The Best Piano Lessons

Tuesday, April 22nd

2025 Piano Lesson Reviews

Piano Marvel

• Priced at $15.99 per month or $119.99 per year
• Free trial
• Lessons based in app technology
• Connects with teachers and students
• Used by renowned universities
• Play-along tools
• Video lessons
• Beginner-friendly
• Accessible to anyone with a device that supports apps
• Offers sheet music
• 14-day full refund policy

Piano Marvel stands out as a highly effective online piano learning tool suitable for individuals, educators, and academic institutions. Schools with renowned music programs like Baylor University, BYU, Colorado State, TCU, and Utah Valley University have incorporated Piano Marvel into their curricula.

Self-paced or teacher's tool

This platform provides teachers with a valuable tool to assess their students' progress and streamline grading. Meanwhile, individuals using the software are connected with a self-paced learning experience, offering them the opportunity to monitor their own advancement. Piano Marvel offers a unique blend of connecting teachers and students with self-teaching methods.

Guided video lessons focus on technique

Piano Marvel's teaching methods are noteworthy due to their video lesson approach. In these videos, instructors' hands are displayed playing the piano alongside the sheet music. This synchronized presentation enables learners to observe and comprehend the music concurrently teaching both music reading skills and finger/hand placement. With the flexibility to toggle between various modes such as prepare, assess, and sight reading assessments, students can tailor their learning experience, pace themselves, track their progress, and put their knowledge to the test.

From beginner to expert

The method helps students from beginner level up to college-level musicians, so there's a lesson at Piano Marvel for everyone. Another of Piano Marvel's standout features is its extensive repertoire. With over 10,000 songs available for learners, you can choose between the latest chart-toppers to beloved classics and holiday favorites so you can start playing your favorites ASAP.

Impressive accessibility for teachers and students

Piano Marvel has impressive accessibility. For educators and schools that have adopted Piano Marvel, the platform allows the uploading of custom exercises and songs to cater to specific teaching needs. An automated tracking system records students' practice sessions, including the time spent and exercise scores, providing instructors with valuable data to assess student progress, set goals, and efficiently evaluate assignments. Piano Marvel's compatibility with PCs, Macs, and iPads offers both students and teachers access to their music and data with ease from the classroom to at-home practice sessions.

Flexible membership options

Piano Marvel offers flexible payment options, with a monthly subscription priced at $15.99 per month or pay by the year at $110.99. If you want to try it out before committing, you can stick with a free account, which gives you access to the level one lessons and songs. Once you've subscribed to the premium membership, you can access all of the lessons and courses available at Piano Marvel. In addition, they have an online shop where you can purchase sheet music individually, with prices varying from $1.99 to $3.99. Piano Marvel regularly updates its music library with fresh content, making it a dynamic and comprehensive resource.

14-day refunds

Piano Marvel's commitment to user satisfaction is evident through its 14-day refund policy. In the rare event that users find the platform unsuitable for their piano learning needs, a full refund can be obtained within that 14-day window. While this isn't the longest return policy out there, it's highly competitive with other piano lesson platforms in the industry.

Top scores from app reviewers

Like a few other sites in our review, Piano Marvel is app-based for the most part. This means most of the reviews are available only on Apple and Google Play. There isn't a page on the Better Business Bureau for the company, so the app reviews give us the best look at this site's reputation. Coming in with an impressive 4.7 stars out of 5, Piano Marvel holds praise from teachers and students alike. Several reviews say that this app is the closest thing you can find that compares to a real teacher. Customers also loved the collection of sheet music which helps them play particular arrangements of songs through Piano Marvel's learning system. Plus, don't forget this is a tried and true method used in renowned music programs at the college level, which is an impressive endorsement.

Top pick for reputation and function

Based on Piano Marvel's established reputation as a top-tier resource for online piano lessons, we are confident that students who engage with its lessons will experience significant progress and success. Given all the bonuses including flexible costs, refund options, and an impressive library of both music and sheet music, you can easily find pretty much anything you need to start (or continue) playing the piano. For these reasons Piano Marvel stands out as our top pick for piano lessons online today.

