Sincere thanks to the Urbandale Education Foundation for awarding the band department a grant to acquire an iPad to enhance student learning.

Three applications destined for student use are:

SmartMusic
Students can play along with their lesson assignments and performance music. SmartMusic listens and assesses the student’s performance for accuracy of notes and rhythms, showing students precisely where they were correct and where there is room for improvement. SmartMusic also allows students to record themselves for immediate playback and for sharing with their instructor for additional feedback.

iReal Pro
iReal Pro offers students a nearly endless songbook of jazz standards and contemporary jazz on which students can practice the art of jazz improvisation. iReal Pro offers students flexibility in changing the tempo and key of the music, and even the opportunity to input the harmonies for new music, not to mention a tireless virtual band with whom to play.

Coach’s Eye
Coach’s Eye is a video application that allows instructors to video a students technique and offers immediate playback with extra tools for technical analysis. The Instrumental Music Department would use this to help students analyze their playing technique and marching technique.