EIM 505 App Reviews

ISTE Standards for Students

3. Knowledge Constructor- Students critically curate a variety of resources using digital tools to construct knowledge, produce creative artifacts and make meaningful learning experiences for themselves and others. Students: a. plan and employ effective research strategies to locate information and other resources for their intellectual or creative pursuits.

c. curate information from digital resources using a variety of tools and methods to create collections of artifacts that demonstrate meaningful connections or conclusions.

d. build knowledge by actively exploring real-world issues and problems, developing ideas and theories and pursuing answers and solutions.

Tonal Energy

Tonal Energy is a tuner/metronome app that was designed for musicians at any level from beginner to professional.  The app can be used to tune instruments and function as an ear trainer for musicians. The metronome is  handy in setting music tempos and for practicing scales/music. The app saves information so that musicians can record and share their daily progress. The Tonal Energy app is listed on iTunes for $3.99. It is appropriate for any age musician.  It is available for iOS and Android devices. As an Apple Educator, I trust iTunes when reviewing an app for credibility and up to date information.

SmartMusic

Smart Music is an interactive practice app that allows musicians to record practice sessions and play along with professional musicians. The app is designed for any musician at any level from beginner to professional. The app can be used to create portfolios and as an assessment tool for teachers. Users have access to a huge collection of method books, concert literature, and solo literature. SmartMusic is available on all platforms.  The SmartMusic app is offered on iTunes for free but to use the full app, a valid subscription must be purchased. As an Apple Educator, I trust iTunes when reviewing an app for credibility and up to date information.

GarageBand

GarageBand is an Apple product. It is used to compose music, add music to movies, and function as an on the go recording studio. This is a great app to use when introducing students to music composition. It is also user friendly and easy to navigate.  The app is appropriate for any age musician from beginner to professional. GarageBand can only be used on iPhones and iPads. The GarageBand app is available on iTunes for free. As an Apple Educator, I trust iTunes when reviewing an app for credibility and up to date information.

Out of the three apps I listed, I use the Tonal Energy app daily. I encourage all of my students from sixth grade to high school to purchase the app. We use it in every band class and students are already familiar with it. I have found it to be one of the best tools to teach students how to tune their instruments and train their ears. It is great for visual and auditory learners. It is easy to use and students find it engaging, and a fun app to use.