New tools for working with PDF Music

As iPad apps get more and more advanced in dealing with PDF music, I find I want to go back and alter my PDF’s from the past two years. Now I am seeing a great advantage to having metadata embedded into these PDF’s. Metadata is what you are given the opportunity to input when you create a PDF file from the Print menu in OSX – It allows you to put in a Title, Author, Subject, and Keywords. The problem is that it is not an option in Preview to go in later and change that data.

ForScore has a desktop app out that I have used in the past that allows for editing of this info though. When using the ForScore desktop app, you are  given the option to input Title, Composer, Genre, Difficulty and Rating. as seen in the screenshot to the side. Composer is just a rewording of Author and Genre is a rewording of Subject. their options for Difficulty and Rating is specific only to ForScore. The problem with using this app is that you can only change one file at a time. Some of these boxes could be filled in all at once for a bunch of PDF’s – like Genre or Keywords. So I went looking again….

Tonight I did a few google searches and came across one other app, for OSX, that will allow me to change an entire folder of files at once!

PDFInfo is a free app that allows for changes to all files in a certain folder or you can change one file at a time. Here is a screenshot of this app at work. I think I will be using all three options to get this metadata filled in – it just depends on which metadata I am trying to input and at what stage in the creating or using of the PDF I am at.

Blog Stats from the future!

Tonight I was checking out my Blog stats (nothing special trust me!) and I saw something very interesting!

TIME TRAVEL IS POSSIBLE (at least in blog stats!)

I noticed tonight (Jan30) that I had logged visits to my Blog from Jan 31st! Visitors from the future! I guess I never really thought about people from timezones ahead of my own getting logged a day in the future!

Here’s the screen shot to prove it…

Lesson Plan App – PlanBook

So I am trying to get more organized with working the iPad into a good workflow with my lesson planning. I have been looking for a way to write up my lesson plans that I can sync between my MacBookPro, the Band Room iMac, my iPad and that will also allow me to display each classes lessons on the projector screen for each class. It just makes sense to me that we should not be having to re-type thing. I don’t want to type lesson plans into a plan book, then have to re-type for the principal and then re-type it again into a Keynote for the class to see what’s on the agenda for the day. Duplicate Work=Wasted Time!

PlanBook Touch for iPad seems like it just might do the trick. The iPad app works with the Mac app and those both sync to DropBox. The app also lets me track standards that I am addressing. (more about this in a moment) The Mac app also allows for integration with iCal – I have not explored this so I’m not sure how it works and to what benefit it would be.

The Standards portion of the app is interesting in the fact that I can have all the standards in one place, alongside my lesson plans and it will allow me to track which ones I’m over teaching or under teaching. The only thing is that unless someone has all the standards already in a CSV file, I’m going to have to go through and manually enter each one.

With this app it seems to be a pretty easy job to display the daily agenda onto the projector screen for the kids to see so they can be prepared for that days rehearsal.

I’m wondering what other iPad toting teachers are doing right now as a solution to lesson planning and sharing lesson plans with the students/teachers. Does anyone have a good workflow that is working for them right now? What apps are you using?

Curent Music Education, is it fitting the real world?

How has music education changed in the past 10 years? How about the past 20 years? Let’s go back even further – to when my Dad was in school! Has music education really changed that much?

How about music in our student’s lives? How about the way they are creating, consuming and listening to music? That has changed in so many ways!

Watch this video. It is a video of Jason Derulo – It Girl (iPad remix feat. Freddie Cosmo). I had no idea who the guys are in the video – who is singing or what the song is until I saw the video.  Tell me there isn’t a spot in music education for this type of music creativity class!

I guarantee you there are a bunch of students in your school who are creating music on a daily basis who are never going to set foot in your band or choir room! I had a discussion with another musician the other day in a music store about this. His comment was that the best drummers he has ever played with were the ones that had received some form of music training under a competent music director/teacher. Why can’t we have non-traditional music classes in our schools? Is it because we can not afford them? Schools are cutting back, I understand that. If we are supposed to be doing what is best for all the students though, can we afford NOT to offer these types of classes?

