From the second Steve Jobs unveiled it on January 27, 2010, the iPad has changed the way we do everything and music therapy is no exception. Over the next few blogposts I would like to share a slew of groovy apps I have found to be most effective in my music therapy practice to foster creativity, communication, musicality and much more.
First up, Songify.
Cost: FREE (for a limited time)
Read the Reviews: iTunes Preview
Description: This simple app allows you to record your voice translating it into musical form. Just “tap to record” and voila, you have a musical product. Don’t like the default track that comes with the app? No problem! The app boasts a variety of tracks you can mix and re-mix your new song for $1 per track. You can even save your recording and email it as an mp4 file.
Music Therapy Goals: although I have used this app with clients to focus on breath support, articulation and clarity when speaking, it can also address verbal expression, following directions, and creativity. Just the other day I had one client talk about cereal and another talk about a crush she had in high school. =)
Sample Recording:
So how about YOU! Have you heard of Songify or used it in a music therapy session? Please share.
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Oooo, this makes me REALLY, really want an iPad. Or at least an iPhone. I’ve been able to get by with my iPod touch, but it has no mic, so I guess this is where the convenience of the cheaper iPod touch ends
.
This will definitely be one of the apps I get if I can ever afford an iPad – thanks for the suggestion! (And when I do get one, T-Pain will have some competition on his hands, ha).
All I can say is watch out T-Pain!
Hope you can get your hands on one soon, Rachel. It is well worth the investment!
I want you to know that your Groovy Garfoose song popped into my head this afternoon and when I started singing, “half giraffe, half moose” my husband just stared at me….and then asked what radio station I’ve been listening to lately, hahaha! You should copyright that ditty – It’s super catchy!!
LOL. That is so funny Rachel. The Garfoose is trade marked and copyrighted already, so, you are right, the next step is to start copyrighting the songs!
Wow!!! That’s really neat. I too want to run out and get myself an ipad. Do you find that using the ipad and the electronic music options lightens your load when you go out to do sessions (assuming you go out into the community vs. being in one location)? I do get exhausted from carrying everything with me and sometimes find that I might opt out of using certain instruments due to not having any arms left to carry something.
In relation to what Rachel was saying about having an i touch and the ability to record on it, I think there are mics that you can get to attach to it. However, I’m not certain of the quality.
Hi Lisa, thanks for dropping by and for your great comments and questions! I can’t speak to the iPad lightening my load as I have only used it at the hospital where I have a cart to ‘schlep’ all my instruments and in my private music therapy studio. I would imagine that if you wanted to opt out of carrying a larger instrument you could certainly do that with the fantastic sound quality on the ipad. You are right though, you will definitely need amplification if you want to use it with a group. I use the Fender Passport 150 for my studio and performance gigs and it duals as amplification for the iPad beautifully!
HAHA! I am laughing out loud right now Bonnie! I downloaded this awhile ago (per your suggestion) and haven’t used it yet. I will be busting it out this week with some clients.
Keep it up lady!
Fantastic Meg! Hope your clients love it! More apps comin your way tomorrow. =)
Ok, err, I actually didn’t download songify, it was another auto-tune app, whoops. However, when I try and search for it in the app store, it says that one exists for the iPhone, but nothing for iPad, what’s up with that?
Hey Meg! The app is actually for iPhone, but it works for iPad too, just doesn’t fit as ‘nicely’ on the iPad screen. FB me if you have any trouble with it.
oh sweet!