Articles

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Notion 4 Music Notation Program Released for Mac and Windows

Details: Category: Tales From The Podium; Written by Chad Criswell

notion screenshot3 The Notion music notation software program has been one of my favorites for years. They aren't as well known as Finale or Sibelius, but they have a strong and dedicated following. Now Notion has released Notion 4 with a slug of new features and a very attractive upgrade price. Read on to find out more.

Practice Your Rhythmic Skills With MyRhythm for iPad

Details: Category: Tales From The Podium; Written by Chad Criswell

MyRhythm iPad App Screenshot From the mind of Gregory Burk comes a new music app for the iPad called MyRhythm. The app allows you to practice and test your skills at playing simple duple rhythms. Is it something I would use in my music education classroom? Read on to find out.

Roland Releases FREE Synth Sound Libraries

Details: Category: Tales From The Podium; Written by Chad Criswell

Free Gift Box Roland's Jupiter-80 and Jupiter-50 synthesizers are two of the more popular keyboard synths in the history of the company. The company is now offering you the chance to download virtual versions of the sounds made by these keyboards for free via their Jupiter-80 website.

Decode Complicated Rhythms Easy With Rhythm Calculator

Details: Category: Tales From The Podium; Written by Chad Criswell

Learning complicated rhythms can be a challenge to those not yet advanced enough in their instruction to play them. A new iPhone and iPad app is set to change all that via a simple, calculator style interface that allows you to type in any rhythm and hear it played back instantly.

iPad Alternatives to Expensive Percussion Instruments

Details: Category: Tales From The Podium; Written by Chad Criswell

I teach 5th grade band and at this level there is really no reason to invest in a set of Chimes or a Vibraphone. Still, on rare occasions I program music into the concerts that might require such instruments, and rather than leaving them out or having the kids play them on their bell set I have long wished for a good, low cost alternative. I may have found one in the PercussionSS iPad app.

Chromatik- An Easy, Free Way To Get Your Students To Practice At Home

Details: Category: Tales From The Podium; Written by Chad Criswell

There has been a huge buzz lately about a new free web and iPad based service for musicians called Chromatik. Big name groups like American Idol’s band and Bruno Mars’ backing band use it as do hundreds of others. So what is the big deal about Chromatik and why might it be REALLY important for music educators to take a look? Read on to find out.

SmartMusic Offering Free Educator Subscriptions

Details: Category: Tales From The Podium; Written by Chad Criswell

SmartMusic is now offering a one year educator subscription ($140 value). Plus you get free online training to help you get started and learn how to use it. Want to know more? Read on to find out!

High Tech- Low Budget Technology Options For The Music Classroom

Details: Category: Tales From The Podium; Written by Chad Criswell

This list is intended to compliment the information presented in the High Tech, Low Budget presentation given by Chad Criswell at the 2012 Midwest Band And Orchestra Clinic in Chicago. If you have additional suggestions for items not shown on this list please feel free to add them using the comment form at the bottom of the page.

Rhythm Ropes Lesson Idea

Details: Category: Tales From The Podium; Written by Chad Criswell

Here's an interesting, and tasty, way to help teach rhythms to your students. I heard this idea at the 2012 Iowa Bandmasters Conference. Sad to say I forget who told it to me, but when I found it in my notes I wanted to share it as it is quite original.

Read more: Rhythm Ropes Lesson Idea

Impro-Visor A Free Music Accompaniment Program

Details: Category: Tales From The Podium; Written by Chad Criswell

The brain child of Bob Kellar of Harvey Mudd College, Impro-Visor is a useful jazz accompaniment and improvisation training aid that can challenge anyone from the barest beginner to the advanced jazz artist. Using a setup similar to that of Band-In-A-Box, Impro-Visor can help you train your improvisational talents, and it will do it all for free.

Staff Wars 2 Makes For Fun Instrumental Fingering Practice

Details: Category: Tales From The Podium; Written by Chad Criswell

Want to help your band students learn their notes and let them have fun in the process? Take a closer look at Staff Wars 2, a software program for the PC and Mac produced by The Music Interactive. With Staff Wars 2 they can learn their fingerings and blow up the Death Star at the same time.