Duolingo, a language learning app that has more than 500 million users, is developing a music app, as reported by a recent job posting. The Pittsburgh-based tech company has a small team working on the app and is seeking a learning scientist with theoretical knowledge of relevant learning science research and hands-on teaching experience in music education. The app will teach fundamental concepts in music theory through popular songs and teachers.
Duolingo has been expanding beyond language learning with several new projects, such as the Duolingo English Test, an online certification exam testing language proficiency, and Duolingo ABC, a free app focused on English literacy for children aged three to six. The company recently announced Duolingo Math, its first expansion beyond language learning and literacy. The app is free and requires methodical thinking and the ability to apply functions to reach answers.
Music is in the pedagogical middle of language, which requires nuance and context, and math, which requires focusing on formulas to provide correct answers. Duolingo focuses on building blocks, instead of specific mastery, to help users learn a skill. Bob Meese, Duolingo’s chief business officer, is an investor in Trala, a tech company that offers virtual violin lessons, showing the executive buy-in to the concept. Duolingo more than doubled its paid subscriber base and total revenue in 2022. The specifics of the music app’s features remain unclear, as it could help people read music, write music, learn instruments, or encompass all of these aspects.
