# ScatAbility

> Scat singing practice app with vocal demos, backing tracks, and recording features. (iPhone/iPad app by Leafcutter Studios Ltd.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scatability/id966549564 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Leafcutter Studios Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/391348774)
- Category: Music, Music, Education
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.56/5 from 18 App Store ratings · 15 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 12.0 · 299 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2015-10-11
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scatability/id966549564/reviews.md

## What is ScatAbility?

ScatAbility is a practice app for scat singing.  It utilizes the simple method of listening and imitation to get you scatting quickly, and musically. The focus is on singing, not thinking, similar to the immersion process of learning a language. Knowledge of theory, jazz chord types, progressions and scales, though beneficial, are not required to use this product.

ScatAbility is easy to use: sing exercises, call & response and etudes with great jazz singers including Darmon Meader, Rosana Eckert, Greg Jasperse, Kate Reid, Justin Binek, Michele Weir, John Proulx, and more to be added soon. Mute the vocals to practice on your own with the backing tracks, and when ready, record yourself, listen back, then export for other uses!

ScatAbility's creator, Michele Weir (MichMusic) is a renowned teacher who has powerfully influenced the development of jazz education around the world through her workshops, books and other materials. Michele's arrangements have been performed by The Manhattan Transfer, The Swingle Singers and New York Voices, and she currently serves on the faculty at University of Southern California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

www.michmusic.com

FEATURES 

•	Vocal demos by professional jazz singers.
•	User-friendly. No knowledge of jazz theory (chords, scales, progressions) required.
•	Ability to record yourself singing with the backing track, listen to it, and export your recording.    
•	Three different product types: Exercises, Etudes and Call and Response.  
•	Backing tracks available in a wide variety of rhythmic styles, instrumentation and difficulty levels.	
•	Loop function allows for repeating any section of a track for targeted practice.
•	Use the halfway locate function to optionally begin practice at the 2nd half of the track. 
•	Countoff on/off button to bypass countoff when desired.
•	A synth track (vibes sound) that duplicates the vocal is an optional alternative to practicing with the vocal, allowing for greater flexibility in development of personal style and syllable use.
•	The mixer allows for adjusting volume levels or muting any given fader: backing, vocal, or synth.
•	The chord progression for each exercise is provided and can be visually tracked in real time.
•	Complete In-app glossary.


BENEFITS 

•	Practice anywhere, anytime.
•	Learn to scat sing in different rhythmic styles and tempos.
•	Develop a great sense of rhythm feel (groove, pocket, articulation) by modeling the demo vocals.
•	Get comfortable with a wide variety of different syllables.
•	Develop a superior ear for hearing chord progressions and interesting licks and melodic lines.
•	Learn to sound stylistically authentic: jazz inflections, vibrato use, tone colors, articulation, vocal turns, and more.  
•	Organize jam sessions with small groups of friends, anywhere, anytime.
•	Prepare for performance by recording then listening back to evaluate.
•	Use the Etude backing tracks for practice at singing jazz standard song melodies and lyrics.
•	Transcribe the Etude tracks to improve musicianship.

ScatAbility can be applied to use in the classroom; find specific methods and creative ideas for working with groups in the app INFO pages.

## Key features

- Vocal demos by professional jazz singers
- User-friendly, no jazz theory required
- Record, listen, and export performances
- Exercises, etudes, and call and response modes
- Variety of backing tracks
- Loop function for targeted practice
- In-app glossary

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Scat Pack 1 with Michele Weir | $9.99 | one-time |
| Scat Pack 2 - Justin Binek | $9.99 | one-time |
| Scat Pack 3 | $9.99 | one-time |
| Scat Pack 4 | $9.99 | one-time |
| Scat Pack 5 | $9.99 | one-time |
| Scat Pack 6 | $9.99 | one-time |
| Scat Pack 7 | $9.99 | one-time |


## Recent user reviews (10 of 15)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scatability/id966549564/reviews.md

### 2/5 — Good concept but horrible UX design

*2023-10-30*

I love Michelle Weir and the *idea* of a scat education app, but unfortunately the clunky design is so bad as to make this almost unusable (instructions are hard to find, buttons use low contrast colors so text is hard to read… I could go on). 

I wondered if Michelle tried to develop it herself to forego the expense of a professional designer. But then I discovered in the app credits that it was designed by one “Leaf  cutter inc” company. Ironically when I clicked on the link to learn more about them, it simply closed the app! Yikes. No QA testing either apparently.

Maybe if Michelle can get a real professional to fix this design horror, I’ll pay the $$ to get the demos from all the fantastic singers. Meanwhile I’ll keep going through her other excellent resources.

