Happy New Year from the OnSong team! We have been very busy in the previous year getting the new company started and making OnSong even more robust. We are very sorry we have neglected our blog, but want to change that this year. We are going to do our best to blog more about how OnSong is being used, new features, and How To's for the 2013 year. If there is something in particular you would like us to blog about, for example how to backup your library, please let us know and we will do our best.
To kick 2013 off, we are going to share a review of OnSong from a teacher's standpoint. Steve Lai @sly111 was kind enough to do a review and share his experience and perspective of OnSong. Steve has some other very interesting reviews for the teaching minded, so feel free to also check out some of his other reviews.
http://teachingwithipad.org/2013/01/04/app-31-onsong-a-music-teachers-must-have-app-promo-codes-available/
Friday, January 4, 2013
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
OnSong 1.962 Now Available!
We have released OnSong 1.962 just in time for Christmas. What's new? Well, we've updated the Dropbox integration, improved the metronome accuracy and made enhancements to the song editor as well. There are lots of other great additions too!
Please remember, if you are planning to play over the holidays, make sure you update when you have ample time to practice with the new version.
Please remember, if you are planning to play over the holidays, make sure you update when you have ample time to practice with the new version.
Release Notes
OnSong 1.962 was released on 12/19/2012. It improves upon OnSong 1.961 in the following ways:Fixes
- Fixed an issue where the Notation Chords setting and Chord Position settings were conflicting, causing chords to be placed inline incorrectly.
- Fixed an issue where tabs are not applied correctly without setting tab spaces first.
- Fixed an issue where the conversion toolbar in the song editor would not appear if opened in the portrait orientation.
- Fixed an issue where Settings » Live Bar Options » Stop Triggered Event would not stop audio or metronome when autoscroll completed.
- Fixed an issue where the toolbar and "+" button would disappear when using the set list menu.
- Fixed an issue with saving files from Dropbox where files are not overwritten. This was caused by a change in the Dropbox API.
- Fixed an issue that caused a crash when listing files via FTP in iOS 6.
- Fixed an issue where visual metronome colors where not being applied due to default settings.
- Fixed the metronome to make it more accurate by removing the "fast click" when starting the metronome from scratch.
- Fixed an issue with the metronome where tapping on the "start" button would not immediately start the metronome due to a gesture conflict. This caused iOS to wait to determine the type of gesture being requested.
- Fixed an issue where the metronome button icon would return to the "Start" position.
- Fixed an issue where the toolbar in the list of sets menu would disappear when accessing Edit » "Add Set to Folder" or "Add Songs to Book" is selected and then returned.
- Fixed an issue where the autoscroll would stop upon rotation.
- Fixed threading issues that improves metronome accuracy.
- Fixed an issue where OnSong would place chords in square brackets when on a line by itself in the song editor while using the chord picker.
- Fixed an issue with Dropbox integration where signing in when accessing the synchronization screen would cause nothing to appear, requiring the user to back out of sync and go back in.
- Fixed an issue where when added a new chord definition in the tablature editor, the chord would not be displayed on the list on the left.
- Fixed an issue with the chord picker when using it on the iPhone/iPod touch that caused the chord builder to interfere with the chord buttons.
- Fixed an issue where the chord builder would not display properly on the iPhone/iPod touch.
- Fixed some crashes that occur when applying styles to all versions when there are no versions.
- Fixed an issue where certain external files would not appear when in low light mode due to transparency.
- Fixed an issue where completing synchronization would cause songs with the same name to be removed.
- Fixed a crash condition that prevented OnSong from opening on iOS 4.3.
Changes
- Changed to the new Dropbox API and authentication process.
- Changed the metronome settings to create an Audio Settings panel.
- Changed the undo function in the song editor to allow Undo or Redo selection, also offering a level of protection against accidental undo.
- Changed the chord picker/builder for the iPhone version to display chord buttons first and an "+" to build a new chord.
- Changed the version number to properly use OnSong 1.962.
- Changed the way the chord picker works on the iPad so that chord buttons are viewed first, and then tapping "+" allows you to create a new chord.
- Changed all import screens so they return the user to the "All Songs" list instead of the Add Song menu.
- Changed how the metronome live bar button works. It will now start as soon as you tap the button (before there was a slight delay because it's listening for a long press gesture) This means that if you press and hold to open the metronome, the metronome will start playing before the menu is opened.
- Changed how the remove duplicates function works to take into account the artist name.
Added
- Added the ability to change the page scroll position and section using MIDI controls.
