Before the launch of the Apple iPad many potential uses were postulated for the device. The most prominent of these was in publishing as people perceived new applications and media delivery to tablet devices that would impact on the world of magazines and newspapers. Movies, textbooks and social networking were all correctly predicted to be the kind of things that the iPad would be good for. But few guessed that the device would mean big things in the world of music.Within two weeks of launch the iPad app store had over 180 music-related applications with many of these being committed to actively using the iPad for making music.

The most obvious of these applications were virtual piano apps like Virtuoso Piano and interesting DJ apps like  iTurntable. But more sophisticated applications have turned up such as AC-7 Pro Control Surface that allows for the iPad to be used as a control interface for professional audio applications and hardware.

There are even guides sprouting up online for more complicated setups, like using the iPad to control Ableton Live. And, as is obvious from the video above, it’s possible to use the iPad as a serious instrument.

Music apps made their way onto the iPhone originally and some pretty impressive things were achieved – like being able to use the iPhone as a virtual flute or as a unique instrument in itself using the Ocarina application.

While rudimentary music production was possible, and even mastered, on the iPhone, the iPad with its larger screen and more powerful processor is taking things to a new level. The device has only been available for two weeks, so I look forward to seeing what musicians and producers manage to pull off with the device in the next year or two.