Meet the apps we use at 
The animation, video editing and music software kids and teens use in my classes in North Scottsdale, AZ, from free apps like Stop Motion Studio and iMovie to pro tools like Dragonframe and Premiere Pro.
Stop-motion apps
Clay characters, LEGO films and handmade sets, shot one photo at a time. Twelve photos make one second of movie!
Stop Motion Studio Plus
A friendly, powerful app for iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac and Windows. Students use it in online and in-home lessons, and to keep animating between classes.
Dragonframe
The stop-motion software real movie studios like LAIKA and Aardman use. In my studio it runs a real DSLR camera, so kids shoot their films like a feature-film crew.
Cartoon apps
Characters drawn on a tablet, frame by frame, with voices and sound effects, just like the cartoons on TV.
FlipaClip
A free, friendly animation app for tablets and phones. Perfect for first lessons, online lessons and animating at home between classes.
Adobe Animate
Adobe's 2D animation software, used for web cartoons, games and TV. In my studio kids use it with a pen display, drawing straight onto the screen.
Toon Boom Harmony
The professional software behind many of today's animated TV shows. Students ready for a challenge learn how real studios build characters.
Adobe After Effects
Adobe's software for visual effects and moving titles. Teens use it to add the finishing touches to their animated short films.
Video apps
Short films, music videos and funny sketches, written, filmed and edited by students.
iMovie
Apple's free editor for Mac, iPhone and iPad. It's where many students make their first edit, and it's easy to keep using at home between lessons.
CapCut
A free, easy editor for phones, tablets and computers. Students use it in online and in-home lessons, and it's perfect for quick, punchy videos.
Final Cut Pro
Apple's professional editor for Mac. Once students outgrow iMovie, it's the next step, with far more control over every cut, color and sound.
Adobe Premiere Pro
The editor used for films, TV and YouTube. Teens who want to go further learn the same steps working editors use.
Music apps
Beats, songs and soundtracks for their own films, recorded in my studio with real microphones and keyboards.
GarageBand
Apple's free music studio for Mac, iPhone and iPad. Students make their first beats and songs here, and it's easy to keep making music at home between lessons.
Logic Pro
Apple's professional music software, used by musicians and film composers. When students outgrow GarageBand, their songs open right up in Logic.
FAQs
Do we need to buy any software?
No. For studio lessons, every program is installed and ready on the studio computers. For online and in-home lessons, students use free apps: Stop Motion Studio, FlipaClip, iMovie, CapCut or GarageBand.
What device does my child need for online lessons?
A phone or tablet works for Stop Motion Studio, FlipaClip and CapCut. iMovie and GarageBand run on a Mac, iPhone or iPad. I'll go over exactly what's needed when you book.
Why do kids learn professional software?
Dragonframe, Toon Boom Harmony and Premiere Pro are what real animation studios and film crews use. Learning them gives older kids and teens real skills and a portfolio that looks professional. Beginners start with easy apps and move up when they're ready.
Can my child keep working between lessons?
Yes. The free apps run on phones, tablets and computers most families already have, so students can keep animating, editing and making music at home between classes.
My child already uses an app they like. Can they keep using it?
Every lesson is built around the student, so we can start in an app they already know and move up to the professional tools when they're ready.