How to Create Music on an iPhone

The iPhone can put a drum set, guitar and a keyboard in a single hand.

With third-party applications, the iPhone can put a music studio in the palm of your hand. Whether you want to record yourself playing an instrument or synthesize pre-recorded sounds, the iTunes App Store offers hundreds of applications that will allow you to create music. The most basic way to make music is to record yourself on the iPhone's standard Voice Memo app. However, if you want to layer drum tracks with keyboards, winds and vocals, you will need something more sophisticated. You can also practice and record with a single digital instrument, from a piano to an electric guitar.

Instructions

1. Download and install Music Studio from the iTunes App Store on your iPhone. Tap the "Projects" tab to create a new song. Tap the "Instruments" button in the top menu to browse through a wide variety of musical instrument sounds, including cellos, harpsichords and a choir. Tap the "Keyboard" button to play. Use the button with the red dot to record; tap the button with the square when you are done. Tap "Tracks," and tap the "+" button to create a new track to lay over the one you just recorded.

2. Obtain and install the Piano Studio app. Hold the Main Menu button in the upper-left corner. Tap "Songs." Tap "Create New." Name the song. Tap one of the gray buttons in the center. Tap the Main Menu button; then tap "Editor." Play a note on the keyboard to assign it to this position. Continue with the remaining buttons to create a song. Assign more than one note to a gray button; play chords and add special effects.

3. Download and install DigiDrummer from the App Store. Tap one of the eight drums that appears on the main screen to hear what it sounds like. When you want to record a beat, press the "Rec" button. Tap "Settings" to adjust the skin, overdubbing, mode and drum roll pace. Save your recorded beats.

Tips & Warnings

• There are hundreds of app similar to these in the App Store. Browse and choose the app that best suits what type of music you want to create.

References

• Wired: "Best Ways to Produce Music on an iPhone;" Eliot van Buskirk; July 23, 2009.
• Xewton: Music Studio User Guide
• Magnick Software: DigiDrummer
• Piano Studio: Your First Song