Photo courtesy of Amazon.com

There once was a time when musicians spent their whole lives sending demo tapes to record labels and playing small gigs in bars just for a chance that their music will be heard. The truth is, though, their music most likely won’t ever be heard by the masses or they won’t live to hear the praises of their work.

Not anymore! Through technological advances such as YouTube, people can post videos straight to the Internet of their less-than-average talent and reap millions of page views. Or maybe they get recognized by a label and make it big. But YouTube musicianship is old news. I’m thinking bigger.

Actually, I’m thinking smaller. As in the size of an iPhone. Imagine a band made entirely of smartphone-carrying members who play their instruments on phone applications. Let me tell you, there is an app for everything these days. So I wonder, why haven’t app bands made it big yet? Maybe it’s up to you, good and faithful reader, to start up your own band, and here’s how:

• First, you need a mic. With the Dragon Remote Microphone, you can transform your phone into, you guessed it, a microphone.
• Next, you should probably shop for a guitar at a much, much cheaper price than that Fender Strat you’ve been eyeing (it’s only .99 cents). The PocketGuitar is just as the name says — a guitar that fits in your pocket. It can also be used as an electric bass or a ukulele.
• Although you probably have to be just as coordinated to play this very miniature drum set with just your fingers, uDrummer Lite is much easier to pack up and travel with when you’re on tour with your new band.
• But say a string band isn’t really your thing. Never fear: The Mixmeister Scratch will help you put DJ Calvin Harris to shame.
• Maybe you’d rather go the classical route. Turn your iPhone into a full-fledged piano with the Pianist app. Your mother would be so proud you picked up your piano lessons again.

Those are just a few of the best musical apps I’ve found online. Get started with that band!