Chromatik and SmartMusic

     Chromatik is an online performance accompaniment program. It allows the performer to practice their instrument or voice along with a professional recording of the piece, while reading the sheet music suitable for their instrument. For example, when I signed in, I selected my instrument as violin.

https://www.chromatik.com/violin

     Every piece of music I sampled showed up with violin in the top left corner and all are in treble clef. The variety of music included on this website is vast - from Disney to current radio hits to jazz standards to folk tunes. This technology can be applied to individual practice, but may also support full class practice if all students are studying the same composition. The program links to professional YouTube recordings, usually music videos, for practice accompaniment. The mobile application contains more interactive ability than the traditional website, including annotation of the score, tempo manipulation, and recording possibilities.

 

https://www.chromatik.com/static/about

     In both the online and mobile app, the performer can select a segment of the video to loop for practice purposes. What I liked most about the website is the curating of music. As a 30-something, I do not exactly have the same taste in music as my young students, so this is a great resource for what is hip right now.

https://www.chromatik.com/chart-toppers

     SmartMusic is an application that aids students in meaningful and efficient practice. SmartMusic is a subscription service - $140 per educator, $40 per student annual fees. Once you purchase a subscription, you have access to an incredible resource for practicing at home or at school. Teachers can create assignments for students to complete. Students have access to all music within SmartMusic on a computer or mobile device, much of which includes professional sounding backing recordings.

http://www.smartmusic.com/products/educators/features-and-benefits/

     Students practice the selection assigned, modifying tempo if desired, and then submit their best performance of the assignment for grading. Teachers collect data on students as each student has his or her own account within SmartMusic. Parents can follow student progress through the student's account.

     Were I to teach middle or high school ensembles, I would absolutely look into further applications of SmartMusic and how willing my district would be to purchase subscriptions for educators and all students. What I like most about it is the communication aspect, both for assignments and for assessment. Students can complete the work at home and submit their grade to the database accessible by the teacher. All data is collected on its own, with little to no effort on the part of the teacher. Obviously, the program cannot give all needed feedback to the student in terms of hand position, embouchure, or other technique, but it can give accurate assessment of pitch, rhythm, tempo, dynamics, and articulation. I am not sure I would consider using Chromatik for more than extra credit assignments for my students or simply making them aware of the website and mobile application.