- Added the ability to place chord diagrams at the top of the chord chart (under metadata). You can change this at Settings » Instrument Settings » Tablature Position.
- Added the ability to use spellcheck and autocapitalize in the song editor. You can change this in Settings » Editor Options » Autocapitalize and Autocorrect Spelling.
- Added the ability to turn off song information, artist name and copyright from lyrics projection.
- Added the ability to force an enharmonic preference (aka force sharp/flat). This can be set in Settings » Instrument Settings » Force Enharmonic Preference.
- Added the ability to pan the metronome to the left or right. To set the panning at Settings » Metronome » Pan.
- Added alphabetic index to the artist list.
- Added a "play/stop" button in the menu to all previewing of the metronome.
- Added the ability to set sensitivity on the foot pedal so that accidental or redundant foot pedal presses are ignored. This is adjustable under Settings » Foot Pedal Options » Pedal Setup » Sensitivity.
Updated
- Updated translation files for the new words and phrases.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
OnSong: A Tool for Healing
When we were answering our support emails we ran across something that peaked our interest and we wanted to learn more. Melissa is a Music Therapist-Board Certified and we wanted to know what a Music Therapist does and how she was using OnSong, so we asked. Her response and explanation moved us and we wanted to share her story and profession. We would like to thank Melissa for sharing with us and hope that her story moves you as much as it has moved us.
I'm a contract music therapist, so I work in a lot of different settings, but mostly with children with disabilities or adults with brain injury/stroke.
With the adults, I may sing familiar songs with them to regain speech, or play instruments to familiar songs to regain control of an arm. The age range can be from 20 to 90, so songs familiar to each person are totally different. These guys are constantly requesting new songs, from Elvis to Kid Rock, from BB King to Nickelback, from Johnny Cash to Sugarland, and so on. There's no way one person can memorize all of that. I used to keep a binder of songs I knew, but OnSong is so much lighter and easier. If I need to change something, I can do it on the spot. I can add new songs quickly. I can change keys without having to transpose in my head (especially with songs that have a lot of different chords). I don't have to pause for long songs like American Pie to turn a page. I can look up songs by name, by artist, by genre (I have my books set up in genres like classic rock, country, pop, oldies, etc.) depending on what the client is able to tell me about what they like. I will never have to buy another fake book... ever! This is the biggest, bestest one! :)
I'm just starting to use it with the children because I've only had my iPad about a month, and I'm still exploring what the possiblities are. Yesterday I was working with a child with autism who is having difficulty learning to read. I've been using song lyric puzzles to encourage reading and expand her reading vocabulary, but I was limited by the visual aids I had prepared and with me. If I had a spontaneous idea, I had to wait until the next week to try it. This happened yesterday but I had my iPad, and the song I thought of was in OnSong. In seconds I had the song to sing for her, then could show her the lyrics and have her read them back to me. I could zoom into certain words if she got lost or had trouble. When I asked her questions about the lyrics to test comprehension, I could enlarge the answer if she needed help finding it. I have several children I can do this same activity with, and the variety of songs I can use for their reading skills is no longer limited to what I have time to make visual aids for. The visual aid is right there with the song, and the songs I have quick access to is limitless. I can't wait to try this with the other kids!
In the past I've given adapted guitar lessons to kids with disabilities, and I could see using OnSong as a tool with that, and an easy way to email/send/print copies for the kids to take home to practice.
Melissa
Music Therapist-Board Certified
I'm a contract music therapist, so I work in a lot of different settings, but mostly with children with disabilities or adults with brain injury/stroke.
With the adults, I may sing familiar songs with them to regain speech, or play instruments to familiar songs to regain control of an arm. The age range can be from 20 to 90, so songs familiar to each person are totally different. These guys are constantly requesting new songs, from Elvis to Kid Rock, from BB King to Nickelback, from Johnny Cash to Sugarland, and so on. There's no way one person can memorize all of that. I used to keep a binder of songs I knew, but OnSong is so much lighter and easier. If I need to change something, I can do it on the spot. I can add new songs quickly. I can change keys without having to transpose in my head (especially with songs that have a lot of different chords). I don't have to pause for long songs like American Pie to turn a page. I can look up songs by name, by artist, by genre (I have my books set up in genres like classic rock, country, pop, oldies, etc.) depending on what the client is able to tell me about what they like. I will never have to buy another fake book... ever! This is the biggest, bestest one! :)
I'm just starting to use it with the children because I've only had my iPad about a month, and I'm still exploring what the possiblities are. Yesterday I was working with a child with autism who is having difficulty learning to read. I've been using song lyric puzzles to encourage reading and expand her reading vocabulary, but I was limited by the visual aids I had prepared and with me. If I had a spontaneous idea, I had to wait until the next week to try it. This happened yesterday but I had my iPad, and the song I thought of was in OnSong. In seconds I had the song to sing for her, then could show her the lyrics and have her read them back to me. I could zoom into certain words if she got lost or had trouble. When I asked her questions about the lyrics to test comprehension, I could enlarge the answer if she needed help finding it. I have several children I can do this same activity with, and the variety of songs I can use for their reading skills is no longer limited to what I have time to make visual aids for. The visual aid is right there with the song, and the songs I have quick access to is limitless. I can't wait to try this with the other kids!
