Tongo Music – for kids App Review
App Info
Price: $2.99
Overview
Tongo Music-for kids and families is a music exploration app that features both a thorough introduction to classical music pieces and instruments of the orchestra, as well as interactive play with musical notation. The app encourages free exploration and play to develop a deep appreciation for many famous classical pieces and composers.
Features include:
- 12 musical videos
- 15 high-quality samples of famous works by well-known composers
- Interactive activities to make music and learn about notation
- Colorful, animated characters to capture and hold interest
- Suitable for all ages, including non-readers
Quality
Tongo Music is a very high quality app. Developers created it to be completely nonverbal, so it’s suitable for even the very young. There is a protected parents’ area that links to an extensive guide, encouraging even non-musical parents to share information and strengthen understanding with their children. There is a wide array of activities, ranging from watching video shorts to making music on a piano and playing rhythms on percussion instruments.
Education
Educators know that exposure to music has a huge impact on the developing brain. This effect is particularly pronounced with classical music, such as the pieces offered within Tongo Music. I highly encourage families to take advantage of this outstanding app to build their children’s musical background.
Parents should head first to the protected Parents’ Area, where they will find a link to download an extensive guide to the music, composers, and notation found within the app. This will prepare them to add value to their children’s experience as they play. Be sure to use the app together at least some of the time, and chat with your child about what they are seeing and hearing.
The app is completely non-verbal, so even the very young or special needs students will enjoy it. It’s designed for free play and exploration. Simply swipe to the left or right and the title character will take off on an unparalleled musical adventure. Tap nearly any creature or “plant,” and the app will open one of dozens of interactive or video-based activities featuring different instruments, compositions, or interactive scenes. Kids will see and hear trumpets, flutes, stringed instruments, pianos and more as they watch the animations. Everything is soothing and designed to be a pleasing experience.
Entertainment
There’s a lot to explore in this app, so children will be able to play for hours. The colorful animations are sure to be kid-pleasers, too, ranging from dancing swans to a curious monkey and a delightful animal parade. There is a variety of types of music, including selections from Bach, Mozart, and Tchaikovsky. Interactive activities include tracing treble and bass clefs, inventing rhythms with percussion instruments, playing a virtual piano, and more. On the whole, it’s easily as engaging as it is educational.
Value
This app costs $2.99 in the App Store. While it may seem pricy at first glance, it is definitely well worth the money. The whole family can learn and play together, and the benefits are immeasurable, particularly for toddlers, preschoolers, and young children. The Parents’ Guide contains a wealth of information to share, and the app invites families to play together.
Child Friendliness
This app is very child-friendly.
- Protected parent area (can contain external links & rating request)
- NO social media
- NO 3rd party ads
- NO in-app purchase
