About theDrumDictionary
For all those who purchased theDrumDictionary in the last few days, thanks, and I hope it will become a valuable tool to you in your practice and learning. I just wanted to write a little bit about why I wrote this app and what I hope for in the future.
When I began the process of developing this app, there were about a billion "play-drums-on-your-iPhone" type apps - you know, the ones with 8 'pads' you can tap on to make sounds - but there was nothing to help drummers who wanted tools to help them learn and practice drums in the real world. As a drummer and teacher looking for an app like that I was actually amazed to find that out of the over 100,000 apps on the store, there really was nothing like what I was looking for. So, I set out to make one myself - a process that ended up taking much more time than I was planning on! The end result was theDrumDictionary, and I'm so glad that others are finding it a useful tool. I hope that it can continue to be your "go-to" app when you sit down to practice the drums.
As for what's coming in the near future, I'm working on integrating a metronome that will let you view the rudiments/beats and play along to the click. I've also begun reworking the navigation structure to allow for the addition of many more beats and styles. One of the most desired features that has been mentioned in reviews is the ability to change tempo. First, let me say I totally agree!! That was one of the functions that I most wanted to implement myself, but from a programming standpoint, it's very difficult. It is definitely in the works however. The key will be providing that functionality while still maintaining the same quality of audio. Also, you might be wondering about support for the upcoming iPad. I'm really excited about this new device, and I think the larger screen will open up all kinds of new possibilities for a practice tool like theDrumDictionary. According to Apple's statements, all iPhone apps currently available will work automatically on the iPad at its launch in the next month or so. theDrumDictionary will also be reworked to take full advantage of the larger screen of the iPad, so keep an eye out for that too. I plan on keeping the app universal, so with one purchase, you'll get an app that will work great on whatever device you own, the interface adapting to each specific device!
As always, I'm eager to hear about any suggestions/requests you might have, and especially hearing about how theDrumDictionary is helping you in your drumming practice and learning. Thanks for reading, and keep on drumming!