Reykjavík Grapevine - 21.06.2019, Blaðsíða 12

Mussila Music School is a new music
learning app for children. Developed
right here in Iceland, it makes learning
music more approachable for children,
by introducing them to music basics
like instruments, rhythm, composi-
tion and more in the form of fun and
engaging games.
The app has been enjoying noticeable
success of late, having been named as
the Apple App Store’s “App of the Day”
in 32 countries. It currently boasts a 4.6
(out of five) rating in the US Apple App
Store, so we sought to learn more about
how it came to be.
A joyful approach
Margrét Júlíana Sigurðardóttir and
Hilmar Þór Birgisson—a Royal Acad-
emy-trained musician, and a computer
engineer and game enthusiast, respec-
tively—began to develop the app in
2015 with funding from the Icelandic
Technology Fund and the Nordic Game
Institute. The pair have infused a little
Iceland into the visuals, including
nordic imagery, glaciers and volcanoes.
Together, they assembled a team
with the goal, according to chief
marketing officer Jón Gunnar Þórðar-
son, “to make digital music education
using gaming and a joyful approach.
Mussila believes in music being part
of our everyday lives, and that music
education should be available for every-
one.”
“Mussila Music School teaches
kids music through gaming and joyful
exercises, and through classical music
courses that keep kids motivated to
learn more,” Jón continues. “At the end
of each session, the student will be able
to play a song and know the theory
basics behind it.”
From beats to composition
According to Jón, the primary goal of
the app is to make music learning fun
for kids by combining traditional music
theory with modern technology. The
students travel through a colourful
environment learning skills and theory,
starting with music basics such as an
introduction to the different classi-
cal instruments, all the way to more
complex ventures, like reading sheet
music and trying their hand at compo-
sition.
Margrét noted that research suggests
that musical education may help chil-
dren learn in many other subjects. She
believes many people regret ending
musical education and that they did it
because of the way it has been taught
in the past. However, the developers
understand that parents are concerned
about how much time their children
spend using screens, and hope the app
acts as a primer and a jumping off point
into playing real instruments.
Iceland’s Fishy Tech
Track-Record
Despite app stores being crowded and
competitive marketplaces, Mussila
has been spotlighted in 32 markets;
an impressive milestone that Margrét
takes to heart. “This is one of the most
significant stamps of approval that an
app developer can get,” she says. “It’s
something big companies that dream
of; this recognition is based on value
and not advertising money.”
However, the company is still a busi-
ness, and money matters. Other high
profile Icelandic tech startups have had
early international success, but failed to
build on their momentum in the long
term. The recently-bought-out CCP
Games has survived on the longevity
of its flagship MMO game, EVE Online,
but fell flat when attempting to develop
new projects. Another popular game
app, QuizUp, overreached after early
success, and ultimately folded after
failing to build on their innovation.
If Mussila can avoid the pitfalls of its
predecessors, it could signal a new
direction for the Icelandic tech and
gaming industry.
Learn As You Listen
The Mussila Music School app takes off
Words: Kolbeinn Arnaldur Dalrymple Photos: Art Bicnick
Margrét Júlíana Sigurðardóttir introducing Mussila
12 The Reykjavík Grapevine
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App
Download Musilla
in the Android and
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