A great metronome app has special features which don’t detract from its simplicity. It also needs to sound pleasant to the ear -says Ruby Foster
1. Metronome by Soundbrenner, iOS 9.2 or later
Soundbrenner have absolutely blown me away this metronome app. It has a pleasing appearance, is easy to use, and comes with features that many metronome apps don’t. For instance, you can change your time signatures and beat divisions, as well as create and save set lists. On top of this, Soundbrenner also have a wearable metronome that you can sync to the app. Soundbrenner only has one click sound available – a “woodblock” tone. For me this is a good, clear sound, but some singers might prefer a softer sound.
Download it from the App Store
2. Tempo Metronome by Frozen Ape, iOS 8.0 or later
Alongside the features that you expect to see, Tempo Metronome gives you the ability to create and save your own metronome set lists, which is perfect for every day practice as well as performances. The click sound for Tempo is not adjustable. Like Soundbrenner, it’s a woodblock tone, however it is more muted; some may prefer this.
Download it from the App Store
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3. Clockwork by Bitcount, iOS 3.1 or later
Clockwork has so much going on as a metronome app: you can change the meter, accents and tracks. It also has a sound recorder built in, which is something I’ve never come across in this type of app before – useful for anyone who wants to create new ideas, record them, and learn them to a specific tempo. Clockwork also gives you the option of four click sounds; (i) Default, (ii) Straight Click, (iii) Wood Block and (iv) Digital, meaning you can use which ever suits your practice best!
Download it from the App Store
4. Time Trainer by Justin Guitar, iOS 6.0 or later
Time Trainer has everything you would expect, such as different time signatures and tempo, but it’s also a practice tool. It’s ‘Trainer’ will speed up your metronome in different signatures and subdivisions so you can practice playing in different settings. This additional feature is why Time Trainer has made my top 5, and what makes it stand out from the huge number of other metronome apps. Time Turner provides a rather robotic click sound. It’s a little “muffled” for my taste, but would work well if you don’t want the metronome to cut through your practice.
Download it from the App Store
5. Metronome by Musicopolous
This is a great metronome app which is full of features, but with a user-friendly interface. I especially like the “presets” which allow you to hear what different rhythms sound like so you can learn to recognize and play them. These extra features are why this app by Musicopolous makes my top 5. The click sound for Metronome is not changeable, but you can alter the pitch, which is useful. However, there is some reverb on the click, which could be misleading for people who are less confident in keeping time.
Download it from the App Store
This is really an exciting time of apps that can aid singing practice. There are many apps that can help singers address different areas of their technique.
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Ruby Foster is a Mezzo-Soprano from Bristol. Her repertoire is comprised of operatic arias, German Lieder and much more, and includes works by composers such as Barber, Fauré, Mahler and Mozart. She has performed in venues all around the UK. As well as her solo work, Ruby sings with The St Peters Singers, performing a wide variety of choral work throughout the UK and Europe. In 2015, Ruby graduated with a first in her BA (hons) in Classical music from Leeds college of music.
