Our Recommended Apps: Ages 5-12

This month we are highlighting some of the apps that we find ourselves frequently using in sessions, recommending to clients, and sharing around the office. While technology can be a polarizing subject on many fronts, we feel that when used with a specific purpose in mind (such as skill building), it can be a very helpful tool.

There are so many good apps for this age, it was so hard to pick just a few to share with you today… So I decided to narrow it down to my 5 favorite apps for 5-12 year olds. All of the apps are free, but some will ask you to upgrade to their full version or have some in app purchases. Without further ado, here they are!

1. Monster Music – This app is so much fun! Who doesn’t want to make your own sounds with monsters. This app is not only great for creativity, but also for encouraging vocalizations and even some collaboration. This app does have in app purchases and can be upgraded to a “full version” but you don’t need them to have tons of fun. The only downside to this app is it is not available for Android devices
2. Noteworks – I love this app for kids working on beginner theory. It has a variety of games that help you learn note names, where they go on the staff, and also solfege. I use this during adapted lessons to give a different way for kids to learn the info, and they love it. You will reach a point in the free version where they will prompt you to spend 4.99 for the full version (which is worth it) but you can still play and learn on the free app without this. This app is available on both Apple and Android devices.
3. Monster Chorus – Okay, I might be a little obsessed with Monster apps, but with good reason. This app is simple to use and can be used in lots of different ways. The singing monster chorus can be used to help you play familiar songs (such as Mary Had a Little Lamb) or to make up your own songs. There is also a microphone that will record your voice so the monsters will sing with what your record. This app is great for encouraging vocalizations and also sequencing. Again, the only downside is that it is unavailable for Android.
4. Rhythm Cat Lite – My other favorite app for learning music theory. Kids learn rhythm while playing along with cool songs. You hold down a button to play, so it really helps to learn note durations, which I love. This app is free, although there is a “full version” available for 4.99 (I have not tried this version), and is also available for all devices.
5. Play Piano Free – This app proves that sometimes simple is best. It will let you play your own melody as well as provide music for some simple melodies. The keyboard has each note represented by a different color and the music can be set to use these colors as well. If you just need a little piano when you don’t have a real one handy or need a new way to present music material, this app is for you! Although this exact app is not available on Android, similar ones are. 🙂

While these are just 5 apps that are great for this age range, there are many many more. If you have some favorites, please share with us in the comments!