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5 Self-Learning Apps to Supplement Your Piano Journey

5 Self-Learning Apps to Supplement Your Piano Journey
  • November 21, 2023
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Embarking on a musical journey, especially one as elegant and timeless as learning the piano, is an endeavor filled with promise and excitement. Whether your child is yearning to create enchanting melodies or an adult fulfilling a lifelong dream, the piano is a great starting point for everyone. But here’s the thrilling part: in today’s digital age, your journey to becoming a pianist begins with a tap on your smartphone or tablet.

In this article, we’ll introduce you to five of our favorite piano-learning apps. These apps are suitable not just for beginners, but can be tailored to any skill level and for learning at any pace. So, if you have a passion for the piano, Take a look at our list below:

1. Simply Piano

Pros:

  • User-Friendly Interface: Simply Piano boasts a user-friendly interface that’s perfect for beginners. The app is easy to navigate, making it accessible for all ages.
  • Step-by-Step Lessons: It offers structured, step-by-step lessons that gradually build your skills from the ground up. This is particularly helpful for those who have never played the piano before.
  • Vast Song Library: With a wide selection of songs from various genres, you can choose music that suits your preferences and learn to play your favorite tunes.
  • Instant Feedback: The app listens to your playing and provides instant feedback, helping you improve your accuracy and timing.

Cons:

  • Subscription Costs: The app is free to download and offers many songs for free, but access to the full library of lessons and songs may require a subscription. This can be a drawback for those on a tight budget.

Our suggestion: This app is best suitable for beginners to early intermediate piano players. Once you get more advanced, an app is great to supplement your practice time and the library is great to take advantage of, but nothing beats and in-person lesson with a teacher who you’ve worked with for a while, and can offer you feedback that is specific to you.

2. Yousician

Pros:

  • Multi-Instrument Learning: Yousician offers lessons not only for piano but also for other instruments like guitar and ukulele, allowing you to explore different musical interests.
  • Gamified Learning: Learning becomes a fun game with Yousician. It provides a gamified experience that keeps you engaged and motivated.
  • Adaptive Feedback: The app adapts to your skill level and provides instant feedback on your performance, helping you make continuous progress.
  • Diverse Song Library: Yousician boasts a diverse song library, catering to various musical tastes.

Cons:

  • Free Limitations: The free version of Yousician has quite a few features, but many of the advanced features and songs may require a premium subscription.

Our Suggestion: This app is great for multi-instrumentalists, as it offers a variety of instrument lessons in one app. Despite its gamified learning, young adults would see quicker benefits than younger kids, as there are developmental considerations to their learning that require lessons with an in-person teacher who is trained to work with young kids.

3. Flowkey

Pros:

  • Interactive Sheet Music: Flowkey offers interactive sheet music that syncs with your digital piano or keyboard, making it easier to follow along and learn at your own pace.
  • Song Variety: The app features an extensive collection of songs, from classical to contemporary, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
  • Skill Level Adaptation: Flowkey adapts to your skill level, providing suitable lessons whether you’re a complete beginner or have some prior experience.

Cons:

  • Limited Free Content: While Flowkey provides free lessons, some advanced lessons and songs may require a premium subscription.

Our Suggestion: While the lessons on this app can be modified to suit all skill levels, piano players who have some knowledge of how to read music notation will benefit the most from this app, especially the interactive sheet music feature. With this app, Open Practice time at Musicians Playground can be greatly maximized!

4. Piano Academy

Pros:

  • Beginner-Friendly: Piano Academy offers beginner-friendly lessons that cover the fundamentals of piano playing, including reading sheet music and basic techniques.
  • Progress Tracking: The app helps you track your progress, making it easier to set goals and measure your improvement.
  • Sheet Music: You have access to a collection of sheet music, allowing you to practice and master various songs.

Cons:

  • Basic Features: While Piano Academy is great for beginners, it may lack some of the advanced features found in other apps.

Our Suggestion: This app is wonderful for beginner musicians, but not so much for intermediate to advanced players. It can help beginners get good really fast – but after that, lessons with a teacher are your best bet!

5. Piano By Gismart

Pros:

  • Creative Learning: This app combines learning with creativity by offering games and challenges that help you improve your piano skills while having fun.
  • Play Your Favorite Songs: You can play your favorite songs using the on-screen keyboard, making it an enjoyable way to learn and play music.
  • Accessible for All Ages: Piano by Gismart is accessible for both children and adults, making it a versatile option for families.

Cons:

  • Limited Depth: While it’s a fun app for beginners, it may not provide the depth of learning found in more comprehensive piano learning apps.

Our Suggestion: This is another app that is suitable for beginners, and even exposing young children to piano – but not for intermediate to advanced learners.

Let The Music Begin!

As we conclude our journey through the world of piano learning apps, one thing is clear: apps are a great way to supplement your learning but are no substitute for the specific feedback a private lesson with a teacher provides.

Hopefully, our list sparked your curiosity and reignited your passion for piano. So, go ahead, download your chosen app, and let the keys of possibility resonate under your fingertips! It’s never too late or too early to embrace the enchanting world of piano, and with these apps, the symphony of your dreams is just a touch away. Happy playing!