Music+Technology

==On this page, I will discuss some of the best apps for iDevices (iPad, iPhone) and how they can be applied to music education! Take a look at these apps and try them out on your own device! I have also included the prices next to all of the app names and a link that can take you directly to the iTunes store.==

With this app, students are graded in REAL TIME by the teacher. Parents will be able to follow their student's behavior in music class all the time! There is also a helpful communication tool that will allow for effective communication between teacher and parents. Can students follow their own progress? Absolutely! Just sign up for a student account and take your behavior into your own hands! Learn more information from iTunes or the ClassDojo website.
 * Class Dojo- Free**

Through this game, students can practice reading music notation in a fun way! Just tap the note name on the screen as the notes fly by on the staff. Try to be quick about it, before the notes hit the clef and blow up! Learn more information from iTunes.
 * Staff Wars- $1.49**

For students in band and orchestra, proper tuning is an essential part to playing instruments. With this app, students in band and orchestra can check their intonation with an easy-to-read tuner. All the student has to do is play any note, then the tuner will show whether the pitch is flat, sharp, or in tune! You may even see the smiley face when the pitch is spot on! If you want another way to tune your string instrument, the Tone Generator can play the pitch of any of the strings, just set your screen to the correct instrument. In band and orchestra rehearsals, the students and I have been using the Analysis tool on this app to determine proper dynamics and articulations. Recording an example and listening to it can drastically help how the students perceive their own rehearsals. This app also has a very useful metronome feature to keep tempo consistent throughout practice sessions. Learn more information from iTunes.
 * TonalEnergy- $3.99**

This app can be used for music students of all ages! In elementary school, this app can help with identifying notes on the staff, as well as notes and chords on the piano keyboard. As music students get into high school performing ensembles, the theory lessons can provide students help with interval training, key recognition, and ear training exercises. Learn more information from iTunes.
 * Tenuto- $3.99**

Need a fun way to train your ears on melodies and intervals? Try this app! There are a total of 32 exercises on the Lite version of this app and over 260 on the full version. ($6.99) For music students, the earlier age that ear training starts, the better! All iPads at Thomas Jefferson School have this app loaded for extra practice in the classroom with melodies and intervals. As a supplement to the district music curriculum, there are over 15 schools in District 150 that use this program in music class. This app can also be used in advanced music theory classes in middle and high school for chord identification and chord progression identification. Learn more information from iTunes.
 * Ear Trainer Lite- Free**

Brought to you by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, this app is mostly used in the music classroom during the Instruments of the Orchestra unit. Each of the instruments in the orchestra is presented in an easy-to-learn format, with listening examples of each instrument playing alone. There is even an opportunity to "meet" each of the musicians in this incredible ensemble! Learn more information from iTunes.
 * MSO Learn- Free**

Loaded on all the iPads at Thomas Jefferson, this app gives the player a virtual experience of playing a drum set. This kit has accurate placement of all the drums and accessories that every young drummer needs to succeed. Learn more information from iTunes.
 * Drum Kit- Free**

The Thomas Jefferson Parent Teacher Organization has decided to use this app as a tool for communication for the 2015-2016 school year. Parents can communicate with others and organize school activities throughout the year. There is even a tool that allows you to Learn more information from iTunes.
 * Remind- Free**

This system is used in Peoria Public Schools for grades and attendance. This app can help parents keep track of grades, as well as teaching students to be accountable for themselves. Learn more information from iTunes.
 * Skyward Mobile Access- Free**

With this app organized by Peoria Public Schools, parents and students can find very useful information about the district and all the schools. Check out the app for info on student schedules, student grades, student attendance, bus routes, library checkouts, school news and events, breakfast and lunch menus, and maps and contact information for all schools. Learn more information here.
 * Peoria Public Schools- Free**