SmartMusic Alternative

[nafmeadmin]

I’m going to be starting at a new school in the fall, and I’m currently talking with the administration about using SmartMusic for band. I’ve used it in the past and know it’s a great resource, and the school has 1-to-1 iPads so the students already have everything they need for it. The administration is on-board with the idea, but they’re a little apprehensive on the price and asked if there is any other software available. So, my question is: Are there any SmartMusic alternatives? I know that there used to be something to go along with the “Standard of Excellence” series, and maybe “Essential Elements”, but I don’t know if they even exist any more and I haven’t had much luck using Google for this.

Basically, if there is anything like SmartMusic out there I’d like to know about it. Even if it’s not that good, I think it will help the administration feel more comfortable with the price tag if I can show some research into alternatives. So, anything helps. Thanks!

[nafmeadmin]

MusicFirst has a product called PracticeFirst which is gearing up for release this fall. I haven’t used it (have only taken a look at the demos), but it seems like it mirrors much of SmartMusic’s functionality.

The new printings of Essential Elements also have an online component (you can access with an older book, though, too). It doesn’t give you feedback about right and wrong notes and rhythms, but it has some helpful tools.

[Author]

Posts