24 Track iPad Recording Studio for $49!

How about being able to record 24 tracks of audio at once? 48 tracks of playback! Being able to record on your iPad then move that session into another desktop recording software package like ProTools (LogicStudio?)!

The $49 is a bit mis-leading as you of course need an iPad as well as a USB audio interface. But the thought of what this adds up to in price and capability to what we were able to get 10 years is a staggering difference!

Auria App is from WaveMachine Labs and with the ability to play 48 mono or stereo 24bit/44.1 kHz tracks simultaneously, record up to 24 of those tracks simultaneously (through any supported USB multichannel audio interface), and edit and mix with familiar tools and full parameter automation, it’s clear Auria sets a new standard for iPad multitracking.

Here is a video of the software from YouTube

Of course there are other apps out there right now that let us record into our iPads – but the Auria App is the first to allow 24 tracks of simultaneous recording!

Now we just have to find a digital mixer – or at least a mixer that is compliant with the iPad camera connection kit! Of course if I’m recording 24 tracks of audio onto my iPad what am I going to use to read my music off from? I just might have to steal my original back from my wife iPad…. (anyone got any idea of how THAT’s going to go?) Maybe she’ll just let me by the iPad3!

If the thought of recording 24 tracks is a bit daunting to you – remember that there are several new iPad audio/midi docks/interfaces that are perfect for just recording several tracks at a time. The Alesis iO Dock is not new news but the Behringer iStudio  and the StudioConnect from Griffin are both new.

Apple’s GarageBand - which works on iPad/iPhone/Computer ,

Studio Track  from Sonoma WireWorks (8tracks of audio),

Amplitube 2 for iPad -(8 tracks of audio) (Really great for guitar players with all sorts of amp simulations and such),

MultiTrack DAW from HarmonicDog – (8 tracks simultaneous recording),

Studio.HD from SoundTrend LLC

New Mixers that integrate iPads

Are you looking for a way to incorporate your iPad into your live sound? Looking for new ways to mic up your Jazz Band or Choir? I know I want a new way to take advantage of the iPads portability and processing strength in ways I’ve not been able to. I want a great new way to use my iPad in conjunction with my sound system, both in the band room as well as when we are live. Live sound is always a hassle to some extent, trying to haul equipment and find someone to run it and then the sound board is in the back of the room and you, the director, are up front. Well,  NAMM 2012 has brought lots of exciting new gear announcements that incorporate the iPad and iPod’s. I have been looking at a new sound board for my band program these past few weeks and these announcements have caught my attention. There are several new sound boards that change the way we use sound boards. These sound boards utilize an iPad in one way or another.

I found information on two boards that did not include a release time or a price, those two boards are listed last. I did find one video review of the Mackie DL1608 Board (Find it here) that told me the price – $999, and they said the release time frame is quarter 2. For what this thing is doing that is amazing!
I could not find a price anywhere for the bottom two mixers.

The information from Mackie is the best put together of these three. A word of warning though, if you are not familiar with Mackie and the way they write their material, it’s going to be an interesting trip for you!

Mackie DL 1608 from Mackie  - go here for video and more pics from the Mackie website. Here is a video at the Mackie booth – the guy is showing it off and talking about it. He also mentions the price in this video – $999

Highlights - The Mackie DL1608™ redefines live mixing by combining the proven power of a full-featured digital mixer with the unmatched ease and mobility of an iPad.® With 16 boutique-quality Onyx mic preamps and the performance of 24bit Cirrus Logic® AD/DA converters, you have unparalleled sound quality. Seamless wired to wireless iPad control means you can mix from anywhere in the venue. This gives you the mobile freedom to control not only the mix, but also powerful plug-ins like EQ, dynamics, effects and more. The sleek DL1608 even supports up to 10 iPads.

What really is showing their innovation -

• Control the mix from anywhere with an iPad
• Great Preamps
• Great built-in Processing – like 4 band EQ, compression and gate plug-ins. Reverb, tap delay and 31-band graphic EQ and compressor/limiter on the main and aux outs.
• Suports up to 10 iPads – Give each band member the ability to adjust their own monitors.
• Total snapshot recall
• Chanel presets like kick drum, bass, guitar, keyboard and more.
• Record from the main mix right to your iPad
• Integrate music from any other app, like GarageBand without using up one of the mixers 16 channels while the iPad is docked.
• Channel Images – gone are the days of masking tape and handwriting who is on each channel!