Pianote

• Priced at $30 per month or $240 per year
• 7-day free trial
• Video lessons
• Live lessons and Q&A
• Gamified lessons
• Play along tools
• Beginner-friendly
• Accessible to anyone with a computer
• Offers sheet music and DLC
• 90-day money back guarantee

Pianote is an online course thoughtfully tailored for students at the beginner and intermediate level. This service offers you a comprehensive resource for piano lessons that includes ten levels of music training with ten lessons included in each level. With 100 step-by-step lessons, you can get from ground zero to a piano pro in no time. On top of the lessons, Pianote includes a resourceful blog page, extra lessons outside the main series, and helpful tips and tricks. The best part? You can get started for free with Pianote's 7-day free trial.

Great teaching style with online convenience

The methods used by Pianote include live weekly lessons. These lessons serve as personalized sessions helping you to get into the details with a piano professional. You can also take the option to use the video review feature and practice plans, if feedback on your playing or a stricter lesson plan is helpful to your learning style. The Pianote course has six experienced teachers on its roster, each proficient in guiding students across vital aspects of piano including music theory, composition, foundations of piano technique, and playing by ear.

Focus on specific aspects of piano playing

One thing we loved about Pianote was the Coaches section of the site. Here you can sign up for master classes with pro pianists who focus on particular aspects of piano playing style. Some of the options featured on the page include classical piano, cocktail piano, improv, and gospel. On top of that, some of the instructors use key methods from tried and true method books; it's the same level of instruction you might get from a private piano teacher. For example, one lesson encompasses the Hanon exercises, which are essential for many beginning pianists following traditional lesson plans. With weekly live Q&As, you get the best parts of distance learning and one-on-one instruction.

Top notch accessibility

One of the strengths of the Pianote course lies in its commitment to offering students genuine, tangible support. Here, the courses aren't characterized by mere pre-recorded videos (though they do offer a range of those). The company also provides you with direct access to real teachers if you're grappling with questions or require guidance. Plus, all you need is your instrument and an internet connection, and the entire library of Pianote is open to you.

Flexible pricing is a little higher than competition

Pianote offers two subscription plans after your 7-day free trial has ended. You can choose to pay as you go for $30 per month or you can choose to commit to an annual plan for $240 per year. On top of this, you can also find extras in Pianote's shop. This includes a variety of piano method books, practice journals, and chord progressions to bring more methodology options to your practice time. While the month-to-month price is a little high, the fact that Pianote balances distance and private instruction styles is highly impressive. Plus, the cost for private piano lessons still surpasses this cost by a mile (with individual weekly lessons sometimes costing around $50 each). So, considering what you're getting for your money, Pianote is a pretty good deal. Plus, they offer a range of free lessons and videos to check out their method before you pay.

90-day refund policy

Notably, both of these membership plans include a robust 90-day money-back guarantee. This way, whether you like the program or not, you can easily move on from Pianote without any hassle. So, if you find that their video and live lesson format isn't helping you succeed as well as you'd hoped, you have 90 days to change your mind for a full refund.

Customers love the structure

While Pianote doesn't have any presence on the Better Business Bureau, the company does have a pretty solid review presence. The company holds a 4.3-star average from Trustpilot, as well as hundreds of thousands of positive reviews on Facebook and YouTube, where Pianote offers many of its videos. Customers who left 5-star reviews on Trustpilot said that they were playing basic songs well enough to perform within months of starting with Pianote. Further, customers love that the platform is simple and easy to understand without any "gimmicks”. New pianists were particularly impressed with the structure of Pianote and their guided lessons. Given this high praise from a variety of sources, we are duly impressed by Pianote's structure and lesson design.

Great teaching and impressive lesson plans

Given all the impressive features here (especially the inclusion of live lessons and Q&As to help students with their technique and theory), Pianote easily rises to the top of the pack. Although it's more expensive than some other lesson plans in our review, it's definitely worth your time to check them out. They have free lessons to check out what kind of methods they use, and with a 90-day money back guarantee, even if you subscribe you can change your mind anytime within 3 months at no cost. There really aren't any downsides with Pianote.

Playground Sessions

• Priced at $24.99 per month or $349.99 for 2 years
• Gamified lessons
• Play-along tools
• Beginner-friendly
• Accessible to anyone with a computer
• Impressive teaching roster
• Offers sheet music and DLC

Are you interested in embarking on a piano-playing journey under the guidance of renowned musicians? Playground Sessions offers a unique opportunity to learn from six distinguished instructors who offer their expertise to the program.

