Easy Xylophone

Easy Xylophone gives users access to a digital version of the instrument. Once loaded, users are presented with a xylophone on their iPad. To play it, users only have to touch the xylophone, and they will hear the note they played. Each key on the xylophone is labeled with its note and is color-coded, which makes playing it along to music easier.

Instructional Ideas

1. Teachers can let students play the xylophone on their iPads. Once students understand how the app functions, teachers can attempt to have the students play the same note(s) at the same time. To do so, teachers can list the notes on the board and instruct students to tap a note on their xylophone following a one count.
2. Teachers can let students play a real xylophone and a digital version of the instrument. Next, teachers can find out which version of the instrument they prefer by asking: (1) What advantage(s) does playing the real version of the xylophone offer? (2) What about playing the digital version? (3) If you were going to record yourself playing the xylophone, which version of the instrument would you use? Students can respond to these prompts either orally or in writing.
3. Teachers can have students create a digital band. To do so, teachers can break students into groups of five and let each student pick a different musical app to play, with this app as one of them. Next, teachers can assign students a song to play and then give them time to practice playing the song. Finally, when ready to perform, teachers can take their class to the auditorium or another “performing” space, and let each student band play their song. As they play, the teacher can record their performance using their iPad.

Screenshots

Screenshots