12 Educational Music Games and Apps for Kids

Created by a middle school band teacher, this site offers a huge selection of online music games and quizzes as well as worksheets and lessons.Free

Ashley MacQuarrie began writing professionally more than ten years ago and has covered education, technology, current events, pop culture, and other topics. A former homeschooler, she studied English and Film & New Media, graduating with a bachelors degree from San Diego State University. Ashley has classroom experience working with children who have autism and other special needs. She has also tutored students from kindergarten through college and taught English to teens and adults at a language school in London.

Preschool Learning Game: Music with Movements

This fun iOS app teaches kids 3-7 some of the fundamental components of music, including notes, rhythm and pitch.$1.99

This game was recommended to me by a music teacher, though its likely better for older kids and teens.Rocksmithis a music video gamelikeGuitar HeroorRock Bandbut it actually teaches you to play guitar. The game comes with a cable to plug any electric guitar or bass into PC, Mac, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation® 4 system or PlayStation® 3 system. Its the most expensive option on this liston par with new video games for these systemsbut still a bargain compared to lessons.$79.99

Luckily, there are a number of greatmusic educationwebsites and apps which can engage kids of all ages in learning everything from playing an instrument, to composition and music theory, to music history and appreciation.

This site from the NY Philharmonic Orchestra includes lots of fun music-themed games and quizzes, as well as interactive introductions to famous composers, conductors, and musicians. Other symphonies, including theSan Francisco SymphonyandDallas Symphony Orchestraalso have websites for kids with games and lessonsyour own local symphony may have one too!Free

Image Credit Eduardo MerilleCC by 2.0

Whether your child is already a drummer or is interested in drumming and youre not quite ready to buy a drum kit, this site is a great resource. Play virtual drums, try a drum game, or take a lesson.Free

This iOS app teaches young children to create and edit melodies with just the swipe of a finger. By playing in the Tune Train world, kids begin to learn about the fundamental structure of music, including pitch, notes and note length, and chords.Free

This Android app offers quizzes and lessons for music students learning to sight read. A paid version offers additional features. For Apple users,Music Tutor Freeoffers similar functionality.Free

5 Ways to Make Music Education a Priority

For iOS and Android devices, this is a complete ear training program in an app. Ideal for kids who are already learning an instrument or who sing in choir, the app aims to introduce essential musical elements and concepts and help the student identify those elements by ear.$2.99

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Use this iOS app with your real, acoustic piano or keyboard, or use the touchscreen option on your device. The app introduces a game component to learning piano, motivating kids to want to practice. Learn to play classical and popular songs, practice sheet music reading, and more.Free, with optional subscription and in-app purchases

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12 Educational Music Games and Apps for Kids

Study after study shows that playing music is extraordinarilybeneficialto children. In one recentreport, researchers found that playing music had significant behavioral effects, from improvedexecutive functionand working memory, to increased focus, to increased ability to cope with emotions andanxiety. Yet, more and more students arent taking part, whether due to cuts toarts educationin schools, the high cost of lessons, lack of interest, or other factors.

This iOS app includes 39 animated music theory lessons. This is a great option for older kids for whom the above apps are too basic or juvenile. All the lessons are also available for free on thewebsiteas well, a good option for those without an Apple device. $2.99

Dedicated to teaching kids about classical music and music composition, this site offers music games, quizzes, lesson plans, a weekly podcast, and a Composer of the Month feature.Free

Should Kids See Into the Woods?

Music games and quizzes test students knowledge of notes, lines and spaces of the treble and bass clef, ear training, guitar, and more.Free

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Would you like to expand your childs musical ability and knowledge even more? K12 offers completeonline music coursesfor grades K-8, as well as songs andmusic lessonsfor preschoolers through theEmbark12preschool program. To learn more, or contact the enrollment team at (877) 895-1754.