### 1/5 — Download doesn’t work

*2021-09-06, version 2.11*

Downloaded scat pack 1 for $10. Didn’t download goes to an error message. When I contacted support they said it may be a memory issue… nope I have a tonne of free memory. I also have the latest model iPhone. It is definitely a bug with the app.

### 4/5 — They fixed the app and it works just as they promise.

*2020-12-04, version 2.11*

Amended review. They fixed it! Everything works now just as advertised!  [I bought two scat packs, and have repeatedly tried to download them. The program crashes when the first download gets to about fifteen percent. I even I installed and reinstalled to no avail. And I contacted tech support but haven't gotten a single reply. Is this product defunct?]

### 1/5 — Not good

*2019-07-17*

This app is expensive. I bought a song as an in app purchase, at £9.99,which is not cheap. I cannot transfer it to my other devices, or family share it. I am prompted to buy it again. The app only runs with screen on, unlike Spotify or other apps, using unnecessary battery life. I got around this by recording songs with voice recorder.

### 5/5 — Simplicity superbly done

*2018-09-26*

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.  It is also a fundamental way to develop artist skill.  I cannot imagine how this app could be done any better.  A joy to use

### 5/5 — Best music app for vocalist

*2017-01-10, version 2.1*

You have the 7 of the best jazz educators on your phone, teaching you how to scat whenever you want them to. There's nothing better than to do a call and response with Kate Reid at 5am. Thanks Michele Weir!

### 2/5 — Not priced or packaged properly

*2016-12-01*

Great idea, but practice packs should be by level, not singer.  There is no point for a beginner to buy a pack with practice tracks beyond their ability. For the price, there should be more tracks in each practice package.

### 5/5 — Fantastic App for jazz vocalists and teachers

*2016-05-21, version 1.6.4*

What a great app! After spending many years using Aebersold minus tracks for practicing, finally a whole program devoted to vocalists! And I really respect Michele Weir as an educator who knew exactly how to fulfill the needs of both beginning and seasoned jazz singers. BRAVA!

### 5/5 — ScatAbility Rocks!

*2015-10-30, version 1.2.1*

Try this app!! ScatAbility is fun and easy to use! Great for practice and recreation, and it looks great!

### 5/5 — Jazz Singer

*2015-10-28*

Invaluable resource!

## Frequently asked questions about ScatAbility

### What is ScatAbility?

ScatAbility is a practice app designed to help users learn and improve their scat singing skills through listening and imitation. It offers vocal demonstrations by professional jazz singers and a variety of backing tracks for practice.

### Do I need to know jazz theory to use ScatAbility?

No, ScatAbility is designed to be user-friendly and does not require prior knowledge of jazz theory, chords, scales, or progressions. The focus is on learning through listening and singing.

### What types of practice modes are available in ScatAbility?

ScatAbility offers three main practice modes: Exercises, Etudes, and Call and Response. These modes are designed to help users develop different aspects of their scat singing.

### Can I record myself singing with ScatAbility?

Yes, ScatAbility allows you to record yourself singing along with the backing tracks. You can then listen back to your performance and export your recordings for further use.

### What devices is ScatAbility available on?

ScatAbility is available on iPhone and iPad devices. It is designed for iOS users looking to practice their vocal skills.

### How often is ScatAbility updated?

The latest version of ScatAbility is 2.11, which was last updated on December 4, 2020. Users can expect ongoing improvements and potential additions to the app.

### What is the user rating for ScatAbility?

ScatAbility has a strong user rating of 4.6 stars, based on 18 ratings. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among its users.

### Does ScatAbility offer different subscription tiers?

ScatAbility is free to download and use, but it does offer in-app purchases. These purchases likely unlock additional content or features beyond the basic functionality.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.11 — 2020-12-04

This update fixes an issue on iOS14 where downloads fail to install.  We've also added the ability to listen to the app over Bluetooth.

### 2.1 — 2016-08-23

** Summer sale on all packs until 7th September **

App is now a universal app for iPhone and iPad.

### 1.6.4 — 2015-12-10

This update includes some fixes to the notation and improvements to the loop and playback function.

Thanks to everyone for your feedback and ideas - please let us know what you think about the app at support@leafcutterstudios.com

### 1.2.1 — 2015-10-13

Thanks to everyone for their comments and feedback on the app.  Please keep telling us what you think at support@leafcutterstudios.com.  This update includes:

- bug fix for recording on iOS9
- improve accuracy of loop end point
- minor bug fixes

### 1.2.0 — 2015-10-04

No release notes.

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*
