Is there any way that I can download and play music files on my iPad without involving iTunes in any way, shape, or form?

Goodreader from the App Store ($4.99)

Using itunes is the best way even if they are none itunes store music.

Why people fear itunes is just senseless.

It's not a fear of iTunes. I just don't like having to go through iTunes to transfer music to my iPad. Plus, I don't like the iPod GUI to listen to my music files. Other than that i LOVE my iPad.

Originally Posted by lotus_7_s3

It's not a fear of iTunes. I just don't like having to go through iTunes to transfer music to my iPad. Plus, I don't like the iPod GUI to listen to my music files. Other than that i LOVE my iPad.

Going through iTunes to get anything on your iPad really is the easiest way to do so. As for you not liking the GUI, this can be resolved by downloading one of the various music apps on the store, I've heard some are quite brilliant!

Sent via iPF from my iPad.

Originally Posted by lotus_7_s3

Is there any way that I can download and play music files on my iPad without involving iTunes in any way, shape, or form?

Hello, you could try the following, maybe it can solve your problem:
– make sure to export your itunes library to a different folder by using the export function in library.
– close itunes
– navigate to your itunes folder and look for the iTunesLibrary.idx file. move the file to a different folder
– start itunes and when itunes ask you to add media, select no
– go to library and select import
– select your exported library file from before
– this might take a while depending on how much music you have
– your music should be in itunes
– connect your ipad to computer and make sure not to sync ipad music files.
– restore your ipad

iExplorer maybe? You can only transfer music to and from directly into your Music/iPod app on your devices through iTunes. You can download them back into another computer through iExplorer. You can listen to them as well. Basically iExplorer uses an iTunes foundation but doesn't actually have the iTunes UI and all.

Originally Posted by lotus_7_s3

Is there any way that I can download and play music files on my iPad without involving iTunes in any way, shape, or form?

There are plenty of music apps that will let you do that, but due to the way that individual apps run in their own little space, songs you add will only be available inside those apps. If you want to play your songs using a different player, you will have to re-add your songs to that player.

If you use iTunes to transfer your songs and videos etc over, they will end up in an area on your iPad that can be accessed by other players, so you can switch players when you find a better one without having to re-add all your music again.

I would personally never choose anything but iTunes to download & play music... always reliable & trustworthy.