Best Chart Reading Apps For Mac & Android

When it comes to reading music charts, there are a variety of apps available on both Mac and Android platforms that can make the process easier and more efficient. These apps can be particularly useful for musicians who need to quickly access and read sheet music, chord charts, or lead sheets on the go. In this article, we will explore some of the best apps for reading music charts on both Mac and Android platforms, including iReal Pro, forScore, OnSong, and more.

iReal Pro

iReal Pro is one of the most popular apps for reading music charts on both Mac and Android platforms. The app allows you to create, edit, and share chord charts and lead sheets, as well as access a vast library of charts that have been shared by other users. One of the standout features of iReal Pro is its ability to generate backing tracks that can be customized to fit the specific chords and tempo of your chart. The app also includes a practice mode that allows you to loop sections of a song and slow down the tempo for easier practice.

iReal Pro is available on both Mac and Android platforms and can be purchased for $13.99 on the App Store and Google Play Store.

forScore

forScore is another popular app for reading music charts on Mac and iOS platforms. The app allows you to import and organize sheet music, chord charts, and lead sheets, as well as annotate and mark up your charts using a variety of tools, including highlighters, pens, and stamps. forScore also includes a number of performance features, including the ability to link audio recordings to your charts and create setlists for live performances.

forScore is available on the App Store for $14.99.

OnSong

OnSong is a powerful app for reading music charts on both Mac and Android platforms. The app allows you to import and organize chord charts, lead sheets, and sheet music, as well as create and edit your own charts using a variety of tools. OnSong also includes a number of performance features, including the ability to display lyrics and chords on a teleprompter, integrate with external MIDI devices, and create and manage setlists.

OnSong is available on both Mac and Android platforms and can be purchased for $29.99 on the App Store and Google Play Store.

unReal Book

unReal Book is another popular app for reading music charts on Mac and iOS platforms. The app allows you to import and organize sheet music, chord charts, and lead sheets, as well as annotate and mark up your charts using a variety of tools, including highlighters, pens, and stamps. unReal Book also includes a number of performance features, including the ability to link audio recordings to your charts and create setlists for live performances.

unReal Book is available on the App Store for $5.99.

MusicReader

MusicReader is a powerful app for reading music charts on both Mac and Windows platforms. The app allows you to import and organize sheet music, chord charts, and lead sheets, as well as annotate and mark up your charts using a variety of tools, including highlighters, pens, and stamps. MusicReader also includes a number of performance features, including the ability to link audio recordings to your charts, create setlists, and control your music with a foot pedal.

MusicReader is available for $79.00 on the developer's website.

Tablets for Reading Music Charts

When it comes to selecting a tablet for reading music charts, there are a few key features to consider. Firstly, the size of the tablet is important, as you will want a screen that is big enough that you can see what you're reading.

Screen Size: One of the most important considerations when selecting a tablet for reading music charts is the screen size. The larger the screen, the more easily you will be able to view your charts and notations. A tablet with a screen size of at least 10 inches is recommended for this purpose.

Resolution: Another important consideration is the resolution of the screen. A higher resolution will provide greater detail and clarity, making it easier to read music notation. Look for tablets with a resolution of at least 1080p or higher.

Battery Life: If you plan to use your tablet for extended periods of time while performing or practicing, battery life is an important consideration. Look for tablets with long battery life that can sustain heavy use for several hours at a time.

Processing Power: Finally, you will want to select a tablet with sufficient processing power to handle the demands of running music notation software. Look for tablets with a fast processor and sufficient RAM to ensure smooth operation.

Here are some recommended tablets for reading music charts:

1. Apple iPad Pro: The iPad Pro is one of the most popular tablets for musicians, thanks to its large, high-resolution display and powerful processing capabilities. The tablet comes in two sizes - 11 inches and 12.9 inches - and features an A12Z Bionic chip, which provides excellent performance. The iPad Pro is available on Amazon starting at around $799.

2. Samsung Galaxy Tab S7: The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 is a high-end Android tablet that features a large, high-resolution display and powerful processing capabilities. The tablet comes in two sizes - 11 inches and 12.4 inches - and features a Snapdragon 865+ processor, which provides excellent performance. The Galaxy Tab S7 is available on Amazon starting at around $619.

3. Microsoft Surface Pro 7: The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is a versatile tablet that can be used for a variety of tasks, including reading music charts. The tablet features a 12.3-inch display and is powered by an Intel Core i5 processor, which provides excellent performance. The Surface Pro 7 is available on Amazon starting at around $749.

4. Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro: The Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro is a unique tablet that features a built-in projector, making it a great choice for musicians who need to project their music notation onto a larger screen. The tablet features a 10.1-inch display and is powered by an Intel Atom processor, which provides sufficient performance for reading music charts. The Yoga Tab 3 Pro is available on Amazon starting at around $449.

5. Amazon Fire HD 10: The Amazon Fire HD 10 is an affordable tablet that is great for reading music charts on a budget. The tablet features a 10.1-inch display and is powered by a quad-core processor, which provides sufficient performance for basic music notation tasks. The Fire HD 10 is available on Amazon starting at around $149.

In conclusion, when it comes to selecting an app for reading music charts, iReal Pro, forScore, OnSong, and unReal Book are all great options for both Mac and Android platforms. When selecting a tablet for reading music charts, be sure to consider screen size, resolution, battery life, and processing power. The Apple iPad Pro, Samsung Galaxy Tab S7, Microsoft Surface Pro 7, Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro, and Amazon Fire HD 10 are all great options to consider. Prices for these tablets can vary, so be sure to check online retailers such as Amazon to find the best deal. It's worth noting that while these tablets are great for reading music charts, they can also be used for a wide range of other tasks, such as web browsing, email, and video streaming.

When it comes to selecting a tablet, it's important to find one that meets your specific needs. For example, if you plan to use your tablet primarily for reading music charts, a larger screen size may be more important than other features. On the other hand, if you plan to use your tablet for a variety of tasks, such as work or gaming, processing power may be a higher priority.

It's also important to consider the operating system of your tablet. While there are many great Android tablets available, many musicians prefer the iOS operating system of the iPad, as it offers a more streamlined and intuitive user experience.

In addition to the tablets mentioned above, there are also many other great options available on the market. Some other tablets to consider include the Huawei MatePad Pro, the Google Pixel Slate, and the Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet. These tablets all offer large, high-resolution displays and powerful processing capabilities, making them great choices for reading music charts.

Ultimately, the best tablet for reading music charts will depend on your specific needs and budget. Be sure to do your research and read reviews from other musicians to find the tablet that is right for you. Additionally, when shopping for a tablet, be sure to check online retailers such as Amazon for the best prices and deals. With the right tablet and app combination, you can easily read and annotate music charts, making it easier than ever to stay organized and prepared for your next performance or practice session.