In the past I've given adapted guitar lessons to kids with disabilities, and I could see using OnSong as a tool with that, and an easy way to email/send/print copies for the kids to take home to practice.
Melissa
Music Therapist-Board Certified
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
One iPad, 5 Musicians, No Problem! #COTF2011
OnSong is being used on many stages in various ways. We wanted to highlight one of our OnSong users and allow them to tell you how they were able to drive four VGA monitors off of one iPad. This allowed them to provide chord sheets to almost all of their worship team. Of course those poor drummers, are always left out in the cold...
My name is Rob Shillito. Our band consisted of keyboard player, electric guitar, bass, drums, two backing vocals and me leading worship on lead vocals and acoustic guitar. The original plan was five monitors so everyone could have their own VGA screen with myself sharing the iPad with one backing singer.
We hired in a VGA distribution amp and when it arrived it only had four outputs so we got rid of the drummers VGA which was a shame but it was the least vital. I sourced some VESA mounts for the VGA screens which terminated into a mic stand screw thread, like on a standard mic clip. All the screens were mounted on mic stands which were then duck taped to the stage for extra sturdiness. The VESA mount is square so we were able to mount the screens rotated 90 degrees and then use the rotate function in OnSong. We used the built in output function rather than the hd mirroring so that when a search or transpose was being done it didn't obscure the chords on the VGA screens.
The backing vocalist found it really easy to navigate and search for songs, since we did quite a few unplanned songs, they were able to transpose into the current key to keep the flow going.
Church On The Farm is an event hosted by The City Church Canterbury for the Newfrontiers churches in the region, and was in it's third year this year. I head up the worship team for the church and led three of the sessions and Geoff one of my core team lead the other two.
The event was a great success! There were testimonies of healing, fresh vision for church planting, and reaching the lost being stirred in people. There is a strong emphasis on both solid bible teaching and experiencing God in worship as The Holy Spirit stirs us to praise Jesus.
Rob
We hired in a VGA distribution amp and when it arrived it only had four outputs so we got rid of the drummers VGA which was a shame but it was the least vital. I sourced some VESA mounts for the VGA screens which terminated into a mic stand screw thread, like on a standard mic clip. All the screens were mounted on mic stands which were then duck taped to the stage for extra sturdiness. The VESA mount is square so we were able to mount the screens rotated 90 degrees and then use the rotate function in OnSong. We used the built in output function rather than the hd mirroring so that when a search or transpose was being done it didn't obscure the chords on the VGA screens.
The backing vocalist found it really easy to navigate and search for songs, since we did quite a few unplanned songs, they were able to transpose into the current key to keep the flow going.
Church On The Farm is an event hosted by The City Church Canterbury for the Newfrontiers churches in the region, and was in it's third year this year. I head up the worship team for the church and led three of the sessions and Geoff one of my core team lead the other two.
The event was a great success! There were testimonies of healing, fresh vision for church planting, and reaching the lost being stirred in people. There is a strong emphasis on both solid bible teaching and experiencing God in worship as The Holy Spirit stirs us to praise Jesus.
Rob
It is amazing to see how God has moved in other peoples lives and how OnSong is being used as a tool too worship our Father. I want to thank Rob for providing us with this blog and pictures.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Version 1.71 Is Free for a Limited Time
I just found out today around 4:00 AM that my young friend from South Africa has obtained her F1 education visa!!! This has been an answer to prayer and a work in progress over the last few months. I can't express the amount of divine timing and provision that was required to make this feat possible.
I want to pause and give God glory for what has happened today. I also want to thank everyone who's prayers were with us as we attempted to change this young girl's life. Throughout the whole process we heard phrases like "this has never been done before". I love hearing that. It urges me to keep doing exactly that which has been implanted in my being.
