Elegant in its simplicity, this app accomplishes precisely what it sets out to do: improving the user's sight reading of musical notes. Taking the concept of flashcards to the next level, the designers also add in the element of sound so that you can encourage not just visual memory, but aural as well.
Additional Tags
App Overview
Music Tutor has three main sections; here's what you'll find in each.
Main Menu:
On this screen, you'll select
- The type of notes (treble, clef, or both) that you want to practice
- The duration of the practice session (1, 5, or 10 minutes)
- Whether or not the musical note you're trying to identify should have the accompanying sound play to support your identification
Once these are selected, simply push Start Now to begin the practice session.
You're also able to see the Leaderboards. This allows the user to see how many points have been earned on this particular Game Center account (some amount is earned every time a practice session is completed).
Practice Session:
This screen is where the action happens.
- The treble or clef signature (depending on what was selected on the main menu) displays along with one note
- If sound is enabled, the sound of the note will play once as well
- The user selects from one of 12 notes at the bottom of the screen
- An Accuracy indicator at the top left notes the percentage of notes that have been labeled correctly, while the score displays in the top center
- A Timer counts down the amount of time left in the practice session
- A summary screen appears at the end of the session stating your score and accuracy, and offering an opportunity to Review Mistakes
Review Mistakes:
This takes you through each of the notes that were mislabeled, one at a time.
- The note is displayed and (if enabled) the accompanying sound plays
- The correct answer displays above the answer you chose
Once all notes have been reviewed, you can either hit Previous to review the errors again, or press Back to Main Menu to start again.
NOTE: The first time the app is opened, it requires an authentication of the user's Apple ID password, and also requires that a user nick-name be established.
Instructional Ideas
- Place this app at a center for individuals, partners, or small groups to use
- For a whole-group activity, project the practice session at the front of the class and have students all hold up their answers before selecting a note and moving to the next question
Classroom Considerations
- Have headphones available so the app sounds do not disturb others
- While there are no records kept of student work, it would be possible for the user to take a screen shot of each note that he labeled incorrectly during the Review Mistakes section
- Game Center function could potentially be distracting, so sign into app and turn this function off before handing the tablet to a student
- Alternately, the Game Center function could be used as an enticement, as Game Center members are able to challenge each other to see who can label the most notes correctly
Pros
- Intuitive to use with non-distracting interface
- Ability to practice with all treble, all clef, or both
- Review of errors with corrections at end of session
Cons
- No way to track multiple users without logging in and out of Game Center user accounts
- Game Center tracks points earned, but not what notes have been learned
- The app does not keep track of or update practice cards based on what the user has or has not mastered