If you heard me sing you would laugh at the idea of my posting information about online karaoke applications. In fact, I’m chuckling to myself as I write this. Relax and read on…I promise I will not upload any sound clips…I don’t want to scare away any of my readers! While karaoke is not exactly my thing (or should I say singing isn’t one of my talents), I do know that it can be very motivating for students. I know a teacher who once promised to sing karaoke if all her students scored 80 or higher on a test…her students were thrilled with the challenge and earned great test scores. Karaoke opportunities have also helped many shy students step out of their shells. Besides, it is summer! If you are home with children you may find these applications are great fun on a rainy day.

Karaokeparty is a free music service that lets users sing karaoke, practice singing and also offers an opportunity to challenge friends to an online karaoke competition. All you need is a microphone and a computer connected to the Internet. You can sing along without registering for an account. You can also sing along without a microphone. If you sing with a microphone connected you earn a score at the end of a song. Students could use the scoring feature to compete for higher scores with friends or classmates or simply compete with themselves to improve their scores. The full screen functionality and easy to follow interface of this application helped make Karaokeparty my favorite application. Permission to distribute the music on this internet service has been granted by the Swedish Performing Rights Society and Nordisk Copyright Bureau (STIM/NCB).

Other applications I reviewed (but did not like nearly as well) included….

• kSolo.com – you must register for a MySpace account if you want to use this application. I elected not to explore this application since it is closely associated to website that I know is blocked in most schools. You may wish to investigate it for home use, particularly if you have already opened a MySpace account.
• Red Karaoke – the interface of this online application was “clunky” at best despite the fact that the site claims to be “the largest singing social network.” Users are encouraged to upload/submit their video or audio so other users can vote and comment. Foreign language teachers might enjoy the fact that there are several foreign language options/songs available at this site.
• Karaoke Channel Online – I liked many of the features included on this site (particularly the background options), however the free account limits you to 250 songs and registration is required.
• You can also find a number of Karaoke videos if you search for the term karaoke on YouTube.

As I finish this posting, I can attest to the fact that singing these karaoke favorites can lift your spirits! Pull up a song and sing along! Just make sure your significant other isn’t listening in. I looked up halfway through reviewing these applications to see my husband peering in my office door, laughing silently with tears rolling down his face as I sang Memory at the top of my voice. He’s still guffawing in the other room much to my chagrin.