Primary Music Technology iPad Apps
Free iPad apps
(Free to download – In App purchases might be available in some cases)
Blocs Wave - KS2, 3 & 4
Blocs Wave
KS2, 3 & 4 – Blocs Wave is loops based application which allows the user to search and use a large range of high quality loops and samples which acknowledge modern music genres and styles. With loops categorised into genres such as Hip Hop, Indie, Trap, House and Funk (to name a few), the user can select a blend of loops and then create live and recorded arrangements by triggering, muting and moving between "arrangements" of loops on the fly. Sounds can also be recorded in and sounds can be edited (rhythmically trimmed) to create a new variation of the loop.
Figure - KS3 & 4
Figure
KS3 & 4 – Figure is an application developed by Propellerhead (the creators of the Reason DAW). Figure allows the user to live play virtual instruments (bass, drums and lead synth) which are synchronised to the internal metronome of the app. The user can choose to change and vary the musical features of what they are playing inside a range of easy to use parameters. These parameter changes quickly and responsively change the rhythm, range of the notes and scale steps being played. There are a large range of instrument sounds to be explored and used by the user. The app immediately lends itself to EDM (electronic dance music) however can be used to create a large range of end results.
Garage Band - KS1, 2, 3 & 4
Garage Band
KS1, 2, 3 & 4 – Garage Band is an extremely versatile app which offers, midi style note entry (composition), live loop triggering (for creating live and recorded arrangements) and live playing of an extensive range of customisable sounds. Regarding the live playing element, instruments can be played with pitch bend, arpeggios, in user defined scales, expression, dynamics and many other variable performance options. Users can also live record in using a microphone (or in built mic) to record audio. This audio can be manipulated using editing and effects. Due to its depth and range of use, Garage Band is an app which requires some exploration and practise in order to become fluent when using it. If, however, an element of Garage Band (such as playing instruments for live performance purpose) was used as the singular focus, it can be very accessible and create high quality sounds for the user.
Piano - KS1 & 2
Piano
KS1 & 2 – Piano is a simple piano app which offers a typical keyboard layout for users to play. There is a metronome and record function so that users can record and immediately assess their performances.
Playground - KS2, 3 & 4
Playground
KS2, 3 & 4 – Playground is a very effective application which allows users to create colourful and widely varied live performances using a rhythmical dragging and tapping motion on the screen. The app comes with several free sound banks for users to immediately explore using but more can be purchased to extend the library. The sound banks provide a wide range of high quality samples and instrumentation from a variety of genres including Hip Hop, EDM (electronic dance music) and Indian music. One of the most impressive features of this app is how two iPads can run the app together and connect to allow for two users to perform a coordinated and synchronised piece together with ease.
Puffin Browser - KS1, 2, 3 & 4
Puffin Browser
KS1, 2, 3 & 4 – Although not a musical app, this is a highly recommended internet browser which supports the use of flash programs. With there being so many free and engaging music apps online, Puffin browser is an excellent way to access them on iPads.
Real Drum - KS1 & 2
Real Drum
KS1 & 2 – A simple drum kit app which allows users to live play on an acoustic kit. The drum sounds can be changed and selected to the user's preferences. There is also a record function.
Rhythm Pad - KS1, 2, 3 & 4
Rhythm Pad
KS1, 2, 3 & 4 – Rhythm pad offers 8 large "pads" for the user to play which trigger drum and percussion sounds. The pads can be assigned to play different kit sounds ranging from "real kit" to "chemical" sounds. The volume of each individual pad can be adjusted for preference.
Tone Pad - KS1 & 2
Tone Pad
KS1 & 2 – Tone Pad is an easily accessible and simple app that allows users to quickly enter in notes on a grid and create pleasing melodies and harmonies. The created melodies can be saved and loaded for later editing.