I like that it appears that you do not have to leave the iPad docked for the entire show.
XENYX iX2442USB from Behringer – There are 16, 24 and 32 channel versions of this one -

XENYX iX2442USB

Premium 24-Input 4/2-Bus Mixer with iPAD Docking Station, XENYX Mic Preamps & Compressors, KLARK TEKNIK Multi-FX Processor, Wireless Option and USB/Audio Interface

• Premium ultra-low noise, high headroom mixer with iPAD integration
• iPAD docking station seamlessly integrates hundreds of iPAD music apps for recording, system tuning and monitoring etc.
• 10 state-of-the-art, phantom-powered XENYX Mic Preamps comparable to stand-alone boutique preamps
• 8 studio-grade compressors with super-easy “one-knob” functionality and control LED for professional vocal and instrumental sound
• Ultra-high quality KLARK TEKNIK FX processor with LCD display, dual-parameters, Tap function and storable user parameter settings
• “Wireless-ready” for high-quality BEHRINGER digital wireless system (not included)
• Built-in stereo USB/Audio Interface to connect directly to your computer. Free audio recording, editing and podcasting software plus 150 instrument/effect

MasterLink 24 with dock for iPad – from Alto Professional

 

24-CHANNEL MIXER WITH DOCK FOR IPAD

 

• Seamlessly integrates iPad with fitted enclosure, 30-pin dock and exclusive software
• Works with iPad and iPad 2
• Process and record your main mix with Alto Professional’s Live Drive App*
• Dedicated analyzer/talkback microphone input
• 24 input channels: 16 Mono, 4 Stereo
• 16 high-headroom low-noise microphone preamps
• Three-band EQ with sweepable mid-frequency on all mono channels
• 16 independent channel compressors for dynamic control
• Built-in Alesis digital effects processor with reverb, delay, chorus and more
• Four aux sends with aux one and two configurable as “post” or “pre” fader
• Four-bus operation, offering main and monitor mix separation
• Real-time audio analysis*
• 12-band parametric EQ*
• Compressor/limiter*
• Two-channel audio recording capability*
• Built-in programmable SPL meter*

The soundscape is changing….

Go look at Mackie’s web-site!

Apple’s iBooks Authoring Announcement from today.

Today was a late day at school, not nearly as long as two of my son’s. They got went to school at 7AM and came home at 9:30 PM! I’m proud of their dedication to a quality school and quality experiences. I had a band room bustling with students working on about 4 different musical projects so I did not get home until after 5. Then I had rehearsal with my Community Band that I play in. It’s late and I haven’t had nearly as much time to watch, review the new announcement from Apple  or to play with the new software as I would like to. But I already have an opinion…

Here’s what I think….

Apple just changed everything! I think that Apple just gave any school with access to an Apple computer and iPads an amazing new tool. I don’t think that the biggest impact should be that schools will buying textbooks in new formats, with amazing new interactivity. I think that what Apple has given schools is a tool with which teachers can create their own, personalized learning material and that students can create their own eBooks with. Students should be using this software to create lessons about what they are learning, lessons will help them really learn what they are working on. I can see a student taking the material from class, creating an eBook/iBook with that material and ending up with an end product that they are very proud of. An end product that has created a chance for them to take apart and reassemble classwork that could have been boring otherwise, in such a manner that they now actually have higher levels of retention and comprehension.

I see teachers creating exciting new materials that will grab students attention. Teachers will be creating lessons in ways never before possible.

iBooks, iTunesU and the iBooks Authoring App are significant, very significant!

Now, what about the schools without access to a mac for teachers and students to create with? Ummm… well current technology is going to be replaced at some point in time right? This announcement today may change all those Dells to Apples! (Do I dare to dream?)

A Good List of iPad apps for Music

http://issuu.com/wrightstuffmusic/docs/ipad_music_education_apps

Go to Target NOW! USB mic and Keyboard on clearance!

Tonight, my wife asked if I would like to go with her to Target. I of course said yes, like any great husband should when asked this question!

