Technology has taken an increasingly important place in our professional, educational, and personal lives. Frisco ISD and Stafford Middle School have adopted a "1 to 1 Device" policy that allows students to use school issued Chromebooks.
Students will need a dedicated tuner for regular use in class. I recommend getting a "combo device" which is both a tuner and metronome. However, a standalone tuner is the minimum requirement. Students will also use their school issued devices in class to practice with a metronome, make audio recordings, and/or participate in classroom activities. As per school policy, the use of these devices is a privilege that can be taken away. Although we will largely rely on our tuners and Chromebooks, below is a current list of apps that may be helpful to students broken down by operating system. This list reflects information that is current as of August 2013. Preference is given to free apps, but some paid apps may be recommended (never required). Each app may have its own requirements regarding operating system or tools needed. Please email Mrs. Rutledge if you have any questions.
Stand Alone Tuner/Metronome Devices
Korg TM-50 (or Similar Current Model)
Shar Digital Metronome and Tuner
Korg PC-1 Clip Tuner (Violin/Viola) or Korg AW2 (Cello/Bass)- Please note, these devices are tuners only)
Apple OS Devices (iTouch, iPhone, iPad, iPad Mini)
Tuning and Metronome Apps
Sound Corset- (Free)- A fantastic chromatic tuner and metronome app.
Tonal Energy Tuner/Metronome- ($3.99)- We frequently use this app during class. It is great! The app has been known to go on sale for $.99, so keep a watchful eye for it.
Skill Improvement Apps
MyNoteGames- (Free and Paid App)- For Violin, Viola, or Cello. This is a practice game for beginners. The app is able to check tuning of notes, provide note reading drills, and music notation practice. The first three levels are free. Purchase of the full app is $6.99.
Tenuto-($3.99)- This app comes from the creator of www.musictheory.net. Students will be able to create quick note reading drills for all instruments. Exercises can be as simple or as complicated as you wish. We use the free website version for "Note Naming Death Match" games in class.
Android Operating System (Samsung, HTC, DROID, LG, etc)
Tuning and Metronome Apps
Sound Corset- (Free)- A fantastic chromatic tuner and metronome app.
Websites and Other Media
www.musictheory.net- A favorite site of Ms. Rutledge's Students can learn basic music theory (note length, note placement, chord structure, etc.), as well as generate free exercises for note identification or aural skills.
tuner.ninja- An online based chromatic tuner.
www.noteflight.com- A wonderful internet based music notation software. Students will need to create a free account to have access. But, this will allow you to write down any music that you may compose. Students will periodically be teamed up to use this website for assignments during the school year.
There are an incredible number of free and paid apps that benefit students both in class and outside of class. If you or your student find one to add to the list, please let me know!