The best apps for learning a new skill

You’re never too old to start learning a new skill and there are plenty of smartphone apps out there that can help you to become a pro at anything, from playing an instrument to writing a novel. We’ve rounded up some of the best apps available at the moment that’ll get your skills in gear.

The Brainstormer

A useful tool that allows you to randomly combine a plot, a subject and a setting or style to inspire you to create, The Brainstormer is perfect whether you’re a writer, a painter, or something else entirely. Quickly combat creative block, spark new ideas and summon up quick subjects for doodling, sketching or journaling, all from the comfort of your smart device.

The Brainstormer is equipped with three spinning wheels that feature a plot, a setting and a subject. By manipulating the wheels, you’re able to generate combinations that make fantastic creative prompts for writing, painting, performances or any other creative activity.

Download The Brainstormer from the App Store and the Play Store.

Vanido This app helps you to become a confident and talented singer through daily exercises and then offering feedback on your performance. Each singing exercise is personally tailored to your vocal range so that you’re always comfortable and receive relevant input.

Each day, three different vocal exercises are delivered right to your mobile phone. You can choose a genre you want to sing and pick your favorite song to train with. The app gives you a critique on your pitch as you sing, helping you to train your ear, improve your timing, and know when you’re on the right track. You can also monitor your progress and set challenging goals that inspire you to practice every day.

Vanido is available to download from the App Store.

Elevate Recently chosen by Apple as their App of the Year, Elevate is a brain trainer designed to improve focus, speaking abilities, processing speed, memory, maths skills and more. Each user is provided with a personalised training programme that adjusts over time to maximise their results.

The more you train with Elevate, the more you'll improve critical cognitive skills that are proven to boost productivity, earning power and self-confidence. Regular users who train at least three times per week have reported dramatic mental gains and increased belief in their abilities.

Get Elevate from the App Store and the Play Store.

Khan Academy

A very popular option, Khan Academy allows you to learn almost anything. With this app, you have over 10,000 videos and explanations at your fingertips in subjects that include maths, science, history and much, much more.

You can spend an exciting afternoon brushing up on statistics, learn about the fundamentals of music notation, or whatever else takes your fancy. Whether you’re a student, an adult returning to the classroom after twenty years or anything in-between, all of Khan Academy's materials and resources are available to you completely free of charge.

Get the Khan Academy app from the App Store and the Play Store.