Tech Tuesday: The iPad Piano Studio (review and giveaway!)

When Leila Viss first announced on her blog that she had something exciting in store, I knew it had to be good. As expected, her surprise was an exciting one when she announced details about her new book,The iPad Piano Studio: Keys to Unlocking the Power of Apps.

With a little encouragement and support from several friends, Leila made this book possible to help teachers feel more comfortable with the way technology is moving forward. The great thing about iPads is the technology is really not too complicated. I find it much easier to work and keep up with then I ever did with computer software and hardware. Matter of fact, I have found this year that I use my iPad in my studio lab (I have a separate one for my lab) a lot more then the computer.

The iPad Piano Studio is a simple read that one can go back to over and over. It does not need to be read in order. Leila was careful in not putting too much information that would quickly be outdated. This was smart as we know technology advances quickly and in the world of apps what is there one day, may not be there the next.

The iPad Piano Studio includes 12 chapters in addition to an intro and an outro. In the beginning Leila talks about the background of the book and why it was written. The first chapter begins by talking about the 5 different generations and why knowing and understanding each generation is important in our field of teaching. We then learn how to implement the iPad in our studio and the basics of getting started with a studio lab. If you are new to the iPad world and not sure what to look for or if it’s really worth the investment, Leila guides the reader with helpful information so you can be confidant in your new investment.

As with any technology, there are words and abbreviations that can frankly make one’s head spin. Leila breaks those “tech terms and languages” and explains them in an easy way for the reader to understand. In addition to some app suggestions, Leila walks you through what is already included in your iPad and ways to use those and several other optional apps in your studio. You will learn quickly that apps are not only about playing games. There is much, much more to the iPad then games. (Though they are fun too…)

The last chapters finish off with learning about helpful accessories that will enhance the iPad experience; and how to connect the dots making the iPad not only a teaching tool, but a teaching assistant that can enhance your lessons and business.

When purchasing the book, you have the option to purchase the digital only or the paperback copy with the digital. Having the digital copy along with the paper book allows for the reader to have a much fuller experience. When you download a QR app (free) onto your iPad or iPhone, etc… the digital copy allows you to scan your QR code and view helpful video’s Leila put together.

As you can see, The iPad Piano Studio is a helpful resource that will help teachers who want to learn more about making the most out of their iPad in their studio.

The paper back copy (which includes the digital copy and a free copy of SimpleTEC magazine) of The iPad Piano Studio: Keys to Unlocking the Power of Apps is $21.99 (+shipping). The digital copy only is $18.99. In addition, there is a support blog that will be updated with helpful information from the website. Be sure to click on any of the links included in this review to find out more about the book and future resources that will be available.

Now for the fun part! I have an extra paperback copy of The iPad Piano Studio that Leila sent me to give away to a lucky reader! This will include your digital copy as well! To enter the following questions below: Do you have an iPad? If so, what is the favorite way you use it in your studio? If not yet, how would you like to use it in your studio?  The deadline to enter is Monday, November 25th; 10:00pm (AZ mountain standard).

Disclaimer:  I received this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own.