
If any member of the collaboration has a Premium membership, it allows for up to 10 minutes of recording. The free version of the app has a limit of 60 seconds, which may only be useful for small sections of pieces.

While Acapella has a plethora of useful functions, it does have some limitations.

The app also has a built-in equalizer tool and some basic mixing and editing capabilities. Acapella natively allows the user to utilize audio files from their device as a click track or simply perform with a metronome. The app allows for up to 9 instruments, parts, or musicians. This means that it can be utilized as a tool for individual student projects or collaborative projects for groups. The app is an all-in-one virtual choir app that allows for the creation of multi-track performances. Numerous videos from this app have circulated social media throughout the years, highlighting the creativity of individuals or small groups. The Acapella app, created by PicPlayPost, is a ubiquitous fixture in the music community.

While none of these solutions will ever serve as a true replacement to in-person group singing, they can provide engaging and unique opportunities for your a cappella ensemble. While a number of viable pedagogical solutions exist for solo instruction online, how can we, as directors, create meaningful performances and public-facing products without the use of concerts? Luckily, the coronavirus has spurred the creation and popularity of a number of apps, programs, and solutions for directors looking to still incorporate some form of group singing in their curriculum, as well as prepare digital products for audiences, family members, and community supporters. Many school districts have canceled live performances and moved group music education courses online. Suddenly, group singing and public performances are risks. COVID-19 has presented an unprecedented issue in vocal music education.

Our classrooms are full of laughter, teamwork, and an electric synergy that drives our ensembles to culminating performances. For years, we have designed our curriculum to train students how to be balanced members of a group. If you are the director of a scholastic contemporary vocal ensemble, the start of school this fall is undoubtedly unnerving.
