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Android is taking the books and the teachers out of music lessons.  The newest way to learn music – via your cell phone (as long as you have Android).

Among the first of many Android applications is SplashPlay Mobile Music Maker, an instrument learning and music sharing tool.  Wherever your phone goes, SplashPlay goes with you to learn, listen or share music anywhere.  Right now, guitar is the only instrument compatible with the software. 

How does it work?

Download your favorite songs and song tutorials onto your phone from the SplashPlay website.  The application allows you to upload video tutorials and songs.  The notes of the songs light up on the phone’s screen for your to view and practice fingering. 

Wait.  It gets better: SplashPlay is the only available Android app that has optional accessories.  However, it’s not just another money grab, the accessories add a lot of extra learning potential and contribute a lot more to the coolness factor of the application.  While the accessories are not necessary to run the applicaton, the accessories greatly enhance the learning tool.

Accessories

SplashPod

A device that attaches to the head of your guitar that communicates with the light board and the phone via Bluetooth connection. 

Light Panel

A thin, flexible device that attaches to the fret board of your guitar under the strings and is powered by the SplashPod.  When learning a song, the light panel (and the phone screen) reveals what notes or chords to play.

What’s so cool?

• You don’t even have to connect the light panel to your guitar to use it.  Hold it in your hand and you can practice anywhere.
• The pod can connect with your phone OR your computer

The Downside

• The light panel covers only the first five frets

What makes this different from Guitar Hero or iPhone’s Pocket Guitar?

• Learn on a real instrument
• SplashPlay has the ability to record and share songs
• Download songs and videos
• Broad choice of songs to learn with online catalogs updated continually

Coming soon:

• Additional instrument options -  light panel releases for the drums, piano, violin and many other instruments
• Wireless foot pedal
• Use the phone and pod connection as a tuner
• Use pod as a metronome
• Connect pods together on different instruments to share and play music together