Parents' Guide to Shapemix

Why merely listen to music on your iPad when you can remix and share it? Such is the case with SHAPEMIX, a new spin on mixing music that lets you create original tracks by dragging shapes on the screen using your fingertips. For example, in "Rise of the Machines" -– one of the 100 tracks included in this $5 download -- you'll see eight colored circles, each one representing a different instrument (e.g. bass, drums, strings, etc.) or sound effect. Drag the shapes up or down to increase or decrease volume and left or right to hear more in your left or right ear, respectively. If you double-tap a circle you'll open up effects to tweak per track, such as reverb, delay, flanger, and low pass. Plus, you can also view your song by time (color-coded horizontal tracks) opposed to the mix (shapes) view. Before you record your creation, which you'll mix in real time, you'll also be able to add loops, alter the duration of the song, and adjust the beats per minute (BPM). Want to mute the vocals? Extend the guitar solo? It’s all up to you.

Most of the music is dance-related, so if you're not a fan of this kind of music this app isn't for you. On that note, because all the melodies and beats have been preprogrammed, you need not have any musical knowledge or talent whatsoever –- and will likely be impressed with the outcome. When you're done with the mix, you can name it, save it to your tablet, or share it via Shapemix.com or social media. Music lovers who'd like to try their hand at mixing tracks will no doubt enjoy playing around with this fun app.