There are so many amazing apps out there to help any musician become better at their craft. Listed below are the two essential apps any musician should have. Further down the page (in development) are other app resources for band students.
#1: You should have a TUNER. Playing in tune is essential, and having a tuner is the best way to help you play the right note in tune. Thankfully there are a TON of free tuners, below are my two favorite that are set up for BAND INSTRUMENTS. Any tuner will work, but it wont tell you the same information since our instruments are built differently and sound different than most tuners (that are usually meant for guitars.) These two tuners will transpose (that music magic) to show you the right notes for your band instrument.
Best Free App: Bandmate Chromatic Tuner. Why: It allows you to select your instrument to tune exactly to the note you see in the music. It will not only tell you how to play in tune, it will even show you the note on the musical staff to make sure you are playing the correct note. (This is GREAT for beginners learning their first notes.) The upgraded paid version is awesome as well, the extra features are nifty!
To download to your desktop or device, Click Here or go to www.bandmatetuner.com
Best Paid (yet cheap) App: Tonal Energy Tuner. All the same awesomeness as band chromatic tuner, with a few more bells and whistles for the money. This is the app with the "smiley face" for when you're in tune.
To download to your desktop or device, Click Here or go to www.tonalenergy.com
#2. You should have a METRONOME. A metronome is a device (or app) that keeps a steady beat for you. As humans, we can stretch time where we are comfortable, but in a band setting everyone must be in the same exact time/steady beat. A metronome helps you develop that internal tempo and keep your music at the correct speed.
Best Free App for Android: Pro Metronome. Easy interface, clean design and adjustable subdivisions of the beat.
To download to your ANDROID device, Click Here
To download to yoru APPLE device, Click Here
Don't pay for a metronome app, too many good free ones out there. :)