The next step
Improve your technique with apps Get started, hone the basics, then get creative on the piano using these apps for your iPhone and iPad
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martphones and tablets are fantastic tools to aid creativity thanks to their scope and power. It is now possible to see sheet music for your favourite musician’s latest album and get virtual lessons on various instruments from the App Store. The piano is one such instrument that is brilliantly catered for, with apps on offer to take you through everything, from the very first time you sit at a piano, to the point of writing your own portfolio of songs. The beauty of using your own device is that it takes away some of the daunting nature of having
to sit at a full size piano. Instead you can sit back in comfort (wherever you may be), iPad in front of you, and experiment as you wish. Just a few quick downloads from the App Store and you can have every variation of piano or keyboard in front of you, as well as virtual teachers to guide you through every possible process you could ever wish to learn. These pages will highlight some of the best apps for improving your piano skills, regardless of your experience. We will take you through from the very beginning, up to getting more creative and writing and playing your own music.
Top tip
Choose wisely
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Virtuoso Piano Free 3 Price: Free Developer: Peter Nagy The app in amongst this selection that boasts the most functionality, Virtuoso responds when you tap the keys in different ways in order to give a more realistic sound. It therefore provides an experience most akin to that of playing a real piano, making it very valuable as a learning tool. And if you are taking the learning plunge with a musical buddy, the app also supports duet mode on iPad, allowing two people to play simultaneously. This is a great way of learning, as you can encourage each other and learn to harmonise - and the app format makes the whole experience a little more relaxed and fun. Virtuoso also comes with support for AirPlay, so should you want to put on a performance for friends and family via your TV, or simply use it to see your finger work on a bigger screen, this is the app for you.
GarageBand Price: Free Developer: Apple GarageBand is probably the most instantly recognisable of all the apps featured here, coming as part of Apple’s iLife suite on both desktop and mobile. The piano section of GarageBand not only contains a bigger variation of keyboards than any other app here, but also includes Smart Keyboard, where users can select a note and then have a melody created for them. It’s a really nifty way to learn about notes and keys that work well together. Of course, having the editing power of GarageBand at your disposal makes it a breeze to mix your piano creations with other music tracks from some other instruments. 114 Piano for Beginners
