Blues MastersAs a high school music teacher, I am always looking for new apps to incorporate into my classes. Over the past few years, I have been teaching a class in the history of Rock and Roll. I always thought it would be great to have a way to teach my students about the great artists who inspired the creation of rock music. However, until now resources pertaining to Rock and Roll were only available in written form with a few pictures and scratchy recorded samples. I recently came across an app for the iPad called Blues Masters. After only spending a few moments looking through the materials, I could tell that this is one app that should be on every music teachers digital device.

Blues Masters is an app that can only be categorized as a Hybrid Masterpiece in music education. This app is beautiful to look at while providing historical information about the blues and the musicians who helped to create this truly American musical style. Blues Masters includes photos and biographies from 16 of the most influential blues artists in history. Including such artists in a range from Duane Allman to Eric Clapton as well as T-

Bone Walker, teachers will have a selection of artists to choose from. For each of the artists, Blues Masters provides background information as well as samples of their music.

Music teachers will be able to create dynamic lessons when they plug their iPad’s into their classroom projectors. These musical legends gain new life through the manipulation of this app which will invigorate the student’s interest in the history of the blues. In addition to the historical overview of the blues, you also have the opportunity to understand the most soulful instrument in the blues band, the guitar. In addition to providing listening examples of each of these blues greats, Blues Masters provides a “learn” feature.

Each “lick” is broken down visually for the guitar player to listen to and attempt to learn. Playback controls are also provided so you can play along with the lick at full, 3/4 or 1/2 speeds. For those looking to get more instruction on how to learn the skills needed to perform these great licks, a video tutorial is even included featuring very clear, step by step directions on how to learn these songs.

• Animations show the notes being played for each riff• Each riff can be slowed down to help you learn it• Video instruction for selected riffs• There is a Bio Page for each artist that gives you the ability to listen to each of their licks. The licks can be sorted by its place in the 12-bar

progression or by style (basic blues or Allman Bros. chords). If you like a riff, go straight from this page to the Music Page to learn it.• The Hot List assembles your own 12-bar progression• Choose licks from each style, by music page or artist• Play the whole progression (also slowed down)• The whole progression is animated while playing one of two backing tracks so you can play them with your own rhythm section. (You

can slow this down too!)• Save or load your favorite progressions• Choose licks from your Hot List or all the available licks• A fun legends spinner lets you randomly select an artist• Add your favorite licks from the Music Page to your Hot List for convenient retrieval• A Tuning Page helps you tune your guitarBlues Masters for the iPad provides a wealth of knowledge about the blues and it’s musical pioneers. The app is great for both music teachers as well as guitar players. Blues Masters can be found on the iTunes App Store for $9.99.

Blues Masters onlineBlues Masters for iPad