Chromatik and SmartMusic Review

Chromatik is a web-based application that provides individuals access to sheet music and musical tools across a wide variety of styles and genres.  This free application is available on personal computers through an internet browser or as an Android/iOS app.  In order to utilize all features, computers, tablets, and smartphones should have a functioning video camera and microphone.  Users create a free account and have access to sheet music transposed to the appropriate key or clef for any of the following instruments:

• Bass
• Bassoon
• Cello
• Clarinet
• Cornet
• Euphonium
• Flugelhorn
• Flute
• Guitar (including tablature)
• French Horn
• Oboe
• Percussion
• Piano
• Easy Piano
• Alto, Baritone, Soprano, and Tenor Sax
• Trombone
• Trumpet
• Tuba
• Ukulele
• Viola
• Violin
• Voice

Once an account is created, individuals can select various styles of music and select specific pieces to view.  While viewing the sheet music, users can access YouTube (or other web-based) reference videos.  Chromatik allows users to upload their own scanned music PDF documents for inclusion in their personal music library, annotate scores, and record practice sessions.  Also included is a metronome and tuner.  Users can also post recordings of their music-making to social media sites including Facebook and Twitter.

This app is easy to navigate, and use.  The mobile application (I used the iOS app) was more intuitive than the web application.  Chromatik seems to be geared more towards tablet use.  The app claims to measure practice time, but only measures how long a piece has been open, not how long (or how well) it has been practiced.  It does not give musicians feedback or provide or assessment.

The software did have an educational suite at one time "Chromatik for Groups and Schools," but is no longer offered.  Click here for more information on the old education suite.

SmartMusic is a downloadable, subscription-based, software program for ensemble teachers.  It is designed to give students individualized and immediate feedback, progress at their own rate, enhance practice, help teachers keep track of and assess each individual student, and facilitate more advanced classroom rehearsals.  

Teachers use the educator program ($140.00 annual subscription) to assign students practice assignments and track student progress.  Many method books for varying instruments and standard repertoire are included in the software, but teachers can input pieces through Finale and upload new pieces into the software's library.

Students receive the assignments using a an Apple and Windows computers (or Apple iPads) equipped with a microphone and either a student ($40 annual subscription) or practice room ($44 annual subscription that can be used by any student from that particular workstation).  As they practice, the software shows them the pitch and rhythmic accuracy of each performance. 

As students practice, they set their own tempo, establish loops, view their intonation on a built-in tuner, and click on notes to see fingering patterns.  Part recordings and accompaniments are also available to give each practice session context.  When assignments are opened, students can record them as many times as they'd like before submitting the assignment to the teacher, and since students see their accuracy score as they record a sample, grade justification should be less of an issue.

The software, at least from the student end, seems to be intuitive and easy to use.  It has a great deal of educational potential, but costs a great deal of money.  The $140/year account for the classroom isn't a great deal to ask be allocated.  The $40.00 student subscription cost could be prohibitive for families, although with a practice room subscription, cash-strapped families would be able to have students complete assignments at school.