My Target visits always start in the Bose Headphone’s section as I listen to the headphones I will some day buy. Then on to the iPad section a look through the headphones they have on sale. Then I headed over to the First Act Music section – I know, I know…. I go there because this is where the clearance section is as well! Tonight though I found two very exciting bargains for any music person! You too should be on your way to Target tonight or tomorrow because these deals are not going to last!

The first deal I found was a First Act USB Keyboard Controller. 54 keys, 128 Instrument Sounds, 100 play-Along Rhythms and then I saw it…..!  FULL USB-MIDI SUPPORT! At full normal price, $68, I would have looked but not been interested. But this is on sale right now for $20!

The second deal I found was the Q2U Recording Pak. This contains a USB/XLR Microphone with HP20 Headphones as well as CakeWalk Music Creator LE software, plus a XLR mic cable, USB cable and desktop mic stand! This set usually goes for $71.99. I had actually thought about buying this in the past – I mean this time we are talking about Samson not First Act! Tonight it was on sale for $21.99!  I grabbed it! In fact I think I am going to go to a couple of other Targets and see if I can one more!

Now the only issue that I was worried about was if these two items would work with my iPad. I knew they would work with my laptop. I wanted the keyboard so I could have something smallish to use for input into Sibelius. I have plenty of real full sized keyboards that I can use as well but I’ve been considering a smaller, usb powered keyboard for a year or so now. Quick and easy and smaller!

I got home, of course I had to sit and eat Taco Bell with the girls and Wife but that was fine, I mean I was hungry too you know! Found my camera connector kit that my wife had borrowed last weekend so she could load photo’s onto her iPad while at her Dad’s. In my office I unpacked the keyboard first. My first impression was – “Whoa! This feels VERY light and kind of cheap.” I kind of expected that though. Then I tried plugging it in, nothing. I had to go find 4 AA batteries. I finally persuaded my son to loan me 4 from their Wii controllers. I had hoped for USB powered but no such luck. After putting batteries in and hooking the USB cord up to the computer, I started up GarageBand. It Worked!!! Sweet. I then tried it with the iPad, GarageBand and the Camera Connector Kit. That worked as well!

Next, the microphone. My first impression of the mic was opposite of the keyboard. The mic felt pretty good, much better construction. The USB cord went into the iPad Camera Kit, and the headphones (that came with the mic – remember?) then got plugged into the bottom of the mic. As soon as the mic was plugged into the iPad the green light came on, I smiled! Even without the GarageBand App running I could immediately hear myself talking into the mic. There are little volume buttons on the bottom of the mic  - those only adjust the volume of the iPad though – not how much mic you hear in the headphones, unless GarageBand running. Then GarageBand takes over and those buttons on the mic change mic level as well.

In short everything worked as I had hoped it would. The First Act Keyboard had a few notes hang on it…. but hey 20 bucks! The mic sounds really pretty good, the headphones work but they are not going to replace my regular headphones (even though my regular headphones are not Bose)

For the price – you can not loose. Here is a sample recording of just my voice using this mic. (I had to upload the sample to SoundCloud. I guess WordPress doesn’t allow for us free WordPress users to upload mp3′s – oh well. If you are not familiar with SoundCloud this will give you a chance to see a little of that.)

Oh yeah… One more thing… the software that came with the mic (actually both the mic and keyboard had free software) is I’m sure nothing even close to GarageBand but it has to be better than nothing! I’ve been using my band room computers to record 8th graders re-telling fairy tales. I have 3 macs – they all used GarageBand. We used my iPad and iPhone running GarageBand as well. I have one Dell computer though that I had no audio recording software on. I’m going to give this CakeWalk to the Tech Department and get them to load it up so we try using it the next time around. I have 4 or 5 students in that class who I think I’ve convinced to purchase iMovie so they can use their iPod Touches when we do the next round of story telling. The next round will be acting out a fairy tale as well as composing some music to put in their movies. It should be fun! I think I will use my new microphone too!

Now – go to Target and spend a few dollars – I don’t think you can go wrong on this mic – I’m pretty sure there is nothing else even close to this quality for $21.99!