The Best Digital Tools and Apps for Learning Music as an Adult

Learning music as an adult comes with its own unique set of challenges and rewards. With busy schedules, varying levels of past experience, and different learning styles, finding the right tools can make all the difference. Thankfully, there are plenty of digital resources designed to make the journey easier, more engaging, and more efficient. Whether you’re returning to an instrument after many years or just picking one up for the first time, these digital tools will help you along the way.

1. Metronome Apps: Keeping the Beat

A metronome is a must-have for any musician, and today’s digital metronomes are more versatile than ever. They help you keep time, build rhythm skills, and improve consistency in your playing. Here are a few standout options:

• Pro Metronome: This app offers various time signatures, subdivisions, and customization options. It also features a visual metronome with flashing lights for those who prefer not to rely on sound.

• Tempo by Frozen Ape: Known for its clean interface and precision, Tempo is a great choice for musicians who want to practice complex rhythms or slowly increase the speed of a difficult piece.

• Soundbrenner: If you’d rather feel the beat than hear it, Soundbrenner’s wearable vibrating metronome syncs with an app to help you stay on time without the distraction of clicking sounds.
  

2. Music Notation Apps: Composing and Learning Sheet Music

Whether you’re composing your own music or trying to learn a new piece, digital notation tools can simplify the process.

• MuseScore: One of the most popular free music notation apps, MuseScore is user-friendly and perfect for both beginners and more experienced musicians. It allows you to compose, notate, and playback music with high-quality sound fonts.

• Notion: This app is an excellent option for those who are more experienced or want a professional-grade tool. It includes a wide variety of instruments and provides playback with high-quality instrument samples.

• Flat.io: For collaborative composing, Flat is a browser-based tool that allows multiple users to work on a piece of music together in real-time. It’s perfect if you want to get feedback from other musicians or work on an arrangement with friends.
  

3. Ear-Training Apps: Sharpening Your Listening Skills

Good musicianship isn’t just about playing notes; it’s about hearing and understanding them. Ear-training apps can help you develop your ability to recognize intervals, chords, and rhythms by ear, which is essential for both instrumentalists and singers.

• Tenuto: From the makers of the popular theory app MusicTheory.net, Tenuto offers a comprehensive set of ear training and theory exercises, including interval recognition, chord identification, and melodic dictation.

• Perfect Ear: This app offers interval, scale, chord, and rhythm training exercises. It also includes theory lessons and customizable tests, making it a great all-in-one tool for ear training.

• EarMaster: For a more advanced ear-training experience, EarMaster is perfect for musicians looking to take their aural skills to the next level. It includes jazz, classical, and pop ear-training exercises, making it a flexible option for many different styles.
  

4. Tuner Apps: Keeping Your Instrument in Tune

Tuning your instrument correctly is a fundamental step in practicing music. Thankfully, there are several excellent apps that make tuning simple and accurate.

• TonalEnergy Tuner: This app goes beyond tuning by offering a built-in metronome and a feature that lets you analyze your sound, making it ideal for both instrumentalists and vocalists.

• Cleartune: Known for its ease of use and precision, Cleartune is a chromatic tuner that works well with almost any instrument. It’s especially popular among string players.

• Pano Tuner: For those looking for a free option, Pano Tuner offers a no-frills experience that’s easy to use and reliable for basic tuning needs.
  

5. Practice and Repertoire Management Tools: Organizing Your Learning

Keeping track of your progress and managing practice sessions can help you stay motivated and structured as you learn. Here are some apps that can help you streamline your practice routine:

• Modacity: Designed by musicians for musicians, Modacity offers practice organization tools, progress tracking, and built-in recording capabilities so you can listen back and evaluate your playing.

• Piano Maestro: For piano players looking to improve their sight-reading skills, Piano Maestro is a gamified app that provides instant feedback as you play along with popular songs. It’s an interactive and fun way to enhance your skills.

• Music Journal: This simple but effective app allows you to log practice times, set goals, and keep notes on what you’re working on. It’s great for staying on top of your musical journey and seeing your growth over time.
  

6. Backing Track and Accompaniment Tools: Playing Along with the Band

Sometimes practicing alone can feel isolating, but with the help of backing tracks, you can simulate the experience of playing with a full band or orchestra.

• iReal Pro: This app is perfect for those who want to practice improvisation or play along with chord progressions in various styles like jazz, rock, and pop. It allows you to create your own accompaniment and provides high-quality backing tracks for any instrument.

• SmartMusic: This app offers a vast library of sheet music and accompaniments. It’s commonly used by educators, and provides assessment tools that give you feedback on your timing, pitch, and rhythm as you play.
  

7. Video Tutorials and Learning Platforms: Guided Learning for Musicians

For those who prefer structured lessons or need help on specific techniques, video tutorials and music learning platforms can be invaluable.

• Yousician: Perfect for beginners, Yousician uses gamified lessons to help you learn guitar, piano, bass, ukulele, or singing. The app listens to your playing in real-time and provides feedback on your accuracy and timing.

• Fender Play: If you’re picking up guitar, bass, or ukulele, Fender Play offers bite-sized lessons taught by professional musicians. You can follow learning paths based on your skill level and interests.

• ArtistWorks: This platform offers online lessons from renowned musicians and educators across a wide range of instruments. It’s perfect for those looking to learn from some of the best in the business. Incorporating these tools into your music practice can make learning more enjoyable and productive. Whether you’re looking to improve your timing, enhance your ear, or simply stay organized, there’s a digital tool to help every step of the way. So grab your instrument, fire up one of these apps, and start making music!