When most of us think about music apps today we go straight to streaming. It makes sense since these platforms are fantastic tools for playing the bands we love and helping us discover new artists, but this is a limited approach. Instead of settling there, we want to look at lesser-known options in apps, and what they can bring to rock and metal fans.
As a Learning Tool
A physical teacher will be the best way for many of us to learn music, but there are many times when finding a teacher in person can be problematic. We might only have free time at odd hours, we might not have the budget, or we might find ourselves in a place with no free teachers living close by. In these cases, apps can be the next best way to work on your skills for the physical experience.
Think of this like how online casino apps work for digital play. An NJ casino app can be a great tool on Apple and Android systems to learn game rules, but this doesn’t mean you have to engage the physical avenue. Just like these apps offer hundreds of games like slot and table titles, music learning apps are full and fun experiences by themselves, so you feel no pressure to pursue other approaches if they’re not for you.
Music apps can start with those that teach theory, like the ABRSM Music Theory Trainer. Offering thousands of human-written tests to challenge knowledge and teach new ideas, this can be a great start for people looking to expand their knowledge base and break down rock and metal music, even if they don’t intend to learn an instrument.
For direct learning, apps like Songsterr have a proven history as fantastic teaching tools. This one in particular helps you learn tabs for songs you love or want to annoy friends with, built on by musicians with a deep love for the music presented.
Simple Tuning
A basic example, that tuning an instrument can be done easily and efficiently with apps like GuitarTuna. They’re not as accurate as professional tools, but they’re a great way to figure out where tuning should lie. They also help you measure how much you’ve improved at tuning by ear, or how overconfident others are in their abilities.
Playing and Practicing
Apps are also available to help s play or practice their music online with platforms like Smule or LANDR. These range from professional-level tools to fun karaoke software, great for serious skills or just hanging out with fellow metalheads. You might require a little more setting up with these approaches to ensure appropriate sound quality and not blowing out your pop filter, but if you’re serious about music and have some time, this is a small issue.
Love them or hate them, smartphones and computers have helped metal and rock music in too many ways to count. Even if you find yourself on the more technophobic side of the discussion, don’t overlook the potential on offer here, either for yourself or introducing newcomers to the creative and educational side of the spectrum.
