You've likely been exposing your kids to music since they were born—singing to them; gifting them a toy xylophone (and then hiding it when it drove you insane); playing your favorite songs in the car. Sometimes, this exposure sparks a deep love and enthusiasm that needs more outlets than you can provide. If your kids (or you!) want to take their musical ability to the next level, here are nine apps that can help.
For those who want to learn to recognize pitch or sight-read, Perfect Ear (iOS/Android) features exercises to harness these abilities. Users can also learn basic music theory and even train their ear. The app won't teach you how to play an instrument, though. Most of the app is free to use, but some extra features require purchasing to unlock.
If you have an aspiring DJ in your house, they can lay down some beats with Koala Sampler (iOS/Android). Users can record a sound from their device or file library and slice it up, manipulate it into a sound effect, or even resample it into something new. For $4.99, it's definitely cheaper than two turntables and a microphone.
Dream Piano (iOS/Android) is not so much a teaching tool as it is a simple musical game in the vein of Guitar Hero. Users tap the notes to play pop/rock, anime, and classical songs. It won't teach you how to play the piano, but it may help you develop an appreciation for those who do it well. The only drawback to this app is the constant ads, but you can pay a small fee to eliminate them—and add new music.
Players of this popular game (iOS/Android) can create songs and melodies by breeding monsters on an island and putting them together to create a tune. Users have to keep the creatures happy and act as the conductor for their monster orchestra. The game has now grown into a franchise across multiple platforms, but you can play it for free—if you don't mind the ads.
Not to be confused with similarly named apps that have nothing to do with music, this generative app (iOS) by Brian Eno (best known for practically inventing ambient music and producing U2's best work) and Peter Chilvers allows users to create melodies by putting their fingers on the screen. Each touch creates calming artwork to accompany it. You can change the tone of the music to suit your mood or let the app take over when you want a break. For $3.99, it's cheaper than a subscription to a meditation app and just as soothing.
With an expansive library of songs and vocal effects, the SMULE app (iOS/Android) brings the karaoke bar to you, but without that stale beer smell and annoying guy who sings Barry Manilow every week. The app allows users to build a network of friends or, in some cases, even duet with the original artist, and there is an on-screen pitch guide and tutorials to help you improve your vocals. The app is free, but to access some of the app's features, you need to purchase a subscription.
BandLab (iOS/Android) gives users the tools needed to get started in music production, from adding vocals and backing tracks to pitch correction, mastering, and distribution. Users comment that the controls are intuitive, making it easy for newbies to catch on quickly.
There are plenty of mnemonics for learning the notes on the scale. If you don't want to keep saying, "Every good boy deserves fudge" to know which key to press, Notes Teacher (iOS) can help you learn how to read music. There is a "Learn" mode with 32 lessons that will slowly ease users into understanding notes. "Practice" mode allows you to choose between treble and bass clef and choose which notes you want to practice.
Incredibox (iOS/Android) combines a musical learning tool with a game like My Singing Monsters. Players arrange a crew of beatboxers to create a song mix. Because it teaches users about music, the app has been adopted for educational use in schools. You can try it out for yourself on the web before you pay $4.99 for the app.
