Tips for Using an iPad
As with any device, there are always tips for using it efficiently and with a minimum of problems. The iPad is no different.
- Always shut down other programs, especially when the foot pedal is attached. Running other apps in the background can REALLY slow down page turns.
- Know how to access your Bluetooth settings if your wireless foot pedal appears not to be working.
- Be aware that playing in direct sunlight may cause the iPad to overheat and it WILL shut itself down in the middle of a gig. Play in the shade when you can and bring an insulated cover for your iPad to use when you have breaks in performing.
- A plastic bag the size of the iPad works well to protect it in the rain and you can even turn pages through the plastic.
- Horizontal view makes for bigger music, but half-page turns sometimes repeat lines of music unexpectedly.
- If you crop your music when you scan it into a PDF or use the "Cropping" feature in forScore, you can cut off the white margins on your music and make the staves and notes larger on your screen.
- If you want to make a note using the online keyboard in another program (to note someone’s phone number, for instance, for a future gig), make sure you know how to force-start the keyboard when using a Bluetooth foot pedal.
- Alice uses a Peterson TP-3 Clip-On Tuner Pickup (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/peterson-tp-3-clip-on-tuner-pickup) with her harps because the iPad internal microphone is really good at picking up the tones from air conditioning and other “hums” in the room in addition to harp strings.
- If you want to use a Clip-On Tuner Pickup with your iPad and your harp, you will need to buy a cable adapter (one with a 1/8th-inch male plug and a 1/4-inch female plug) – check with music stores that sell amplification equipment).
- The Airturn BT-105 Hands Free Page Turner with Foot Pedals is a good wireless page turner (http://www.airturn.com/)
- The Peak Music Stands (http://www.peakmusicstands.com/) work well with iPads.