You’ve probably exposed your kids to music since birth—singing to them, giving them a toy xylophone (and then hiding it when it drove you crazy), or playing your favorite songs in the car. Sometimes that 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 skills to the next level, here are nine apps that can help.
Perfect ear
For those who want to learn pitch recognition or sight reading, Perfect Ear (iOS/Android) offers exercises to put those skills to use. Users can also learn basic music theory and even train their ear. However, the app doesn’t teach you how to play an instrument. Most of the app is free, but some additional features must be purchased to unlock.
Koala Sampler
If you have an aspiring DJ at home, they can record some beats with Koala Sampler (iOS/Android). Users can record a sound from their device or file library and slice it, turn it into a sound effect, or even resample it. At $4.99, it’s definitely cheaper than two turntables and a microphone.
Dream piano
Dream Piano (iOS/Android) is less of a teaching tool than a simple music game in the style of Guitar Hero. Users tap the notes to play pop/rock, anime, and classical songs. While it won’t teach you how to play the piano, it might help you develop an appreciation for those who are good at it. The only downside to this app is the constant ads, but you can remove them and add new music for a small fee.
My singing monsters
Players of this popular game (iOS/Android) can create songs and melodies by breeding monsters on an island and combining them into a tune. Users must keep the creatures happy and act as the conductor of 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.
Bloom
Not to be confused with similarly named apps that have nothing to do with music, this generative app (iOS) from Brian Eno (known as the virtual inventor of ambient music and producer of U2’s best work) and Peter Chilvers allows users to create melodies by placing their fingers on the screen. Each touch creates a soothing work of art to accompany it. You can adjust the tone of the music to suit your mood, or let the app take over when you need a break. At $3.99, it’s cheaper than a subscription to a meditation app, and just as soothing.
SMALL
With an extensive library of songs and vocal effects, the SMULE app (iOS/Android) brings the karaoke bar to you, but without the stale beer smell and the annoying guy singing Barry Manilow every week. The app allows users to build a network of friends or, in some cases, even sing a duet with the original artist. There’s also an on-screen pitch guide and tutorials to help you improve your singing. The app is free, but to access some of the app’s features, you’ll need to purchase a subscription.
BandLab
BandLab (iOS/Android) gives users the tools they need to get started with music production, from adding vocals and backing tracks to pitch correction, mastering, and distribution. Users comment that the controls are intuitive, so newbies can get up to speed quickly.
Teacher notes
There are plenty of mnemonics for learning the notes of 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 to read music. There is a “Learn Mode” with 32 lessons that slowly ease users into understanding music notes. In “Practice Mode” you can choose between treble and bass clef and select which notes you want to practice.
Incredibox
Incredibox (iOS/Android) combines a music learning tool with a game like My Singing Monsters. Players organize a group of beatboxers who create a song mix. Because the app teaches users about music, it has been adopted for classroom use in schools. You can try it out for yourself online before paying $4.99 for the app.
