Instructional Music Apps

'Scalebook' is a new app that helps violinists improve their scales before going in front of an examiner. As many musicians know, preparing for an exam can be a frustrating and never-wrecking process. Now there is an app that can help eliminate performance anxiety with automated feedback.

Scalebook is an app that listens to music being played via the microphone on an iPad. The app is able to analyze the sounds it hears and then provide feedback based on performance. The app also includes a mock exam setting, which mimics test conditions and provides a written report of the individual's performance. Crucially, the format of the exam and feedback is the same as that one would receive from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.

While the app is currently being used to help violinists improve their scales, the technology could eventually be used to replace music teachers in certain scenarios.