Staff Wars
One of the best programs to help with reading notes. As you progress the music gets funkier and the notes fly past faster. You can customise the note range which is really handy for just focusing on spaces, lines or leger lines. Free for PC or available on the app store. Staff Wars Live lets you play the note on your instrument, but can be a bit picky.
Sticky Notes
This podcast is my go-to for longer drives. Conductor Joshua Weilerstein has a talent for analysing Classical music and drawing out fascinating observations for both the casual musician and seasoned professional. Starting in 2017, there are over 250 episodes to enjoy from ‘Best of Frenemies: Debussy and Ravel’ to ‘So What’s It Like To Be The Principal Horn Of The Berlin Philharmonic?’
Carnegie Hall Kids
This website keeps a fresh rotation of engaging activities for younger musicians (and those young at heart). Learn about the instruments of the orchestra, compose your own tunes or travel around the globe to hear music from other cultures. There are plenty of quizzes about instruments, aural skills and the weird and wacky.
Sing & Play with Bobby McFerrin
Look at how a piece of music is made up of various layers and follow how it is notated. The Just Enough song is a great set of riffs for improvising with and the Don’t Worry Be Happy is a classic!
Teoria: Music Theory Web
A free one-stop-shop for working on your ear training, theory and analysis skills. Particularly handy for students preparing for aural tests in music exams.
Zen Pencils
Some days we just need a short break to reflect on the bigger picture. Gavin Aung Than started a website back in 2012 where inspirational quotes from famous people were adapted into cartoons. Some of my favourites are Stephen King, Nelson Mandela, Theodore Roosevelt and Talyor Mali.
NY Phil
The New York Philharmonic have a great collection of resources for preschool to high school students. Chant with Hildegard, choose your own accompaniment adventure, investigate how music notation developed or how to start your own musical podcast.
Tonematrix
There is something hypnotic about this pentatonic sequencer. You can spend ages exploring different patterns, shapes and setting up infectious grooves. Why not create your own backing loop for your own improvisation?
Incredibox
Make sure you have some time to burn before visiting this site. The incredible polo has done an awesome job of creating some loops and some funky animation to accompany them. Hours of endless fun and of course you have to try and get all the bonuses! I like the original from 2009 the best, but check out the other eight versions and try making your own mix to reach the top 50.
Got Rhythm?
This simple game shows you visually how well you keep a pulse after the beat drops out. Give it a go and then challenge your friends!
Digital Rehearsal Hall – United States Marine Band
I always enjoy watching a great ensemble rehearse and being able to be an observer to the President’s Own for free is such a treat. Look at how already amazing musicians prepare Grainger’s Lincolnshire Posy or Vaughan Williams’ English Folk Song Suite.
Seen something online that you’ve really enjoyed that should be on this list? Let me know about it by sending a message through the contact page