Interactive music lessons for children on the iPad and iPhone

Kiboomu is a Montreal-based startup that is bringing children interactive musical experiences through the use of iPad and iPhone applications.

The educational apps aimed at preschoolers, teaches children how to make music while introducing them to new instruments and music notes. And from what Kiboomu tells us, the demand for these types of apps has been overwhelming.

We spoke with Wendy Wiseman, one of the two entrepreneurs behind Kiboomu this afternoon. Wiseman told us that she’s thrilled with the response that Kiboomu has seen so far and shared with us that three of Kiboomu’s apps have been consecutively featured within the “new and noteworthy” sections in both the U.S and Canadian app stores.

The startup consists of two entrepreneur moms who aren’t newcomers to creating products for children. Wiseman was previously involved in the production of children’s CD’s that were distributed across North America in big box retailers such as Walmart. And, after the CD market bottomed out Wiseman noted, the move to mobile applications was a great fit for them.

Kiboomu’s most successful app so far, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, offers children piano lessons on the iPhone and iPad. It gives children various modes to play with including an option that enables children to learn how to play the Twinkle Twinkle song, highlighting both the keys on the virtual piano and the notes on the staff. Within the app, children also have the ability to record and playback their musical performances including the option to sing in the Karaoke mode.

We asked Wiseman how devices like the iPhone and iPad are changing the way children learn. She tells us that by providing children with teaching material on multi-touch devices, it’s more engaging and gives children a hands-on, tactile experience that is not achieved through passive learning through a television.

While smartphones and tablets aren’t considered “children’s toys” they do offer kids an unbelievably engaging experience. If you doubt that statement, load up an interactive children’s book and try handing it to a little one. Watching them play is quite magical.