Customer Reviews (500)

Kitten jolin • 2025-03-19T17:08:54-07:00

This app would definitely be a 5star as it has been helping me with practicing as I am a beginner and am learning so much from it would definitely recommend

Art Shop • 2025-03-16T05:00:40-07:00

Been using this app for several years and only use a tiny portion of it for voice pitch and instrumental pitch. It has helped me in my singing. Been thinking of using the didactic tools. However sometimes it is a bit over my head. I highly recommend if you are musician, don’t waste time with other piano apps. This will suit every need!

kerry*wingeier • 2025-03-10T20:04:51-07:00

I hate it

Summary of Key Insights

TonalEnergy Tuner & Metronome enjoys a very positive overall sentiment, reflected in its high average rating and the dominance of 5-star reviews. Users praise its comprehensive feature set, accuracy, and versatility as a practice tool for musicians of all levels. The app's strengths lie in its all-in-one functionality, customizable metronome, and effective tuner with visual feedback. However, some users encounter bugs, UI/UX issues, and feature requests that need to be addressed. The app's gamified elements, like the smiley face, are also surprisingly popular and motivating.

Quantitative Metrics:

  • Overall Rating: High (based on score distribution)
  • 5-Star Reviews: 77.4% (387/500)
  • 4-Star Reviews: 8.2% (41/500)
  • 3-Star Reviews: 5.8% (29/500)
  • 2-Star Reviews: 2.6% (13/500)
  • 1-Star Reviews: 6% (30/500)

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame: Not specified, but reviews appear to be recent based on mentions of iPhone 15 and recent updates.
  • Analysis Methods: A combination of sentiment analysis (qualitative assessment of positive, negative, and neutral feedback), keyword extraction (identifying frequently mentioned features, issues, and requests), and frequency analysis (quantifying the occurrence of specific themes).

Key User Pain Points

  • Bugs and Crashes: Several users report crashes, freezing, and specific features not working (e.g., polyrhythmic component, metronome sound, recording). This negatively impacts the user experience and reliability.
  • Microphone Issues: Some users, especially on newer iPhones, experience microphone access problems, rendering the tuner unusable.
  • Bluetooth Connectivity Problems: Issues with Bluetooth speaker connectivity and volume control are reported, hindering the app's use in practice settings.
  • UI/UX Clunkiness: The app's extensive features can make it overwhelming and difficult to navigate, especially for new users. Some find the interface "chaotic" or "inscrutable."
  • Inaccurate Tuning (Limited Instances): A few users report inaccurate tuning, particularly with specific instruments or notes.
  • Apple Watch App Issues: Many users report that the Apple Watch app does not work or is simply a remote control for the phone app.
  • Streak/Practice Time Tracking Issues: The practice time tracker and streak counter are reported to be unreliable, erasing progress and not syncing across devices.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Cross-Device Syncing: Syncing practice data and settings across iPhone and iPad is a highly requested feature.
  • Pause Button for Timer: A pause button for the timer in the metronome is desired for short interruptions.
  • Microtone Support: Quarter-tone support and scales are requested for musicians playing music from different cultures.
  • Mac OS Version: A desktop version of the app is requested for use on laptops.
  • Widget for Practice Streak: A home screen widget displaying the practice streak is desired for quick access.
  • Improved Apple Watch App: Taptics and better functionality are desired for the Apple Watch app.
  • Fingering Charts: Inclusion of fingering charts for various instruments is requested.
  • More Metronome Sounds: Additional metronome sounds and click options are requested.
  • Ability to Mute Mic During Analysis: A button to mute the microphone during analysis to prevent background noise from affecting results.
  • Better Instructions/Tutorials: More tutorials and instructions on how to use the app's advanced features are requested.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Comprehensive Feature Set: Users appreciate the all-in-one nature of the app, encompassing a tuner, metronome, recorder, tone generator, and sound analysis tools.
  • Accurate Tuning: The tuner is generally praised for its accuracy and responsiveness, especially for wind and string instruments.
  • Versatile Metronome: The metronome's customization options, including time signatures, subdivisions, and sound choices, are highly valued.
  • Visual Feedback: The smiley face and other visual cues provide positive reinforcement and motivation.
  • Customization Options: The ability to adjust temperament, pitch reference, and other settings is appreciated by advanced users.
  • Recording Capabilities: The audio and video recording features are useful for self-assessment and sharing progress.
  • Drones for Practice: The drone feature is helpful for intonation practice and long tones.
  • Helpful for Beginners: The app is considered beneficial for beginners learning to tune and keep time.
  • Value for Money: Many users believe the app is well worth the price, given its extensive features.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Bug Fixing: Address reported bugs and crashes immediately, focusing on microphone issues on newer iPhones, Bluetooth connectivity problems, and recording issues.
  • Microphone Access Fix: Ensure the app correctly requests microphone access on newer iPhones.
  • Improve Stability: Resolve crashing issues, especially those related to specific features or after updates.
  • UI/UX Improvements: Simplify the user interface, provide better labeling of buttons and functions, and offer tutorials to guide new users.

Medium Priority:

  • Cross-Device Syncing: Implement cross-device syncing for practice data and settings.
  • Apple Watch App Enhancement: Improve the functionality of the Apple Watch app, adding taptics and ensuring it works independently of the phone.
  • Pause Button for Timer: Add a pause button to the metronome timer.
  • More Metronome Sounds: Provide a wider variety of metronome sound options.

Low Priority:

  • Microtone Support: Explore adding microtone support for advanced users.
  • Mac OS Version: Consider developing a desktop version of the app.
  • Fingering Charts: Add fingering charts for various instruments.
  • Year in Review: Add a year in review feature.
  • More Instrument Sounds: Expand the library of instrument sounds.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • AI-Powered Intonation Feedback: Develop an AI-powered feature that provides real-time feedback on intonation, suggesting adjustments to airflow or embouchure, as suggested by one reviewer.
  • Hardware Tuner Integration: Create a standalone hardware tuner with the TonalEnergy app's features, addressing the desire for an analogue version and freeing up the user's phone.
  • Personalized Practice Plans: Integrate AI to generate personalized practice plans based on the user's skill level, instrument, and goals, leveraging the app's data collection capabilities.
  • Social Music Practice Platform: Expand the app into a social platform where users can share recordings, practice data, and receive feedback from other musicians.

Trends and Observations

  • Positive Sentiment: The overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, indicating a high level of user satisfaction.
  • Long-Term Use: Many users have been using the app for several years and continue to find it valuable.
  • Teacher Recommendations: The app is frequently recommended by music teachers, suggesting a strong reputation within the music education community.
  • Gamification Effectiveness: The smiley face and practice streaks are surprisingly effective motivators for users of all ages.
  • Bug Sensitivity: Users are quick to notice and report bugs, highlighting the importance of thorough testing and timely updates.

Conclusion

TonalEnergy Tuner & Metronome is a highly regarded and feature-rich app that provides significant value to musicians. By addressing the identified pain points, prioritizing bug fixes, and implementing requested features, the developers can further enhance the user experience and solidify the app's position as a leading music practice tool. The app's strengths in comprehensive features, accurate tuning, and versatile metronome options, coupled with its motivational elements, make it a valuable asset for musicians of all skill levels. Continued focus on stability, usability, and responsiveness to user feedback will be crucial for maintaining its success.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tonalenergy-tuner-metronome/id497716362?uo=2