You know these names

You can find lessons from instructors like Quincy Jones, who has over 28 Grammy Awards and a prolific career. He's even worked with artists like Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson. Alongside Jones, the lineup includes Harry Connick Jr., David Sides, Alex Ness, David Gracia, and Dr. Byron Adams, all accomplished musicians whose achievements encompass jazz album records, millions of YouTube followers, and even performances on Broadway.

Methods backed by music education

Backed by a star-studded team, the teaching methods at Playground Sessions are also grounded in top level research. The instructors have all graduated from prestigious institutions, and you can delve into their impressive backgrounds through their Playground Sessions bios. The program at Playground Sessions is designed to be immersive, so you can jump into learning popular songs right from the outset.

Learn from what interests you

The underlying philosophy at Playground Sessions is that learning becomes more intuitive when you're getting into a song's melody and rhythm that genuinely excites you. The curriculum covers essential areas of piano technique like music notation, rhythm, and playing by ear. You also get access to extras like data charts that help you track practice time, your progress, and areas where you might want to spend more time practicing. The real-time feedback feature allows you to focus on specific sections of a song you may be grappling with. You can loop these sections and assess your performance until you've mastered the segment and are ready to advance.

Learn your way on your own device

There are lots of ways to learn at Playground Sessions. The website thoughtfully showcases what prospective students gain through their membership, providing a visual representation of the interactive piano lessons. Among these, one intriguing feature allows students to engage in a video game-style competition with friends, where their scores hinge on the accuracy of the notes played. They can earn points, level up, and share their scores with an online community. And all you need to access Playground Sessions is a computer or mobile device, so it's got amazing accessibility for everyone.

Three payment plan options

You can choose from three different ways to pay at Playground Sessions. The site offers both a monthly and annual payment plan, if you want to consider a subscription. If you prefer one-time payments, you can choose the "lifetime” access option instead. The monthly cost for Playground Sessions costs $24.99. The annual membership costs $149.99 each year. And if you decide to go with a one-time payment, you can gain lifetime access to Playground Sessions with a $349.99 payment. However, when we dug into the details of the "lifetime” access, it was actually not as long as it sounds. You'll gain access to the content at Playground Sessions for 2 years, and from there you can choose to purchase videos a-la-carte or subscribe then. While this isn't a horrible deal, the fact that it's called "lifetime” feels a little dishonest.

No refund policy to be found

One downside (aside from a "lifetime” policy that isn't actually lifelong) is that Playground Sessions does not provide a refund policy. As most of the companies in our evaluation do offer a money back guarantee or refund policy of some kind, this sets Playground Sessions behind the pack.

Praise for being user-friendly

Playground Sessions has a solid reputation with reviewers, but is a little lower than some of its competitors with the Better Business Bureau. At the time of this review, Playground Sessions held a "B-” rating from the BBB. However, checking out the reviews gives you a clearer picture of the company's reputation. On app sites where you can download the app for Playground Sessions, the average rating is 4.7 stars out of 5, which is highly impressive. Likewise, at Trustpilot, Playground Sessions holds a solid 4.5-star average. Customers love how easy it is to download, install, and start learning. It's really as easy as ready-set-play.

Impressive teachers and solid reputation

Overall, Playground Sessions earns its reputation as a highly-rated platform for piano instruction, thanks to its exceptional roster of experienced teachers, a wide array of popular song selections, and comprehensive video tutorials. However, with a slightly dishonest "lifetime” membership option along with no return/refund policy, Playground Sessions slides behind the top contenders just a little. However, with its impressive offerings, we still assign an excellent rating and our recommendation to this piano lesson program.

Piano Wizard Academy

• Priced at $19.95 per month or $347 for a one-time payment
• Highest-priced plan includes a keyboard
• Gamified lessons
• Play-along tools
• Beginner-friendly
• Accessible to anyone with a computer
• Offers sheet music and DLC
• 30-day money back guarantee
• Used for music education in schools

If you're in search of a distinctive and unconventional approach to piano learning or teaching, Piano Wizard Academy offers a course that stands out from the rest. Diverging from conventional online piano courses, Piano Wizard is a computer-based instructional platform that adopts a video game-like method to create a fun way to engage with the process of learning the piano. While it may seem initially tailored for younger students, its applicability extends to learners of all ages. Gamified approaches can be particularly helpful for self-learners who struggle with motivation during coursework.

