Evernote

What is it?

Evernote is a cross-platform note-taking and archiving app.  It is available on computers, mobile devices, and tablets.  It is also available within a web browser.  Notes can include text, photos, attachments, sound files, and more.  

How much does it cost?

It's free!

How do you use it for trumpet lessons?

Each of my students has an individual lesson notebook in my Evernote account.  I use these notebooks to record things like lesson assignments, notes about how to practice specific things, and reminders about what we talked about in the lesson.  I also upload example recordings and PDFs of sheet music.  

How should students use it for practicing?

Students can choose to download and view their notebook in the Evernote app on their smartphone, tablet, or computer. They can also choose to access their lesson assignments in a web browser.  

To get the most out of their practicing, students should refer to their lesson notebook every time they practice.  

Why do you use it for trumpet lessons?

It saves time and helps my students improve.  

The biggest reason I like Evernote for lessons is that it keeps every student's lesson notes in one place.  Lesson notebooks are easy to lose and it's easy to forget to bring them to lessons.  (I was a trumpet student once, and my lesson assignments were never in one place!)  With Evernote, students are able to access their lesson notes anywhere they have access to the internet.  Some choose to refer to the lesson assignments online or within the app, others prefer to print them out.  

Additionally, I can type much faster than I can write by hand.  This means less time in lessons is taken up writing and more time is devoted to trumpet playing.  I can also scan music directly onto my iPad and upload it to Evernote for students to print at home.  I often record examples of my playing directly into the app, so that students can refer to it when they're practicing.