Hello everyone,
I would like to introduce TradMate, a free app for iOS and Android combining a tune library, set building, notation and automatically generated accompaniment.
Tunes, sets and setlists
TradMate includes over 20,000 tunes from thesession.org, with multiple settings for many tunes. Save your preferred versions, arrange them into sets, and combine sets into longer setlists, with your own tempos, repeats and tune order.
Humanised accompaniment
Accompaniment is generated entirely on your device from ABC notation, following rules specific to each dance type and instrument. Piano, guitar, fiddle, button accordion and bodhrán, plus an optional whistle melody, have their own rhythmic patterns, ornaments and playing techniques.
Choose your instruments, balance their levels and stereo positions, and adjust dynamics, ornamentation, harmonic richness and ensemble density. Fiddle and accordion can follow the melody or take supporting roles. Each newly generated performance can introduce different ornaments and expressive details, giving some variety while maintaining a dependable pulse for practice.
Notation, sharing and export
Practice with staff notation, ABC or numbered notation, with highlighting and automatic scrolling. Double-tap a bar to start there, adjust the tempo, or use the count-in and metronome. You can also transpose a tune within a set without changing its original library setting.
Import your own ABC, share sets and setlists, generate an ensemble score PDF for a set, or export a tune or set as MP3 with your chosen accompaniment.
Player Mode
Use TradMate as a music player, with a queue of tunes, sets and setlists, plus repeat and shuffle options. The library, notation and generated playback work offline. Further settings include instrument EQ, reverb and dance-specific default tempos.
Free downloads
Version 1.0.0 is officially available on the App Store. Android is available as a direct APK download. Both are free.
Help with Google Play testing
I would also appreciate help completing Google Play’s testing requirements:
- Join the Galeon App Testers group.
- With the same Google account, join the TradMate test.
- Install through Google Play, remain opted in, and try the app during the testing period.
Feedback is welcome, especially on chord choices, rhythmic feel, ornaments and tune transitions. A tune name, setting and bar number would be particularly useful.
Many thanks to Jeremy and The Session’s contributors, and to the creators of the libraries and instrument samples used.
Thank you for trying it!