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App summary
SmartScales is a free iPhone app designed to make scale and arpeggio practice more engaging by pairing exercises with purpose-written backing tracks spanning many musical genres. Created by Greater Heights Media Ltd in partnership with experienced music teachers and software engineers, the app aims to add musical context and fun to technical practice.
Alternative recommendation
Zero Chorus (free) — a highly recommended substitute — provides graded exercise collections that closely mirror the ABRSM syllabus. Users can sample exercises from each grade at no cost before choosing optional in-app purchases. At present the app supports several orchestral and keyboard instruments, with additional instruments planned for future updates.
Instruments supported
- Double bass
- Cello
- Viola
- Violin
- Piano
Core functionality
- Tracks arranged for jamming and improvisation alongside exercises
- Separate lead, accompaniment and metronome layers that can be switched independently
- Built-in metronome to help maintain steady timing
- Continuous-loop playback for focused repetition of passages
- Adjustable tempo control so players can ramp up to the recommended speed
- Synchronized, scrolling notation that follows the music in real time
- Choice of multiple stylistic backing options for each exercise
- Full coverage of ABRSM exercises and their variations
Developer and copyright note
SmartScales is published by Greater Heights Media Ltd with input from music educators and developers. The app’s exercise content is based on the ABRSM syllabus and is used with permission; the syllabus content remains the copyright of The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.
Technical
- iPhone
- Free
