Has Anyone Used SmartMusic Software for Practice and Skill Improvement?

[Brayan]

I’ve recently come across smartmusic software and I’m curious how effective it really is for musicians at different levels. From what I understand, it offers guided practice, instant feedback, and performance tracking. I’d like to know if it’s better suited for students, teachers, or self-learners, and whether the subscription is worth the cost long term.

 

[jimmy]

To be honest, the mic sensitivity on smartmusic software is a nightmare. If you don't have a perfect quiet room it thinks that a sneeze or a ceiling fan is a 'wrong' note. It's decent for beneficial basic rhythm however, don't expect it's actually going to help your tone quality. It is a tool for mechanical precision, and nothing more.

 

[AnnP111966]

I've now been using it a year and the library is the real selling point. You have access to just about every method book/ensemble piece out there. And for a self-learner, that kind of access is all it takes to make the subscription cost of the smartmusic software worth the price, even if the "instant feedback" does occasionally stutter on higher registers.

 

[Evelinawright]

To think you have to pay a monthly charge just so a computer can get mad at you for being two cents flat on a bridge passage. That's what the smartmusic software experience is all about. Collect your pennies and buy a for a $10 tuner and use your ears. It's a lot more rewarding than playing "green notes" out of a box on a screen.

 

[HeatherMun]

It is kind of like Guitar Hero except for real instruments. If that's what it takes to get your butt to the chair and practice for 30 minutes per day then it's worth every penny. The "gamified" aspect of seeing your score is being increased is super addictive and keeps one from getting bored doing scales.

 

[Ghausmakin]

As a teacher, I think it is great for accounting. But as a player it can be frustrating. The software only monitors the pitch and rhythm. You could play with the worst, thinnest tone in the world and smartmusic software would give you a 100%. Use it for what and when but try and find a human tell you how.

 

[Lugwig]

Tried it, hated it. The UI feels like it was designed for a Windows XP machine, and was never changed. It's slow, it flies when the sheet music files are too big, the assessment means is way way too rigid for Jazz or anything with a bit of 'feel.' There are better, modern alternatives out there, for half the price.

 

[Ragnar Lothbrok]

As far as I am concerned, the loop feature is the best part. Being able to isolate a difficult 4 bar of music, play it at 50% tempo and gradually build up to full tempo, and hear the professional accompaniment is huge. It makes the smartmusic software feel like you are actually playing with a live band in your living room.

 

[ethanwalker]

It's definitely oriented towards the K-12 school market. If you're a professional or an advanced hobbyist then you're in for extremely limited interface -- extremely limited feedback. The smartmusic software assessment is too "black and white" for anyone working on complex expression, rubato or specific vibrato techniques.

 

[rebeccareed]

LOL I fell on my nose trying to get it to recognize my flute and it kept saying that I was playing a trumpet. Smartmusic software is great if you want a comedy routine, however maybe not if you have a significant due date to prepare for an audition. Ensure you have an audio interface that is as good as it gets, or you'll never have to do much "fixing" within the software, just in the mixing.

 

[captainghost]

If you can afford the subscription, go for it because it will keep you on a constant schedule. If you can't than don't be stressed, musicians have been getting world class for centuries without an app telling them they hit a C-sharp bitch.
Smartmusic software is a nice to have, but definitely not something you need to improve skills.