Learning the piano is a journey of dedication, patience, and practice. With the rise of technology, there’s no need to rely solely on traditional methods. There are various applications available that can enhance your learning experience, offering structured lessons, interactive feedback, and a vast collection of songs. If you’re looking to expedite your piano learning journey, here are six apps that will help you do just that:
Remember – you will become a better pianist by pairing these apps with regular in-person lessons with a professional. Apps are wonderful tools, but no advanced pianist ever learned solely from an online platform!
Simply Piano by JoyTunes – The Popular Option
Hailed as one of the most popular piano learning apps, Simply Piano covers a broad range of topics, from basics for beginners to advanced courses like sight-reading and playing techniques. The app listens to your piano playing in real time, providing immediate feedback. Its user-friendly interface and extensive course list make it suitable for learners of all ages.
While it offers some free content, the full experience requires a subscription. As of recently, the pricing is around $9.99/month, with options for longer-term discounts.
Skoove – More Expensive, but More Music Theory
Skoove offers a dynamic and interactive way to learn the piano. The app provides over 400 lessons and thousands of instructional videos. Unique to Skoove, it introduces music theory concepts along with playing, ensuring that learners understand the ‘why’ behind the ‘how.’
Skoove has a freemium model. The free version offers limited lessons, while the premium version unlocks all features and courses, priced at $19.99/month or less for longer commitments.
Flowkey – The Most Beautiful Design
Flowkey is another app that is favored for its intuitive design. It offers an extensive song library from classical to pop. What’s exciting about Flowkey is its ‘slow mode,’ allowing learners to play songs at a reduced speed, making it easier to follow along. Moreover, it has video tutorials and interactive lessons that listen to you play, ensuring you hit the right notes.
After a limited free version, Flowkey’s premium version can be accessed starting at $19.99/month, with discounts for longer subscriptions.
Yousician – Learn Multiple Instruments
Not only limited to piano, Yousician provides lessons for multiple instruments. For piano learners, it offers a structured curriculum with weekly challenges to keep you motivated. The app tracks your progress, offers feedback, and allows you to set practice goals. It’s a great way to make learning competitive and fun.
Yousician offers a limited free version. The premium version starts at $29.99/month, with discounted rates for annual commitments.
This app, in particular, is a fun tool for aspiring pianists, but you will need to work with a talented piano teacher in Mississauga if you want to learn things like technique, advanced note reading, and other concepts.
Piano Marvel – For Higher-End Pianists
Especially valuable for those looking to take official piano examinations, Piano Marvel aligns its curriculum with standard grading systems. It offers a vast sheet music library and provides instant feedback on rhythm, timing, and note accuracy. The app also includes practice modes and a sight-reading test feature.
After a 30-day free trial, Piano Marvel’s pricing starts at $15.99/month, with discounts for annual subscribers.
Playground Sessions – Focused on Playing Accessible Songs
Co-created by music legend Quincy Jones, Playground Sessions brings innovative lessons, combining gaming features with learning. The app grades your performances and allows you to compete with players worldwide. What’s unique is its focus on teaching through playing songs, ensuring learners remain engaged and motivated.
Monthly memberships start at $17.99, with discounts for annual and lifetime memberships.
In summary, if you want to focus on more dynamic concepts like how to memorize piano music quickly, how to sight read well, how to choose repertoire, and how to play with more speed, you’ll need a teacher. But these apps are a wonderful play to start.