Flagship app pairs sheet music with backing tracks

Yamaha has announced a series of new music apps for iOS devices. Just released is NoteStar, an iPad-only sheet music title. The app turns pages automatically, accompanied by backing tracks recorded by studio musicians, including lead vocalists. As needed, though, a person can configure the app to play full accompaniment, a metronome, just the keyboard section, a mix of these or none of the above.

Some other options include a quick transposing menu and count-in and tempo adjustments. To take advantage of the app, though, people are expected to buy sheet music through an in-app store, typically at a price of $4 per song. Song selection ranges from standards and classic rock through to modern acts like Radiohead or Lady Gaga. NoteStar itself is a free download for iPads with iOS 4.2 or better.

Due sometime next month is Song Chords, an iPhone app that will include "interactive" songs with chord charts, a chord leadsheet/dictionary, and another music store. Page Turner -- expected in May -- is another iPad sheet music title, but will pair with Yamaha's EZ-220 keyboard. Using the 220's Guide feature people will be able to play at their own speed and still have pages turn automatically. An audio recorder, meanwhile, will pick up the keyboard and/or any singing.

[NoteStar]

by MacNN Staff