Gamified approach teaches music reading

There are a couple of key things that make Piano Wizard Academy successful. To facilitate learning, students need to put the provided stickers onto the keyboard keys, which correspond with the software. During lessons, color-coded objects traverse the screen from bottom to top, like a game of Rock Band or those popular Midi-piano videos on YouTube. This indicates which keyboard keys should be pressed along with the appropriate timing to hit or hold a particular note. The objective is to press the keys as the on-screen objects align with the corresponding keys.

Comprehensive features

The comprehensive suite of Piano Wizard Academy features includes these elements:

• Piano Wizard Academy video game software
• A 100 Song Curriculum, equivalent to two years of children's level piano lessons
• Access to over 100 songs for playing and learning
• The capacity to incorporate songs with MIDI files that are seamlessly transformed into a game
• A collection of 50 online video lessons, complete with instructional content
• Printable sheet music for the 100 songs in the lessons
• A student success chart to monitor individual progress
• Color-coded keyboard stickers
• Admission to a virtual campus membership area offering supplementary materials
• Access to free "WizardTunes" for download and learning
• Academy quick-start videos that provide guidance on system usage
• A star sticker reward system designed to track students' advancement

Perfect for anyone with a computer

To get started with Piano Wizard Academy, you have to have a keyboard which must be separately acquired in addition to the software (though that's pretty self-explanatory for anyone looking to play piano). However, since the stickers for the Piano Wizard Academy program are essential to the gamified approach, having a keyboard to put those on is the only way to start the lessons. The platform conveniently provides links to external sites where these keyboards can be purchased. Other than that, you just need a computer to access the lessons, which makes it easy for most customers to enjoy.

Flexible payment options

You can choose a membership trial for 30 days to test out the program. If you love it as much as Piano Wizard Academy expects you to, you can easily shift to a subscription for only $19.95 per month. If you're not interested in locking in to an ongoing subscription, you can also choose to pay one time. The cost for one-time payment was $297 at the time of this review, if you don't need a keyboard. If you do need one, they offer a plan that includes your new instrument for $347.

30-day money back guarantee

Piano Wizard Academy offers you a 30-day money back guarantee if you're not completely satisfied with the learning process or program. And, if you choose to go with their subscription plan, the company promises that you can cancel at any time. This customer-focused policy allows you to feel like you're in control of your piano education, and that you're not "stuck” with a particular education program if the sticker/midi game style doesn't work for your learning needs.

Customers are using it in schools

Along with a few other piano lesson sites in this review, Piano Wizard Academy is a little light on information for its reputation. The company doesn't have a presence on the Better Business Bureau, and there aren't any third-party reviews available online. Only a few articles stand out to give you some details about this business, but what they have to say is pretty impressive. First, schools in Illinois are using Piano Wizard Academy as a supplemental tool in their music education programs, showing that this is not only a tried and true method for teaching piano, but music educators are impressed enough to provide this as a learning tool to their students. Other blog reviews note that the interface is easy to use, which is a plus for students. You don't want to have to struggle to learn a program on top of learning your instrument.

Gamified approach is fun and unique

Piano Wizard Academy's appeal lies in its unique and enjoyable method for mastering piano skills. If you're a student (or you have a student) who responds well to unconventional teaching techniques compared to traditional piano lessons, the gamified learning at Piano Wizard Academy may be particularly helpful to you. However, without any teacher feedback built in, Piano Wizard Academy diverges from some of the staples of piano instruction methodology, so there may be some limitations for more advanced students. But for those just getting started or those looking to increase their repertoire and have fun at the same time, Piano Wizard Academy is a great way to learn piano.

Artist Works

• Priced at $23.25 if you pay annually or $33 if you pay monthly
• Lessons from specialized professionals
• Multiple styles of piano
• Video lessons and video feedback
• Access to student support site and online community
• Accessible to anyone with a computer and internet
• "A+” rating and accreditation from the BBB

ArtistWorks is a site that offers a wide variety of online video lessons. There are over 50,000 different lessons and you can find a range of different musical courses.

Wide range of music lessons

At ArtistWorks, aspiring musicians can explore lessons in guitar, bass, mandolin, voice, woodwinds, brass, percussion, strings, and piano lessons. They craft their classes to bridge the gap for students lacking access to in-person lessons. ArtistWorks opens the doors of musical education to individuals worldwide, provided they possess a reliable internet connection.

