There's an App for That: Smartphone Apps to Boost Music Practice

Not everyone has or wants a smartphone nearby at all times, but if you are interested in turning your device into a practice aid instead of (ok, in addition to) a distraction, read on for some of the latest ideas. Many helpful apps are downloadable versions of tools that musicians already use. Although the app versions don’t work any better than traditional methods or stand­alone devices, they are often cheaper (sometimes free!), and are conveniently stored on a single, portable device.

THE ESSENTIALS

Audio Recorder: Most smartphones and tablets come with built-­in recording capabilities, so there is no excuse for not recording ourselves regularly. On­board microphones don’t usually capture the tone of flute’s higher register very well, but are still helpful for reviewing daily practice. For projects that require better recording, external microphones can be attached to smartphones by purchasing a mic that is meant to connect through a headphone jack, or by using an adapter.

Metronome: Even if you have no intention of giving up your Dr. Beat, a metronome app is a great back­up for days when you can’t or don’t want to carry around your full­-sized metronome. Metronome apps abound, so be sure to read reviews and look for one that meets your specific needs. The most advanced versions include multiple meters, polyrhythms, tapping functions to estimate tempo, and even pre­programmable tempo changes. If the metronome isn't loud enough to hear while you are practicing, you can connect your device to an external speaker or look for a version that has a large visual component. Popular Metronome Apps: Tempo Lite/Tempo/Tempo Advance (free, $2.99, $3.99 for iOS or Android); Metronome Plus (free, iOS only); Time Guru ($1.99 for iOS or Android); Pro Metronome (free for iOS only)

Tuner: As with the metronome apps, tuner apps vary from the most minimalistic versions to feature­-rich tuner/metronome/spectrometer/tone generator combinations. Check the reviews to make sure that the app you choose responds to higher frequencies (especially if you are going to use it for piccolo). To get the most out one app, it should be fully chromatic and capable of tone generation. Popular Tuner Apps: Cleartune ($3.99 for iOS or Android); Tonal Energy ($3.99 for iOS only); n­Track Tuner (free with optional in ­app upgrades for iOS or Android)

YouTube: Most smartphone users already know that this is an excellent way to find instructional videos, live performances, and interviews with famous performers. Unfortunately, it is also a continual source of cat videos and other practice distractions.

THE EXTRAS

For those who love to use their smartphones for everything, there are many more applications to help you get the most out of your practice.

Decibel meters (Decibel 10 th , deciBEL, dB Volume Meter) can help you see your own volume or let you know when a rehearsal warrants ear protection.

With iReal Pro ($12.99 for iOS and Android), flutists interested in jazz can play along to the chords of their favorite tunes performed by simulated accompaniment. Multitrack recording programs such as Apple’s Garage Band ($4.99 iOS only) and FL Studio ($14.99 and $19.99 for iOS or Android) are also now available as downloadable apps, and if you want to notate your latest composition, apps like NotateMe ($39.99 for iOS and Android) and NotateMe Now (free version), will help you get your ideas down no matter where you are.

Theory and Ear Training: There are now several different apps to help hone your music theory and ear­training skills. My personal favorite, Theta Music Trainer (app is free with yearly subscription fee and online registration) turns activities like interval identification and rhythmic dictation into games, complete with a ranking system to track yourself against your friends. Others, such as ReadRhythm ($2.99 for iOS or Android), SingTrue (free for iOS), and InTune ($.99 for iOS), focus on developing a single skill.

Stay Organized: There are many different apps for personal organization on both Apple and Android devices, but some of them are particularly helpful for musicians. Music Journal (free with limited features, $6.99 for Pro Version, iOS only) tracks how you spend your practice time, helps you set goals, and even has a built­in metronome for recording tempo progress. Scanning apps such as TurboScan ($2.99 for iOS and Android) and Scannables (free for use with Evernote account) use your smartphone camera to turn photos into PDFs that can be stored on your phone or sent to someone via text messaging or e­mail.

What are your favorites? If you have music apps you would like to add to this list, feel free to share them with us (The Texas Flute Society) on Facebook or Twitter. 

Originally appeared in the Texas Flute Society 2015 Newsletter http://www.texasflutesociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/2015_Spring.pdf

3 Steps to Peak Performance

From managing a case of the shakes to improving concentration, flutists spend countless hours learning to perform their best when it really matters. Players on the competition or audition circuit often make major lifestyle changes or take medications to ensure that they can execute passages precisely under stress. While performance anxiety affects players of all levels, not everyone wishes to spend considerable time and resources addressing their nerves. Thankfully, some of the most effective exercises for achieving better performances are easy to do, require no special equipment or training, and can all be done in a few minutes or less.

1. Relax and Center: The increased excitement of a performance can lead to tight muscles and impaired technique. Keep yourself loose with the following exercise. Before a performance, sit in a comfortable upright position, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Begin by tightening all of muscles of the scalp and face for a few seconds. Take a deep breath in, and then exhale and release all of the tension. Continue with the neck and shoulders, the left arm, the right arm, and so on, until you have tensed and released all the muscles of the body. Next, imagine a small, glowing sphere forming inside your body approximately 2 inches below your navel. With each breath, the sphere expands until it fills the entire room. Spend a few minutes breathing deeply in this state. If tension or shaking creeps in during a performance, release your muscles and return your attention to the spot below your navel.

2. Focus: Distractions are around us every day, but once adrenaline kicks in, something as small as a chair creaking can sound like an earthquake. Practicing concentration exercises on a regular basis is an excellent way to ensure that you can remain focused through even the most distracting environments. One well­known exercise is to choose an object and practice focusing on that object for a set amount of time. As your attention drifts, simply refocus on the object. The most important aspect of this exercise is not to maintain perfect concentration, but to be able to consistently return your concentration to the object without reaction or judgment. Begin with three or four minute sessions and gradually increase until you can focus for the length of the pieces you need to play. Alternately, you can take a more traditional meditative approach and keep your attention on your breath. This exercise is simple, but it can be very difficult, so be patient as you learn.

3. Keep it in Perspective: Finally, remember to keep the importance of a performance in perspective. To remind yourself that you are more than a single performance, try the “five finger exercise.” Press your thumb and index finger together and think of a time when you felt safe and loved. Next, press your thumb and middle finger together and think of a time when you did something good for someone else. Press your thumb and ring finger together and imagine a time when you were successful (it doesn’t have to be musical). Finally, press your thumb and pinky together and imagine a time that you felt happy for any reason. This exercise is as potent as it is easy, particularly when done regularly.

Spending as little as 5 minutes on each of these exercises during your daily practice sessions and before performing can go a long way towards reaching your potential on stage.

This article originally appeared in the Winter 2014 edition of the Texas Flute Society Newsletter http://www.texasflutesociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/2014_Winter.pdf