Technology

This page will be updated with projects and resources for using technology in music.

We will use the new MacBook Airs that the MS and HS students have received to enhance our knowledge of music.

There is a free program that we will be using, called "Muse Score"  (I know, cool name. . . it's just a coincidence. . . )   It's available in the self-service app in your applications folder.   All MBMS orchestra students should download "Muse Score" from the self-service app on your MacBook Air.   Elementary students may want explore this free software too, with your parents permission.   All HS students should have already downloaded this app for the Quarter 3 composition assignment.

Also, you can download some free google Chrome apps as well. . . I downloaded "Chords Free"  "Metronome"  "Music Notation Training" and "Noteflight".  I haven't checked them all out yet. . .   I will get back to you with reviews.

Here's a handy website that will help string players play in tune better. . . .    identify the interval that you need, and check this site:

http://www.earmaster.com/products/free-tools/interval-song-chart-generator.html

Handy Online Tools:

*Free Metronome:   http://www.metronomeonline.com/

    *a metronome is crucial for good music practice.   It will:

        • keep a steady beat (tempo)  - handy for scales and music

        • help tell you how fast a piece should be played ♩= 100, set the 

            metronome to "100" and then play at that tempo.

        • help you gradually get fast enough (if you can't play ♩= 100 yet, 

            set it at ♩= 80, practice, and then ♩= 84, and so on, until you reach your goal

Tuning:

        Here's s website that gives you "reference pitches" so you can hear what your strings sound like:

            http://openorchestra.weebly.com/tuning-your-string-instrument.html

        There are many online "chromatic" tuners. . . (be careful that you're tuning to A = 440, and that you're getting

             the correct notes.

Apps:

ios music apps that Mr. Muise recommends:   (many cost money, be sure to try out free versions if available to see if these are 

        for you.  I work with ios (apple) (I don't know much about Android/Google, but I bet there are a lot of options there too. . .   

                do some research!)    Also, be sure to check if the app will work on your device, some apps require newer generation

                hardware.

        Here are some apps that I recommend that you check into if you're interested:

            Music Notation:    

                NotateMeNow (a free version of an expensive app) You can use your finger to draw notes and rests, and then the app

                    will display your "writing" as real music, and let you play it back.   This app takes some practice / learning.

                    The free version of NotateMeNow (on a newer device with enough processing power) will allow you to take

                    a photograph of sheet music with your phone, and then it process that into music that you can adapt, change

                    and listen to!   - That's a very valuable tool!

            Metronome:   

                    Tempo (an inexpensive good metronome that also has reference pitches - around $2.00?)

                    iMetronome (a free metronome, and traditional looking)

           Music Learning:     (some of these are advanced)

                    Tenuto   (a music theory app that will help with note identification (treble clef) key signature identification, scales

                        chords, ear training, and much, much more.

                     Theory Lessons   (tons of categories to learn about, from simple to very advanced)    

                     Treble Cat - an app that teachers beginners how to read music (free on May 14, 2014. . ., there's also a "Bass Cat", no alto, sorry violas!)

             Slowing Music Down:     These apps are great for learning things "by ear" Franklin County Fiddlers style. . . they will slow down mp3 files, at pitch,                         so you can learn fast tunes slowly, and then gradually get faster.

                    Amazing Slow Downer (also available as a Mac OS app. . . expensive, the link is for a free "lite" version app)

                    AnyTune another app that slows down mp3's at pitch.  (I believe that there's a free or inexpensive version to try)

Do some research on your own, please email me if you find something that I can share on this site!   smuise "at" mtbluersd.org