – $2.99
From Mary Kendall:
Rainbow Notes +
Rhythm Sight Reading Trainer +
Tempo –
From Brenda Muench:
Rhythm in Reach –
Note Squish –
Harp +
Tap Studio (Custom Rock Band App) –
Mentioned by David Pogue, New York Times Technology Columnist (and musician):
From Carol Broos’ Website:
Band –
Drum Kit Pro –
Rain Stick –
Pocket Guitar –
DigiDrummer –
Ocarina –
Bass Guitar –
Kalimba Free –
Virtuoso Piano Free 2 HD +
WaveSynth –
Pocket Shaker –
Melodica –
Piano Sharp –
Tone Pad –
From iPad Creative:
Juno’s Piano HD *
Mixeroo +
Baby Chords +
Singing Fingers –
iOrgel – (also HD version available for iPad *)
Magic Piano *
Other Apps I’ve Come Across:
mScribble –
iGog –
Percussions +
Bebot +
Magic Stave Free –
Autoharp *
TuneWiki –
SoundHound +
Composer of the Day –
Musictionary –
Cleartune –
Magic Fiddle *
And of course, the newest “big” iPad app for music (as of 3/12/2011):
I invite any music teacher (especially elementary music educators) to e-mail additional suggested apps to the list. Additionally, if you feel there is an app listed that should not be listed, please e-mail me and let me know why. Developers the intent for this list is for it to be a “recommended by teachers” list.
Technology in Music Education 