It’s amazing how we are slowly getting away from having multiple devices for every day activities as technology is advancing. Nowadays a smartphone is all a person needs to be in contact with friends, have tools to help with daily tasks, and have a world of information at their fingertips. Another great thing is that we have so many apps that cater to numerous interests, whether it be sports, science, cooking, or anything else imaginable. As far as music goes, there’s an app for everything from working on music theory, to buying concert tickets, to streaming the newest albums from your favorite artists. Musicians and fans rejoice because we've found the best apps for learning music, streaming music, and keeping up with your favorite artists.

Music Streaming

How many times have you heard a song that you liked in public but not been able to figure out what song it was? With Shazam you can pull out your phone and know the title of the song, its artist, and its lyrics in just a few seconds. Users can also follow artists to get updates about new music from them and even see what music they’re streaming or connect their Facebook account to see what their friends are shazaming! Availible for Android, iOS and Windows. Additionally, iOS 8, Shazam has essentially been embedded into Siri, and all you have to do is tell her to name the song.

2 . Apple Music

There’s lots of music streaming services available nowadays but Apple Music is one of our favorites. While it does cost $9.99/month, new members can have a free three month trial period. What makes Apple Music different is that not only can you stream songs and full length albums and download them on the spot, but you also get customized playlists or have the opportunity to make your own. Available on iOS and coming soon to Android.

For The Musician

1. Tonal Energy Tuner

There’s lots of free tuner and metronome apps but $1.99-$3.99 is a small price to pay for one of the best ones out there. Tonal Energy Tuner is a combination tuner/metronome that lets musicians see their sound by showing the sound waves of what is being played. Also included is a drone that not only plays pitches but also major/minor chords and polyphonic chords. It’s a must have app for any musician working towards being their best. Available on iOS ($3.99) and Android ($1.99).

2. Chromatik

Music isn’t all work and no play and the team behind Chromatik knows that. Chromatik gives musicians access to a whole library of sheet music and reference tracks. Users can search songs by artist and see videos, lyrics, and tablature with genres ranging from classical to indie. With parts for over twenty instruments, a built in tuner and metronome, annotation tools and more, Chromatik is perfect for budding musicians and professionals alike. Available on iOS, Android, and Amazon.

For the Fans

1. Bandsintown

Bandsintown is a must have app for the avid concert goer. This app allows fans to track their favorite artists to see upcoming shows near them. Once you buy your tickets through the app and RSVP to a show Bandsintown tells your friends on Facebook and Twitter. Even better, you can sync Bandsintown with Spotify, iTunes, and more to automatically follow your favorite artists and find similar bands. Available on iOS and Android.

2. Bandcamp

The Bandcamp app is perfect for fans who want to take their favorite independent artists with them wherever they go. Users can follow their favorite artists, purchase music and merchandise, and see upcoming shows. Bandcamp makes sure you never miss a release from your favorite artist and can always share what you’re listening to with others. It’s also easy for musicians to create their own page where they can release music, receive donations and more. Available on Android.

Photo Credits: Gettyimages, Google Play, Bandcamp, Bandsintown