Courses for four types of piano

At the core of ArtistWorks' multifaceted curriculum lies the ability to select a piano teacher tailored to your preferences. Piano enthusiasts can pick from four distinct styles: general piano, popular piano, classical piano, and jazz piano. Each of these courses is headed by an instructor who specializes in the style. Students can gain insights into the teaching style and methodology of each instructor by viewing informative video clips. The instructor page also helps you see which proficiency levels are covered within each piano category, talks about the topics addressed in the lessons, and gives a preview of the song selections.

Submit recordings for feedback

Feedback is a huge portion of learning piano, so the fact that ArtistWorks offers the opportunity for students to submit up to five personal video recordings of their performances to their teacher is a big perk in their methodology. This interactive exchange creates a constructive feedback loop, as teachers diligently assess the submissions and provide insightful guidance. These teacher-student interactions, along with the accompanying feedback, are preserved within a video exchange library, affording the opportunity for other students to draw inspiration and knowledge from these shared experiences.

All you need is a computer and internet

One of the benefits of ArtistWorks is that it meshes online convenience with in-person feedback for your piano training. In a traditional course, being able to listen to musicality and little things like pedal pressure or rhythm are key for teachers to be able to provide training that helps students level up their piano skills. The fact that ArtistWorks offers the video submission with their online course style bridges the gap between just online seminars and the in-person lesson style. The best part? You still only need a computer and internet to access the full course. But, we do wish they offered demo lessons or a trial period to help customers decide if a teacher is the right fit before committing to a multi-month subscription.

Plans from $23.25 to $33

There are three payment plans to choose from that offer slightly different features. The 3-month plan includes unlimited access to lessons, limited access to the video exchange library, the ability to submit up to five videos to the teacher, and participation in a music theory workshop. This plan costs $33 per month. The 6-month plan includes all the features of the 3-month plan, but also includes 25 backing tracks spanning across instruments. This plan costs $30 per month. The 12-month plan elevates the learning experience by including a monthly broadcast and exclusive VIP bonus content. The 12-month plan offers a reduced monthly rate of $23.25 per month. This includes any of the courses listed on ArtistWorks, so if you want to learn more than one style of piano, or more than one instrument, that's totally available to you with that membership.

No cancellation policy

However, there is a notable aspect of concern when it comes to ArtistWorks: the absence of a cancellation policy. ArtistWorks fails to provide any explicit mention of a return policy or guidance on the process of membership cancellation. Communication with the company relies on filling out an online contact form and awaiting a response, which might deter potential users.

Solid reputation, but some trouble with canceling

Despite the lack of a cancellation policy, ArtistWorks has an impressive reputation overall. The company holds an "A+” rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau. On top of that, the company has a pretty solid rating from reviewers at third-party review sites. On average ArtistWorks has a 3-star rating out of 5, and more than half of the reviews are a full 5 stars. Most of the complaints about the company include troubles with auto renewal. So, if you're looking to cancel, it might be a bit of a hassle. However, for the lessons and skills, there's tons of happy reviews, so in terms of the lesson quality, you can be sure you're getting the top stuff at ArtistWorks.

Great option for teacher feedback

While ArtistWorks undoubtedly houses valuable content for aspiring pianists, the absence of demo lessons on the website leaves potential users in the dark about the nature of their prospective investment. Given that students are required to commit to a minimum of 3 months' worth of lessons, coupled with the lack of a return policy, it is advisable to consider exploring other top-rated online piano lesson platforms prior to making a commitment to ArtistWorks. However, if you're looking for a site that balances long-distance learning with in-person corrections and reviews, this site offers a unique blend creating a best-of-both-worlds teaching methodology.

Flowkey

• Priced from $19.99 to $119.99
• 7-day free trial
• Lessons based in app technology
• Play along tools
• Beginner-friendly
• Accessible to anyone with a device that supports apps
• 14-day full refund policy
• 4.7 stars out of 5 from app stores

Flowkey is a versatile app designed to serve as a musical tutor, helping students explore new techniques and melodies as they engage with the piano. One of the perks of Flowkey is that you can use it anywhere.

