Chordica developer presses on

Revolutions aren’t easy. Just ask developer Joash Chee.

Joash developed an app called Chordica (iTunes link) that allows musicians to use the iPhone as a useable piano substitute focusing on chords.



Spurnning the piano interface, Joash developed his own. Open Chordica and instead of the usual ebony and ivory keys, you see what looks like a calculator instead.

Despite the unusual interface, the app has gotten some attention from people. According to Joash, he’s made a few thousand dollars from Chordica, which he sells for US$2.99. Not bad considering that he released at the beginning of the year. However, it is has yet to set the music world on fire.

Joash is determined to forge ahead though, and promises to keep improving Chordica.

How do you feel about the reception to Chordica?

I must admit that I had hoped for a more rousing reception upon launch. However, in light of the difficulties I read about from other developers, I am grateful that there have been purchases on a daily basis.

I have identified the probably chief reason why the take-up rate has been less than spectacular — the interface isn't immediately intuitive. Even after seeing what it can possibly do, it remains alien to the average consumer and there's not enough mainstream leverage to tip the finger onto the buy button.

I have given it lots of thought and have decided not to (radically) change the interface to make it more intuitive. I judge that doing so will only compromise what I've set out to do, and that is to revolutionise the way the world plays accompaniment music.

Take the piano as an example. To a person who's totally clueless about playing the piano, it can't be said to be immediately intuitive. However, there is a worldwide acceptance of the piano interface, and I believe that it has been allowed that status due to an initial effort of education and then later the critical mass.

My next step forward is to educate people on the interface and the reasons behind it, which are many but not immediately obvious. I am convinced, however, that once I've been given that opportunity, people will embrace the Chordica as it is.

This is not to say that the Chordica can't be improved. We'll get to that juicy bit next. :)

What new features are you planning for Chordica then?

I have determined that there are a few core features that will need immediate implementation. At this point, I must plead non-disclosure due to my wanting to make a real impression so that when I revise Chordica, it's always a revolutionary step forward so that people gain trust in Scoreless Music (Joash’s company).

I'm working on a sequencer mode. This will allow users to enter in a number sheet and let it run on its own. I initially coined a name for a separate app that does this, called Auto-Chordica, but I've decided against that and will just focus on making Chordica go pro. :)

With every major feature revision, I will probably up the price to reflect the value of the app as I believe it to be. So this should help early adopters feel a sense of reward for supporting the Chordica before it reaches its prime.

Chordica has done well in Japan according to your numbers. Any reason why you’re big in Japan?

I love Japan! Well, I'm thankful that I have a friend who does freelance translations between English and Japanese.

I think if you googled me, you'd probably discover that I was once the chairman of Miyuki Animation Club. That's a whole other story to tell.

What else are you working on beside Chordica?

I've submitted a third app called Chord/Changer that places a handy pocket reference for folks who want to convert alphabet chord sheets into numbers. It's a free app and you can find the links and blurb at http://chordchanger.scorelessmusic.com

My first app, KeyFinder has been updated to version 1.1. It has the ability to play along with the music on your iPod or iPhone, making it a logical choice to find the keys of the songs on your device itself. It also shows the relative minor keys now as a toggle on the Keys Display. These were the two major features that users requested. I've also changed the website so that the blurb page is at http://keyfinder.scorelessmusic.com