LOOPIMAL by YATATOY
LOOPIMAL by YATATOY gallery
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Loopimal by Yatatoy lets kids create music loops by using pre-programmed blocks to layer melody and rhythm over a base beat or sound. There are no rules, no instructions, and no limits to what kids can create. Each sound block also has an associated animated movement so kids can watch animal characters dance and move with the music. All music was composed in C-major so can easily be accompanied by additional instruments.What kids can learn
Kids will love being the DJ, in control of making silly animals groove to contemporary beats. The limited number of available musical sequencing blocks is the only restriction.
Kids learn about beats, rhythm, melody, and layering them all on top of each other. They'll also see and hear what sequences and loops do, but the link to programming is completely implicit.
The simple interface is accessible, even though it may not be immediately intuitive for all. The biggest downside is that kids can't save their creations.
What's it about?
In LOOPIMAL BY YATATOY each of six dancing animals has a baseline beat or simple sequence of musical notes. Choose one, and then choose from five blocks pre-programmed with additional beats or melodies. Tap and drag them to fill up to eight slots and listen to your musical creation as a cursor moves over the slots in a continuous, never-ending loop. Watch the animals move and groove to the music. Three layouts allow kids to build one, two, or four layers of beats and melodies.
Is it any good?
Kids have endless opportunities to create rich compositions and explore loops and computer sequencing within an easy-to-use pre-programming framework. With no instructions some kids will jump right in while others will need some time to figure it out; however, navigation and creation are essentially straightforward. Beats and rhythms have an contemporary, electronica feel and kids will have a great time taking on the role of DJ. Because the music sequence repeats as the cursor continues to loop, kids also get a peek at sequencing and repetition in computer programming, though that is not explicitly called out in the app. The major missing piece here is that there's no option to save. Kids will work hard experimenting and creating, and it would be nice to be able to document what they produce. A little more control would also be nice, such as the ability to tap a programmed block to hear what sound it makes, or to stop and re-start the cursor. Nonetheless, kids will have lots of fun with musical experimentation!
Families can talk about...
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Families can talk about what kinds of music your kids like and how it makes them feel.
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Talk about the importance of listening during music creation. Why is it important to listen carefully as you add layers to themusic?
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Get out some other instruments and play along. No need for "official" instruments -- even a pot and a wooden spoon can make a good beat!
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Break apart and discuss the different layers of your kids' musical creations. Identify the beat, talk about tempo, whistle the melody, and so on.
App details
| Devices: | iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad |
| Price: | $2.99 |
| Pricing structure: | Paid |
| Release date: | June 10, 2015 |
| Category: | Education |
| Topics: | Music and sing-along |
| Size: | 51.50 MB |
| Publisher: | Lucas Zanotto |
| Version: | 1.0.1 |
| Minimum software requirements: | IOS 5.1.1 or later |
