From the lullabies softly sung at bedtime to the lively tunes played during car journeys, music is often a cherished part of family life. For many parents, introducing their children to music begins at a young age, sparking a lifelong love for rhythm and melody. If your child has shown an enthusiasm for music that goes beyond mere listening, there are numerous apps available that can help them explore and develop their musical abilities. Below, we’ve compiled a list of nine top music apps that cater to young musicians of all levels, offering a blend of education, creativity, and entertainment.
1. Perfect Ear
For children keen on improving their pitch recognition and sight-reading skills, Perfect Ear (available on iOS and Android) is an invaluable resource. This app offers a variety of exercises designed to train the ear, from pitch identification to rhythm recognition. Additionally, it includes lessons in basic music theory, making it an all-encompassing tool for understanding the fundamentals of music. While most of the app’s features are free, certain advanced options require in-app purchases. Perfect Ear focuses primarily on ear training and theory, rather than practical instrument lessons, making it an excellent supplement to other music education tools.
2. Koala Sampler
If your child dreams of becoming a DJ or electronic music producer, Koala Sampler (available on iOS and Android) is the perfect introduction to the world of sound manipulation. This app allows users to record audio from their surroundings or import sound files, which can then be sliced, manipulated, and reworked into new musical compositions. At just £4.99, Koala Sampler offers a budget-friendly way to explore beat-making and sound design, providing a creative outlet that’s both fun and educational.
3. Dream Piano
Dream Piano (available on iOS and Android) offers an engaging way for children to interact with music through a rhythm game format. Reminiscent of Guitar Hero, this app requires players to tap notes on the screen in time with a wide variety of songs, including pop, rock, anime, and classical pieces. While Dream Piano won’t teach users how to play the piano, it can help develop a sense of rhythm and timing. The app is free to download, but ads are frequent, with an option to pay for an ad-free experience and additional songs.
4. My Singing Monsters
Combining music creation with playful gameplay, My Singing Monsters (available on iOS and Android) allows children to build their own musical world. Players breed and nurture unique monsters, each contributing a distinct sound to the ensemble. The goal is to create a harmonious monster orchestra, with the user acting as both conductor and caretaker. This app has become a popular franchise across multiple platforms, but the original game remains free to play, with the option to purchase additional features. My Singing Monsters offers a light-hearted introduction to musical arrangement in a fun and engaging format.
5. Bloom
Developed by ambient music pioneer Brian Eno and musician Peter Chilvers, Bloom (available on iOS) is a generative music app that invites users to create ambient soundscapes with a simple touch. Each interaction on the screen produces a note and corresponding visual, resulting in a calming and meditative experience. Users can customise the mood and tone of their creations or let the app generate music automatically. Priced at £3.99, Bloom serves as both a creative tool and a relaxation aid, perfect for unwinding after a busy day.
6. SMULE
SMULE (available on iOS and Android) brings the excitement of karaoke to your device, allowing users to sing along to a vast library of songs, either solo or with friends. The app includes vocal effects and an on-screen pitch guide to help improve singing skills. One of its standout features is the ability to duet with original artists, providing a unique and interactive musical experience. While SMULE is free to download, access to its full range of features, including certain songs and effects, requires a subscription. It’s a social and enjoyable way for children to explore their vocal talents.
7. BandLab
For young aspiring music producers, BandLab (available on iOS and Android) offers a comprehensive platform to create, edit, and share music. The app includes tools for adding vocals, instruments, and effects, as well as features like pitch correction and mastering. Users can even distribute their music directly from the app. BandLab’s intuitive interface makes it accessible to beginners, while its robust set of features caters to more advanced users. Whether your child is interested in producing, songwriting, or performing, BandLab provides the tools they need to start making music.
8. Notes Teacher
Learning to read music can be challenging, but Notes Teacher (available on iOS) simplifies the process with a structured and user-friendly approach. The app offers 32 lessons in its “Learn” mode, gradually introducing users to the notes on the treble and bass clefs. Once users feel confident, they can switch to “Practice” mode, where they can select specific notes to work on. This focused approach helps build a solid foundation in music reading, essential for anyone wishing to play an instrument or compose music. Notes Teacher is an excellent companion for formal music lessons, reinforcing skills in an accessible format.
9. Incredibox
Incredibox (available on iOS and Android) combines music education with an entertaining game, providing a playful introduction to musical arrangement. Users control a group of animated beatboxers, assigning sounds to create intricate compositions. The app’s engaging and interactive format has made it a favourite in schools, where it’s used as an educational tool. Before purchasing the app for £4.99, users can try out a web version to get a feel for its unique style. Incredibox is ideal for children who enjoy both music and gaming, offering a fun way to learn about rhythm and harmony.
With the advent of digital technology, nurturing a child’s love for music has never been easier. Whether your child is interested in singing, playing an instrument, producing music, or simply exploring new sounds, these nine apps offer a wide range of tools and experiences to support their musical journey. As your child grows and their interests evolve, these apps can provide a strong foundation for further musical exploration, helping them to develop their talents and creativity. Looking to the future, we can anticipate even more innovative tools emerging, further empowering the next generation of musicians and music lovers.
