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Aaron R., Texas

Some teachers I know have been using dropbox for their lessons as a way to keep the lessons organized and for students to be able to “log in” to see what they are working on.

As far as apps go I use a few different things for “reading”

1. The standard ibooks app that comes with iPad handles epub and pdf formats fine. In order to store sheet music you would need to scan it and then convert it to a pdf form in order to read in ibooks. As a way of transferring the pdf form to your iPad, I have found that the easiest way is to attach the pdf document to an email and then email it to myself. I then open the attachment on the iPad and it will then ask to open it in ibooks. I have found this is easier than trying to plug in the iPad, sync it with iTunes, then add the document. So, just email yourself the pdf and open it in ibooks and you’ll be fine.

2. I deal with all kinds of formats of books from .cbr files to whatever.. so I also use other reader apps like comic zeal comic reader. This is a great app that can open almost all ebook formats. (like cbr). I also use the email trick to import books into this app.

I hope that answers your questions. If you need to know how to convert a scanned document into a pdf, there are tons of online guides available. I have a mac computer so I do a specific technique in order to turn multiple pages into a pdf “book”.

Laurie Richards, Nebraska

Great thread. I’ve been using ForScore since another teacher mentioned it in the forums a few months ago (Maureen?). I really like it, and you can add notations, fingerings, annotations, etc within the app right onto the pdf files. I can’t compare it to anything else because it’s the only one I’ve tried, but I really like it. Much easier than turning pages.

Somebody has also mentioned an intuitive app that senses when it’s time for the next page and turns it for you. Don’t remember what it was…will have to look it up in my notes, or maybe another teacher can chime in here.

Patti P., Hawaii

Laurie, that was Neil, and the app was Tonara. I haven’t had a chance to use it yet though. It looks pretty good, and you can set how far ahead you want it to turn.

Mel K., Australia

I touched base with Leila Viss as I was really excited about this thread. She’s given me a few extra ideas to share:

Dropbox-I’m currently using this with students. Every family has a shared folder with me and I update assignment sheets at each lesson. Families can view the sheet from a device or print it off.

Evernote – Many teachers use this to connect with students as it is easy to write notes, organize them and email them. I have in the past but right now I like it for keeping check lists and I store every online worksheet I download here and organize it into various categories such as chords, inversions, Halloween, etc.

Moosic Studio – Those who are dedicated to the iPad will love this studio organiser.