Magic Piano
© 2010 Smule, Inc.
Note: 10/12/2014 Magic Piano is now a "free" experience with in-app sales. One of the best digital musical experiences for children (or cats, at least according to YouTube) Magic Piano leverages the power of the iPad's multi-touch screen to give a child their own 3 1/2 octave long piano keyboard. There are five modes of play. In the default mode (solo) you can configure the keyboard in a spiral, circle or traditional horizontal format. While the keys are small, the multi-touch screen makes it possible to play chords -- just like a real piano. The Songbook lets you choose one of 20 classic songs, and play along, in a paint-by-number fashion. While you're not actually playing the music, you do learn about chord structure and the rhythm structure of a song. Selections start easy, with Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, and get as hard as the Nutcracker March and Flight of the Bumblebee. Another incredible feature of the program is the duet mode. If your iPad is online, you can play a duet with someone else, who is also connected. Duets are alternated every 30 seconds. In the World mode, you can see where the songs are being played, on a world map. A settings control panel lets you control such things as auto-sustain, pitch mapping and toggle on a "no-fail" mode for the song book. According to the credits, this app was inspired by Lang Lang. This isn't a serious musical tool (the keys are too small). However, this App has something for both accomplished musicians, and very young beginners. It is best described as a musical sandbox, where you can play with somebody else. If you're looking for an excuse to purchase an iPad, Magic Piano just might bend your arm.
iPhone, iPad, Android
Teaches: music, rhythm
CTR Rating: 96%