Should you use a music stand vs. iPad stand to perform music? Consider the pros and cons of each option to decide which meets your needs.
And you can always go back and forth based on the gig. So don’t feel like you have to go with one or the other in every situation.
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Why Use a Music Stand
When you’re practicing or performing, you’re probably using a music stand. And there are a few good reasons to continue to do so.
More Traditional
Especially in a performance setting, a music stand looks really nice. You and your colleagues can all look more uniform on the stage.
That can help minimize visual distractions and keep your audience more engaged in your performance. And it doesn’t matter what your music looks like behind the stand.
All the audience sees is the back of your music stands. So in traditional performance settings, like orchestras, this comes in handy.
Can Hold Extras
Another benefit of using a music stand vs. iPad stand is that the music stand has space for things. I’ve kept things like my piccolo swab on the desk by my music.
Some musicians even have special trays that hook onto their stands. That gives you a place for accessories without getting in the way of your sheet music.
You can hold anything from your phone to a copy of the program on your stand. It’s a nice feature that no iPad stand offers.
Nice and Sturdy
You probably started with a folding wire music stand. But as you got more serious, maybe you were lucky enough to get a more durable stand.
I have a great music stand that I’ve used for the past six plus years. It’s super nice, and the legs fold up when I need to take it somewhere.
Sometimes, you don’t even need to bring a music stand. But the stand you get to use is going to be a more traditional stand that won’t topple over if you add more than a couple of pages to it.
More Affordable
You can spend a pretty penny on a nice music stand. But more iPad stands tend to cost more than many traditional music stands out there.
So if you’re tight on cash, you may want to get a traditional stand. Plus, you can use the stand for more things.
I’ve used mine to hold my laptop or iPad when watching videos or shows.
Why Use an iPad Stand
If you use an iPad for sheet music, you also have the option of using an iPad stand. I’ve used one for a little over a year, and I’ve found it offers a few benefits.
Folds Up Small
Most iPad stands fold up super compact. My first iPad stand fit in a little carrying bag, similar to those you get with wire music stands.
I’ve since upgraded to one that’s a bit larger. But it’s still much more compact than my traditional music stand, which makes it perfect for traveling to gigs.
I used it when I had to perform in a large mall this past weekend. Instead of carrying my big music stand through the mall, I only had to bring my gig bag.
Less Weight to Carry
Whether you put it in your gig bag or carry it separately, the tablet stand wins in a weight competition between an iPad stand vs. music stand.
That can be super nice if you have to bring multiple instruments to your next performance. You don’t have to worry about breaking your back.
Sure, it can still be a bit heavy. However, it’s not as bad as having to carry most traditional music stands.
Easy to Set Up
With both iPad stands I’ve used, I’ve had to connect the iPad holder to the stand’s tripod base. Still, that’s only one step, and it’s quick and easy.
Then, I can place the iPad in the holder, and I’m ready to go. It’s not as complicated as you might expect to put the stand together.
So if you have little time to set things up or take things down, you can still use an iPad stand. You don’t have to resolve yourself to bringing a bulky music stand.
Engage Your Audience
Since an iPad stand is smaller than a music stand, there’s less of a barrier between you and the audience. Sure, that can seem scary, especially if you get performance anxiety.
However, it means you can engage more with the people watching you play music. You don’t have to memorize the music to have that engagement.
And you can place your iPad stand at an angle that doesn’t completely block you off. That way, you and your audience can enjoy the concert a little more.
Final Thoughts
If you want to cut down on weight, consider a music stand vs. iPad stand. Traditional stands are great, but they can be bulky and block you from your audience.
Consider switching to an iPad stand. And to do that, you’ll want to download forScore and More to learn everything you need to know about digital sheet music.
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