This app teaches you how to play and analyze your musical performance.
Heroes of the Home Screen: Yousician acts as a personal tutor for learning to play various instruments, such as guitar, bass, and ukulele.
Since I was young, I have always had a somewhat ambivalent relationship with music, despite growing up in a home where it was an important part of the environment thanks to my father, a talented pianist. Throughout my life, I have tried to learn to play various instruments. My first experience was in childhood with the piano, where my father had the patience to teach me the basics, but I never managed to solidify my learning. Later, I tried the violin at school, but the initial sound of that instrument can be discouraging, so I soon abandoned that adventure, probably relieving my siblings.
As the years went by, during my university studies, I decided to revisit this desire and learned to play the guitar, thanks to a friend who had one. However, enthusiasm was short-lived and I quickly lost motivation. Now, two decades later, I have begun to wonder if it's time to try again. I have a guitar at home, and it seems a shame that it is sitting unused. With the advancement of technology, I knew there were better methods for learning.
After researching in the App Store, I discovered Yousician, which has become my personal tutor. Upon downloading the app on my iPhone, I was greeted with a series of questions to customize my experience. It turned out to be a simple way to define which instrument I wanted to practice and my motivations for doing so. I opted for the guitar, although there are also options for bass, ukulele, singing, and piano. It's important to note that those who choose piano must download an additional app dedicated to that instrument.
I soon began exploring the tutorials, starting with a basic video on how to hold the guitar and how its different parts work. The lessons are clear and well-crafted, with high-quality graphics and sound, making learning easier. The ability to rewind the videos allows me to review parts I might have overlooked. The advantage of Yousician is that its lessons are designed by qualified music instructors, ensuring a good musical education. Additionally, it offers a seven-day free trial.
One of the standout features of the app is its ability to provide instant feedback by listening to and analyzing the user's playing. This elevates the concept of video lessons to a new level, moving beyond the more basic experience that one might find on platforms like YouTube. Without this function, the app might struggle to keep users' interest over the long term.
Yousician has also partnered with well-known artists to offer exclusive courses. Among the highlights are Metallica members James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett, who provide tips, anecdotes, and performances that allow students to play along with iconic tracks like "Enter Sandman" and "Master of Puppets." The app has a vast library of popular songs, although access to all content requires a Premium+ plan. This library includes various genres, from pop to metal, and collaborates with artists like Billie Eilish to showcase her greatest hits.
The main appeal of Yousician lies in its compatibility with nearly all devices, including phones, laptops, and tablets, providing flexibility to learn anywhere. While phones are ideal for catching lessons on the go, a laptop offers a more extensive experience at home.
Access to Yousician starts with a seven-day free trial, after which users must choose a paid plan, of which there are two main options: Premium and Premium+. The basic package costs $119.99 / £59.99, while the more comprehensive Premium+ option is priced at $139.99 / £89.99. The main difference is that Premium+ offers access to an unlimited library of songs. There is also a family plan that allows users to have four premium accounts.
