The amount of smart devices - iPads, smart phones etc. - I see when I visit my students for lessons is startling. However, I take the view that the proliferation of apps, cloud storage and social media is an exciting element to add to a student's routine. Here are two pieces of software you may like to use to boost your child's practice:
1. Guitar Tuna
This app contains a free tuner and metronome, as well as free games to improve chord memory and ear training. Interactive, fun and engaging, Guitar Tuna is recommended for any guitarist just starting on the instrument, boasting an impressive audience of 10 million users worldwide. If you have time, check out the other apps within Yousician's portfolio - Yousician is revolutionary in how they encourage students to upload songs, and master them by following the tabs on the screen.
Simple troubleshooting: BPM stands for beats per minute, and measures the speed/time of a musical piece, or commonly known as tempo. It is also a measurement for the human heart rate - which beats around 60-100 beats per minute. '+' is to increase tempo and '-' is to decrease tempo.
2. Dropvox
This is a paid app for iPhones only for approximately $6, I think. Dropvox allows you to connect recordings made from your smart phone with your Dropbox account. This is useful for recording practices and song ideas.
Other ideas you may consider implementing in your child's practice:
- Video: Especially if your child loves the limelight, taking a video of their practices encourages them to smarten up in technique and analyse their performance weekly. Plus, it is great for the 'photo album' when they get older.
- Audio: Being a musician is just that - making music, and discovering how to create layers, manipulate audio etc. If your child is interested, I suggest to download the free recording software - either Reaper or Audacity - to edit audio recordings, to eliminate unwanted noises etc. Plus, it also gets them in the habit to listen out for the times where they do not play in time with the metronome.
Little tips. I hope it helps your child to reach their fullest potential.
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