In June 2016, the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) announced their 25 Best Apps for Teaching and Learning. The apps encourage qualities such as innovation and active participation, and are user-friendly.

MusiQuest is an app that teaches young students music theory through engaging activities. Using a variety of instruments, users are able to compose and share their own songs. Illustrations and animal characters help to teach students about harmony, melody, chords, and different musical styles. This article from Edify explains in more detail the features of MusiQuest, including the fact that it makes composing sounds and music for an entire orchestra accessible to a young child.

Cost: Free!
Level: Elementary
Platforms: iOS

Want to give it a try with an actual orchestra? Click here for a link to the New York Philharmonic Kidzone and select “MusiQuest” (in the bottom row) to play instruments and get a backstage tour!

Watch the video below to get a feel for how to use the MusiQuest app: