Buzz
Pursuing a new hobby doesn’t have to drain your time or wallet. Instead of pricey in-person sessions, try these affordable or free apps to dive into a fascinating pastime at your own pace.
1. GUITAR WORLD LESSONS
Budding musicians can turn to Guitar World Lessons, an app packed with hundreds of video tutorials for guitar and bass, complete with downloadable sheet music and tabs. Learn from seasoned guitarists, including contributors to Guitar World magazine, who offer lessons for all skill levels across genres like blues, metal, bluegrass, and jazz.
Guitar World Lessons is free to download, but individual lessons cost between $1 and $3, or you can buy a bundle for $15. Every video series comes with a complimentary introductory lesson.
Find it: iOS
2. DUOLINGO
The popular free language-learning platform Duolingo offers an app for mastering over 20 languages anytime, anywhere. Through interactive games, exercises, and simulated text chats with a chatbot, users can sharpen their skills. Progress tests unlock advanced lessons, and for those driven by competition, optional social clubs allow users to share achievements and compare progress with friends. Additionally, the companion flashcard app, Tinycards, is accessible on iOS.
Find it: iOS, Android
3. HOW TO DRAW
You don’t need innate talent to master drawing (though it’s a bonus). Artfonica's How to Draw features 70 detailed tutorials, guiding beginners through sketching cartoons, animals, anime characters, and more.
Find it: iOS, Android.
4. VOICE TUTOR
The Voice Tutor app acts as a personal singing coach, helping users refine their vocal skills. It starts with a diagnostic test to identify weaknesses, followed by tailored exercises and a pitch meter for real-time feedback. The app also includes vocal warm-ups, breathing techniques, and a playful "Riff 'n Run" feature to practice advanced vocal techniques.
Voice Tutor is priced at $5. If the app doesn’t meet your needs and you’re open to investing in personalized coaching, you can directly connect with one of the app’s affiliated studios and schedule lessons via phone or Skype.
Find it: iOS
5. ELEMENTS OF PHOTOGRAPHY (EOP)
Elements of Photography (EoP) introduces users to essential photography concepts, from basics like composition, depth of field, aperture, and shutter speed to advanced techniques such as metering, the exposure triangle, and flash photography. The app also includes tools like a depth of field calculator, practical tips for various shooting scenarios, and quizzes to test your knowledge. While the app is free to download, only the "Basics 1" chapter is accessible without a $3 upgrade to unlock all content.
Find it: iOS, Android
6. iYOGA+
Yoga beginners can practice anytime, anywhere with iYoga+. The app offers eight 30-minute video sessions, each led by an instructor demonstrating seamless transitions between poses. Choose from invigorating morning routines, relaxing evening sessions, or specialized classes like hatha yoga, all designed to match your fitness level. While the app is free to download, individual lessons range from $1 to $2.
Find it: iOS
7. iBIRD LITE FREE GUIDE
Aspiring birdwatchers can explore the diverse avian life of North America and Hawaii with the iBird Lite Free Guide. The app features a database of 50 birds, helping users identify species by appearance, location, calls, and unique characteristics. For dedicated enthusiasts, the iBird Pro Guide upgrade offers access to over 900 species for $30.
Find it: iOS, Android
