practicing apps
When you update to iOS 11, you may notice that some of your favorite apps no longer work. This is because app developers may not have updated their app from 32 bit to 64 bit, which is the new iOS 11 requirement.
- Balloonimals. One of those practice apps to use just because it's fun! Use this when a tricky spot needs work, for keeping track of repetitions, or other details. Every time the section is played correctly, you can build more of the crazy balloon shape.
- ClassDojo. An option for teachers to give students positive behavior feedback. Parents can check on their child's progress, too.
- iStudiez Lite. Organizational tool for tracking piano practice tasks, scheduling practice time, school homework, deadlines, and much more.
- Mr. Potato Head Create & Play. The real Mr. Potato Head. We use him for a piano practice app.
- Piano Diary - US. Midi compatible app made by Yamaha to record your music, track your practice, and share your recordings with your teacher or friends.
- Practicia. (Prac-TISS-ee-ah) Once in awhile, in a lesson, I ask a student to practice for me just as they would at home and to pretend that I'm not there. What a great perspective into their world and to see what they really think practice should or should not be! ...And it is usually some pretty ineffective practicing. So, I'm constantly looking for new ways to help students figure out how they can help themselves become better practicers. I show them how to practice in their lesson, give them written tips, but many students think practicing is starting at the beginning and going to the end...one time. Students see me only 30-60 minutes a week, but spend 5-20 hours practicing on their own without any input except their own. If they have a problem, I encourage them to call, text, email me or write it down in their notebook for next time, but I rarely see that happen. By the time their next lesson rolls around, their practice problems have multiplied and turned into a myriad of other problems. I would *love* to be a fly on my students' practice wall and jump in to help them along the way. So what can we do? The BETA version of the Practicia app will be released soon and they are looking for teachers, parents, and students to help test it out. Check out their promo video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euECWcXOa98 I'm really excited about this app because it will allow students, parents, and the teacher to interact easily; the focus will be on goals accomplished and practice time; other students in this studio who also use Practicia can see what everyone is doing - a little friendly competition is a good thing; I can easily and clearly communicate specific goals for you so instructions are crystal clear; and you can send me short video clips so problems can be resolved between lessons. If you have an iPad or iPhone and you're interested, please sign up on their website here: http://www.practicia.com/. There is limited availability, so please sign up soon and be part of something revolutionary in the music practice world!
- Practice Center. The "Swiss army knife for practice". Here's an example: Set your Practice Timer for 5 minutes. Then set the Metronome and play a Samba Drum loop while focusing on the fingering for the D Major scale while the Tuning Drones give you a perfect 5th. Then turn on the Video Viewer to check your fingering while you play. Use the Audio Recorder to record your warm up that you will eventually send using the built-in Email capability to your teacher to evaluate between lessons. Such a useful and sophisticated app!