As a way of showing my gratitude, I'm giving away OnSong for FREE from now until she arrives sometime on February 4th. Please do your part and spread the word that miracles do happen and lives can be changed. You can also mention that OnSong is FREE.
Please keep my wife and I in your prayers as we make preparations to bring this teenager into our home. We have just moved into a larger house last weekend and are still unpacking, reassembling and arranging furniture. We are also going to be drastically altering our lifestyle now with a baby boy and teen daughter. So we can use all the prayer and support you can offer.
I want to pause and give God glory for what has happened today. I also want to thank everyone who's prayers were with us as we attempted to change this young girl's life. Throughout the whole process we heard phrases like "this has never been done before". I love hearing that. It urges me to keep doing exactly that which has been implanted in my being.
As a way of showing my gratitude, I'm giving away OnSong for FREE from now until she arrives sometime on February 4th. Please do your part and spread the word that miracles do happen and lives can be changed. You can also mention that OnSong is FREE.
Please keep my wife and I in your prayers as we make preparations to bring this teenager into our home. We have just moved into a larger house last weekend and are still unpacking, reassembling and arranging furniture. We are also going to be drastically altering our lifestyle now with a baby boy and teen daughter. So we can use all the prayer and support you can offer.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Version 1.7 Coming Soon
I hope you are all having a wonderful holiday season! Things have been quite busy here at OnSong as you can imagine. November was a rough month as I moved to support iOS 4.2 including features like multitasking and printing. Because of some mistakes I made, and some delays on Apple's launch of iOS 4.2, I had to remove the app from the app store for a time. But after a few days, we were back up and running with OnSong 1.6. Thank you to everyone for your patience as I got things worked out.
OnSong 1.6 had to launch without sufficient testing so I'm working hard at wrapping up version 1.7 as soon as possible. It has just gone to my beta team who are dedicated, hard working musicians from all walks of life. I'm confident they will put this version through it's paces. I believe together we will create something amazing to continue to help musicians everywhere go paperless and get organized!
I can tell you that OnSong if going to be under active development for a while! So far I have 200+ feature requests just waiting to make their way into the next version. I'm trying to make some more time for OnSong in my busy schedule so that I can continue to break new ground in this arena. I'm happy to report the following features coming in version 1.7!
OnSong 1.6 had to launch without sufficient testing so I'm working hard at wrapping up version 1.7 as soon as possible. It has just gone to my beta team who are dedicated, hard working musicians from all walks of life. I'm confident they will put this version through it's paces. I believe together we will create something amazing to continue to help musicians everywhere go paperless and get organized!
I can tell you that OnSong if going to be under active development for a while! So far I have 200+ feature requests just waiting to make their way into the next version. I'm trying to make some more time for OnSong in my busy schedule so that I can continue to break new ground in this arena. I'm happy to report the following features coming in version 1.7!
- Universal app for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch
- More robust Dropbox and MobileMe support
- Support for the AirTurn BT-105 pedal
- Updates to fix scrolling and multitasking issues
- Better chord and lyrics rendering
- Custom flow control of songs (V1 C V2 C C, etc)
- Built-in database management tools
- Improved importing of songs
So stay tuned for more!
Since this is going to be a universal binary, I will probably make it available for free for a time, allowing you to upgrade to the universal version from the standard iPad and iPhone versions. I'm hoping to make this consolidation as seamless as possible for everyone since I'd love for you to be able to use it on any device. Drop me a line if you have any ideas of how you'd like that to happen!
Monday, November 29, 2010
AirTurn Support Coming Soon!
Today I finally received my BT-105 AirTurn module and pedals. Within a few minutes I have support built into OnSong 1.7! This is a great step forward for OnSong since you can now remove the USB cable and use the dock connector for external video out! It's a great product!
OnSong 1.7 is still under continued development but I'm hoping to make a release soon. So what's coming in this update? Check out some of the features:
OnSong 1.7 is still under continued development but I'm hoping to make a release soon. So what's coming in this update? Check out some of the features:
- OnSong is now a universal app that can be used with iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch
- AirTurn BT-105 support
- Added database tools like deduplication
- The ability to rename books
- Better import performance
- Ability to mirror the navigation
- Fixed the "Maj7" insert chord bug
- Added the ability to create bars with chords inline
- Added an improved ability to convert text files to OnSong
I'm hoping to release this to the beta team soon and get it out to all of you as soon as possible!
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