Music Resources for Teachers and Families

Technology can be a valuable asset when learning a new instrument, but with so much digital "junk food" out there, how do you know what's worth your screen time? Quality screen time deeply engages the user, connects them to new information, and limits distractions or the need to "just keep scrolling." 
Below you can find my favorite Music Apps and FREE Resources. These recommendations are made without compensation from the app developers are are not advertisements. These are genuinely the online resources that I’ve found most useful in lessons and for at-home practice.
Whether you’re looking for chords to your favorite song, want to entertain your kids with a fun game, or just want to relax with some free music, these websites make music accessible for all!
hand holding a cell phone with a sparkly purple background

FREE Resources

  • Purple circle with white drum set

    Chrome Music Lab - Drums and More

    Don’t be deceived by the adorable graphics and the easy-to-navigate, ad-free website. The games and activities in Chrome’s Music Lab hit some major music education learning objectives.

    Let's Play!
  • Purple circle with image of guitar pick in white

    Chordify

    Chordify is this simple & fun app that takes your favorite popular songs and breaks down the chords for each. You can search for your favorite artist or song and the app will show you what chords to play on your piano, guitar, or ukulele.

    Take Me There!
  • Purple circle with white video game controller

    PBS Kids' Music Games

    Geared for musicians ages 3-8, these fun games explore patterns, instrument sounds, and allow kids to be creative thanks to some of their favorite PBS friends including Daniel Tiger, Peg + Cat, and Pinkalicious.

    Let's Play!
  • Purple circle with white headphones

    Freegal Music Streaming

    Freegal offers access to about 15 million songs. There is no software to download, and there are no digital rights management (DRM) restrictions. Access to Freegal is limited to patrons of subscribing libraries.

    Check My Library
  • Purple circle with headphones

    Hoopla Digital Library

    HOOPLA works with local libraries to allow patrons to borrow music, ebooks, and audio books without having to put anything on hold or sit on a waiting list. It’s a great place to stream music for free.

    Check My Library

Paid Apps

  • Teal circle with speedy music note

    NoteRush $8.99

    From the NoteRush website:

    “A fun game for practising note reading on the music staff to help you learn piano, keyboard, flute, saxophone, violin, or just about any other instrument! Note Rush uses the microphone to listen as you play each note like you would with flashcards, only these flashcards check that you're playing the right note!”

    App Website
  • Teal circle with Clock design with music notes

    MusiClock $8.99

    From the MusiClock website:

    “MusiClock is an easy-to-use improvisation tool that makes it dead easy to practice scales, jamming and soloing with a guitar or piano. Our award-winning approach helps you to hit all the right notes so that you can get jamming within seconds without any prior music theory training.”

    App Website
  • Teal circle with monkey holding quarter rest

    Rhythm Swing $3.99

    From the Rhythm Swing website:

    Each level of Rhythm Swing has a brief instructional video which explains the new rhythmic concept. Students can view and listen to short musical phrases with their accompanying musical notation and then try to tap out the rhythms on their own.

    App Website