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Since you are reading this article, you are obviously interested in the benefits of using software to learn to play piano. Probably, you are open to the benefits of using online instruction overall. Certainly some of you reading this article are more “old fashioned” and cannot imagine how anyone could learn to play the piano without the benefit of face to face instruction.
Benefits of Acquiring Piano Learning Software or Online Lessons
So, to answer any questions that might arise, we will take a look at the advantages of using online software and online piano lessons instead of a more traditional route.
- You can learn from the experience of many professionals.
When using online piano software and courses, many professional musicians contribute their best resources to the program. The online programs are made by musicians with many years of combined experience. The software user benefits form the knowledge, experience, and expertise of many piano teachers.
- You can get the best instruction at a lower cost.
Face-to-face piano lessons are expensive. Some people even consider them to be a luxury. If you can afford it, traditional lessons are great. However, if your budget does not allow for offline lessons, using online lessons is a great route to become a pianist.
- You can take lessons when you want them and how you want them.
When taking face-to-face lesson, students have to follow the teacher’s lead. However, this sometimes means that the piano student must change to meet the teacher’s style. This may stifle their musical talent. When using piano teaching software, the student can guide the way they learn, alter their style, and practice in a way that benefits them the most.
- You can read and learn from others on forums.
Even though online courses and software replace the personal relationship between student and teacher, these online resources open another avenue of communication. Many online piano courses have online forums, chat rooms, and messaging areas. By using these communication tools, learners can ask questions and gain practical advice from others.
- You can play on a virtual piano before buying your own.
Many online piano courses offer a virtual keyboard. While some people may think this is unnecessary, it gives the pianist an opportunity to try before you buy.
For a beginning pianist, even a small, inexpensive keyboard will be an added expense. Take a few lessons on the virtual piano keyboard to be sure that you don’t buy something that you later want to get rid of.
Software Consideration
Now that the case has been made for you to consider online piano courses, let’s look at some popular options.
Piano Nanny
Best feature: Few graphics
When you sit down to take a piano lesson, the last thing you want to do is wait for computer graphics to load. The Piano Nanny program has few graphics so it loads easily. It lets the user move quickly and easily from one lesson to the next with having to wait for your computer to catch up.
This feature of Piano Nanny is great for anyone who gets tired of waiting for the internet to download and who is not very patient when it comes to technology.
Other outstanding features about Piano Nanny:
- Piano Nanny does not cost anything!
This is one advantage that should be at the top of the list.
- Clinton S. Clark
The instructor of this course is an acclaimed jazz musician and film composer. Mr. Clark is a member of ASCAP and will encourage you while you learn.
- Useful for all skill levels
The Piano Nanny offers lessons at three levels – Starter Studies, Intermediate Studies, and Advanced Studies. Starter Studies provides a quick way to review musical theory and get ready to go the next level quickly.
Piano Nanny is a basic piano course. Piano Nanny has no “bells and whistles” instead it offer simple, easy to user lessons that stay focused on learning to play the piano.
Piano for All
Best feature: The audio and video starts immediately
Convenience is probably the best thing about Piano for All. The embedded video speeds up the process. You will never find yourself looking for a file online. Everything you need is ready for viewing as you progress through the lessons.
Piano for All Review:
Other outstanding features about Piano for All:
- Lessons zero in on a goal
The Piano for All course helps the beginner reach a very specific goal within a short period of time.
- Provide a good foundation for playing various types of music
This is a favorite feature because so many online programs focus on a specific music type or style. This course has a broad range of musicality. Some courses focus just on classical music; however, this would only be good if the learner enjoys that style. If blues or jazz is your favorite, then the music in the classical course would not appeal to you. This could ultimately impede your progress.
Piano for All gives pianists at all levels a range of music styles yet still lays a firm foundation on which to build.
- Allows you to learn on any keyboard type
The Piano for All course can be accomplished on any type of keyboard. From an expensive weighted key digital piano to a really inexpensive keyboard, you can use the keyboard to take the lessons.
This takes the pressure off to purchase something expensive and lets the learner engage in the lessons. It makes it more fun!
Zebra Keys
Best feature: This program doesn’t cost anything!
For budget-minded beginning pianists, Zebra Keys is an excellent choice! The outstanding course materials and lessons are excellent when you consider the fact that it didn’t cost a thing!
Other outstanding features about Zebra Keys:
- Contains both audio and video
Zebra Keys includes some fun animation that makes the lessons simple and enjoyable.
- Perfect for a beginner
Zebra Keys assumes that the user has absolutely NO piano experience. The course begins at “square one” and goes from there.
- Provides an outstanding library of sheet music
Beginning pianists will enjoy the easy to use Sheet Music section. You can select music that corresponds to your skill level.
Even though Zebra Keys does not feature eye-catching graphics or state of the art technology, it does guide beginning pianists through the basics in an orderly, logical fashion.
Learn Piano Online
Best feature: This program has lessons for piano students at all levels (beginner – advanced).
As piano students move through the stages of development and mastery, they often fail to realize that much of their success is due to learning and perfecting basic skills from the early phases. Learn Piano Online takes the piano student from the beginning concepts through the advanced concepts and ensure that they understand every facet. A student who has taken Learn Piano Online will be equipped to become a piano teacher in their future.
Other outstanding features about Learn Piano Online:
- Contains lessons that scaffold
Using an unorganized approach or materials from many different sources may discourage a piano student and hinder their progress. This online course builds on each successfully.
- Provides helpful comments from users
By writing comments, users offer guidance and helpful comments. This makes the online course feels more personal and like a classroom. Sometimes these comments may be just the support and motivation you need.
- Practice makes perfect – and there’s plenty of it
The course is very well developed with 9 different levels separated into 57 weeks of coursework. This method is good for beginners who enjoy learning at a fast pace but also desire a high level of organization.
Learn Piano Online provides an organized, methodical way to learn to play piano. This user friendly system is great for committed learners who enjoy organization.
Playground Sessions
Best feature: Their name
Playground Sessions Review:
Other outstanding features about Playground Sessions:
- Pays attention to the look, feel, and approach to music
Playground sessions is concerned with how the musician views the music, what is his emotional response to it, and then approaching learning from that perspective. Using this method is logical for even beginning pianists. These considerations provide the basis for Playground Sessions.
- Play the music you enjoy the most
While finger placement, scales, and drills are important for improvement and skill development, they should not be the main aspect of learning. Playground Sessions allows the learner to use the music they love. This provides motivation to practice as well. Also, pianists will feel accomplished because playing their favorite music is their goal.
- Monitor and record progress
This program includes progress charts, awards, and points for work done well. This provides a visual way to stay focused, interested, and practicing.
To conclude, Playground Sessions includes state of the art technology with an element of gaming as it presents fun music lessons.
Conclusion
We hope this information has been very helpful. Take time to weigh the options and select the software you feel best meets your needs. Once you make a selection, remember to practice on a regular basis. Most of all, enjoy your musical journey.