Useful Apps
Ever wondered "What's that song?", Shazam is the answer! It now even offers real-time lyrics and is available on all platforms.
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GarageBand is Apple's flagship music creation software available on iOS and Mac and ranges from free to a small charge.
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Cleartune is the tuner app of choice for most musicians, offering clarity and precision in all chromatic keys.
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Speedshifter is a tool to adjust the speed of any track in your music library without altering the pitch, allowing you to practice at any speed!
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Still using YouTube to stream music? If you have an Amazon Prime account this includes music streaming from their own service- Amazon Music.
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Notate me (free version Notate Me Now) are score writing apps for use on an iPad, the app converts hand written to printed notation!
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Music Software
Music software is basically split into three into four sub-sections, however there is some cross over between these and many of the big software names can fullfill a number of different functionalities. The four types of software are: composition software, note writing software, sequencing or digital audio workstations (DAWs), and audio editors. Listed below you will find software used in most educational establishments alongside alternatives to support your music creation.
Sibelius is a industry standard note writing programme, used in the vast majority of schools. The company markets itself as the world's best selling notation software. The software is a little pricey for standalone versions ($599), hover significant education discounts are available for teachers and students. Sibelius allows you to create and playback professional quality scores and iPad/tablet versions are available of the software, however the app version (Scorch) has significantly less functionality.
Platform- Windows and Mac Alternatives- Finale, Noteflight (see below), NotateMe (see above), Notion, MuseScore, |
Cubase is primarily a DAW or Sequencer, although it does allow for basic audio editing, and is an entry to intermediate level software which can be used to record, edit and produce audio and MIDI (not sure what midi is? Click here), advanced users often move from Cubase to Pro Tools. The software can be "expanded" with plugins and is used with the classroom for creating recordings featuring multi-track techniques (layering tracks over each other). Differing "levels" of the software are available offering the opputunity to purchase less developed versions of the software for a lower price point. Price ranges $99.99-$549.99 for stand alone copies and educational discounts are available.
Platform- Windows and Mac Alternatives- GarageBand, Logic Pro X, Pro Tools, FL Studio, Reason, Reaper, Ableton, Bitwig Studio |
Logic Pro X is Apple's take on a DAW and has similar features to Cubase, listed above. Logic's main benefit is it's development from GarageBand, Apple's free sequencing software. Functionality between the two programmes are the exactly the same (even down to menu and settings access) however Logic takes each of GarageBand's functions to the next (and professional) level. Logic is a cost effective piece of software ($199, no educational discount) and comes pre-loaded with numerous sounds and effects which would be an additional charge for Cubase, however, it is restricted in terms of further plugins.
Platform- Mac Alternatives- See under Cubase |
Audacity is a free open source software for audio editing and recording. The software is simple to use but can be difficult to fine control. Audacity is an excellent tool for quick audio editing, from trimming tracks to changing pitch and tempo. Please note however that the software does "scale down" quality in the editing process, therefore if professional quality trakcs are required you might want to look elsewhere!
Platform- Windows, Mac and Linux Alternatives- WaveLab, WaveEditor, Sonar, Wavosaur, |
Useful Websites
Auralia and Musition are subscription based services to develop aural training and music theory skills. The service is offered in a standalone or cloud version and can be bought separately or together.
I reccommend: Musition for Music theory and GCSE students Auralia for students preparing for the aural section of their ABRSM performance exams Both for AP Music Theory students |
Ever needed to write out music at home? Noteflight is a free online resource for score writing which is fully cloud based. The site also offers paid subscriptions in order to create longer or more intricate pieces of music.
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Musictheory.net is a fantastic free resource for music theory which features lessons and exercises for developing beginner and intermediate theory knowledge covering notation, rhythm, chords and composition.
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Soundation is a website which combines social media and music creation. The site is an online music sequencer (think online version of Cubase or GarageBand), however with the added capability of being able to collaborate across the globe! A true music creation site for the 21st century.
Alternatives- OHM Studio |
Free app and website for learning terminology. The site can be searched to find "sets" of flashcards set up by other students or teachers, or you can create your own. A paid account will even allow you to add photos and icons to the flash cards!
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