Tool: Basic Pitch
My colleague Rachel Nicastro sent me a link last night to a new tool from Spotify called Basic Pitch. VERY cool tool that you should bookmark today.
Basic Pitch is an Audio-to-MIDI converter that detects the notes being played in an audio recording and then converts it to a MIDI file (.mid). Once in that format, you can edit the audio in any DAW, like Soundtrap, by changing the patch (instrument), key, tempo, and more. You can also import the MIDI file into your favorite notation program, like Noteflight Learn or Flat for Education.
What makes Basic Pitch different than other Audio-to-MIDI converters that I have seen is that it can actually convert ANY monophonic audio (recorded or imported) such as a clarinet, voice, guitar or trumpet - rather than just a piano (which what many of these programs prefer).
Basic Pitch also has a very convenient Record button which allows users to use their built-in microphones or audio interface to record their audio directly into the browser, and then Basic Pitch converts it.
Once you have recorded your audio, Basic Pitch concerts it and then displays it in a MIDI editor. From there you can download it as a MIDI file to use with a DAW or notation program. None of the audio you record is stored by the tool.
There are numerous curricular integration strategies that you can use with this.
In my opinion, it is the easiest way to get students inputing their own music into a DAW - especially those students who may lack the keyboard skills that are necessary with most DAWs. Instead of simply using their recorded audio, students can write melodies for ANY instrument using their voice or chosen instrument. Super cool.
Another strategy would be to have your ensemble students record music from their concert repertoire and then have them remix it in a DAW with loops and beats. Students could record multiple lines of the repertoire with other students to make interesting combinations. Take the 2nd viola or French Horn part and come up with a brand new piece.
Finally, students who love to improvise can record their improvisations and convert them to MIDI to use in a notation program. Transcribing jazz solos is a time-honored tradition, and Basic Pitch makes it a whole lot easier! The possibilities for use of this tool in creative projects is pretty limitless.
Basic Pitch is totally FREE and I would strongly recommend checking it out with your students. Enjoy!