The way to find music for your dance classes and choreographic projects has forever changed with technology - the portability of music, browsing capabilities, and much more. Today's post will consider apps on phones and tablets, websites, and music devices.
1. Streaming Music
Websites like Pandora have allowed dancers to listen to a variety of options, based on a certain kind of music that you already like. What a great way to easily search and browse for new music. When teaching in a K-12 school or college department, it can be fun to stream music to offer a variety of options for students within your classes. Check beforehand if you are allowed to stream on a regular basis, as it can "slow down" the internet within your department or building.
2. Shazam
How many times are you listening to the radio and hear a song that could be used within your dance class or current dance project? Use the Shazam app on your phone or tablet to find out what that music is. Shazam is quick, easy, and quite accurate. I have used it many times to find the name of those instrumental pieces regularly used on NPR in between news segments.
3. NPR Music App
Speaking of National Public Radio, the "NPR Music" app for tablets and phones is incredible. Especially on tablets, it is an aesthetically beautiful site that offers pictures, text, and tons of listening opportunities. Whether it is "first listens" of new albums, Tiny Desk Concerts, or Alt. Latino, NPR Music offers dancers a great browsing opportunity for new music. (You can also use www.nprmusic.org.)
4. Browsing on Youtube
Even though you may only think of Youtube as a resource for videos, it really can help with music selection as well, when you already have a particular musician/composer/group in mind. Search under the artist's name and browse through Youtube as well as a way to "listen before you buy."
5. Playlists for College Courses
Some choreography classes want students to explore particular pieces of music. Now, professors can post "playlists" on sites like Spotify. If you are using iTunes U in a college course, you can easily include MP3 songs as well.
6. Portability of Music Options
Thank goodness we are past the time of carrying stacks of CDs into the studio as we search for music for classes and projects. Now, you can easily bring your music into the studio on your laptop, phone, tablet, or MP3 player. Just check beforehand that the studio has proper cords to attach your music device. Also, when using a device where you receive texts or calls, put your device on "airplane mode" before you begin a class or performance!
7. Making the Most of Your Commute
If you don't already do this, consider making a playlist for yourself on your phone or MP3 device. Use your commute time as a listening time, searching for music to use in classes and for choreography.
8. Slowing Music Down
From dancer Laura Donnelly,
I found a great app for iPhone and iPad and newer iPod Touch - Pocket Accompanist - which allows you to loop, slow down, and speed up songs, make playlists for class, etc. Their website is:
http://downstagesolutions.com/dss/Home.html
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Next week's topic is iPads. Please write in with how you use an iPad in your dance life. Write in at [email protected]