App goes with you wherever you go

The app functions seamlessly on cell phones, tablets, and laptops, so you can take your piano lessons with you wherever you go. Flowkey displays musical notes directly on your screen guiding you easily through the intricacies of playing. Initiating your educational voyage with Flowkey is a breeze. Simply sign up for a Flowkey account, a quick and easy process that takes just two minutes to get started with your 7-day free trial.

Technology-driven method

The teaching methodology at Flowkey offers beginner students access to engaging and interactive lessons designed to lead them through the fundamental aspects of playing technique and music theory. Using audio recognition technology to listen as you play, Flowkey picks out correct technique from mistakes, offering you the opportunity to persist until you master the composition. You can also use the built-in loop function, which allows students to isolate and replay challenging segments. The Flowkey library houses an impressive array of over a thousand songs, ranging from timeless classics to contemporary chart-toppers. Students can choose songs from varying skill levels, which encompass beginner, intermediate, advanced, and pro categories. Alternatively, they can opt for specific course topics that align with their musical interests.

8 courses for the beginner

One way to learn is to use the 8 courses that take you from beginner all the way up to full scales:

1. Introduction to the Piano (8 lessons)
2. Playing with Both Hands (7 lessons)
3. Intermediate Piano Playing (6 lessons)
4. Mastering Chords (7 lessons)
5. Improvising with Chords (5 lessons)
6. Music Reading Training (8 lessons)
7. Playing Scales (10 lessons)
8. Playing Scales II (12 lessons)

Accessible to any device that uses apps

Flowkey is usable on any device, but is especially formatted as an app, which makes it ideal for tablets and phones. Beyond that, you don't need anything except your piano to start taking lessons for free with Flowkey. However, the free lessons are limited to 8 different songs and a handful of course exercises. If you want full access, you'll have to pay once the 7-day free trial is over.

Prices range from $19.99 to $119.99

When it comes to pricing, there are flexible options here. You can have access to the free trial right away for the first 7 days. But, if you want to take full advantage of Flowkey's lessons, you'll want to choose a premium membership. The following subscriptions plans are open to you, if you decide you want to keep going with Flowkey:

• Monthly plan for $19.99
• 6-month plan for $83.99
• Yearly plan for $119.99

With the assurance of a 14-day full refund policy, Flowkey makes sure that if you're not happy with your paid service, you can be fully reimbursed, and cancel your subscription with no penalties.

Great for beginners, but missing advanced work

Finding details about Flowkey's reputation was a little difficult. Since this company is built around an app, there weren't many third-party reviews or a Better Business Bureau page for Flowkey. Instead, we checked out the reviews and ratings on the app stores. Across different app stores, you can find an average star rating of 4.7 out of 5. Customers appreciate that the price for lessons was much lower at Flowkey than doing professional piano lessons. For self-learners who are motivated, this is a fairly successful app. However, some of the criticisms of the app note that this is a great option for beginner pianists, but doesn't help a lot for students looking for more advanced teaching methods or techniques.

Best for beginners

Flowkey appeals to students who want the freedom to play piano at their own pace on their own time. However, if you seek to dive deep into the realm of music theory, you may need to explore resources outside of Flowkey, as the company predominantly emphasizes beginner piano techniques. But with its flexible return policy, trying out Flowkey's impressive repository of musical knowledge proves to be a low-risk option. With the low cost and high reward for beginner self-learners, Flowkey offers a competitive service.

Learn & Master

• Priced at $89 (one-time cost)
• Taught by one teacher overall
• Cumulative lesson methodology
• Video lessons taught by guest artists
• Multimodal learning (reading, listening, watching, and doing)
• Access to student support site and online community
• 20 DVD lessons and 5 play-along CDs

Learn & Master is a comprehensive platform that extends a helping hand to students from the comfort of their own homes. With a long history of providing at-home learning, Learn & Master offers a variety of lessons to choose from.

Works even though it's not state of the art

While the website and DVD learning style might not offer modern aesthetics, Learn & Master excels in teaching a classical piano style. Students may not find contemporary popular music here, but it's important to recognize that the fundamental principles of piano playing remain consistent over time, and classical music is built on traditional teaching methodology. On the whole, Learn & Master accommodates learners of varying skill levels, which includes beginner and advanced pianists.

Cumulative teaching method for all levels

Learn & Master Piano is designed to provide comprehensive lessons. The teaching approach employed by the company follows a step-by-step methodology, helping to lead absolute beginners as well as more advanced pianists on a journey toward becoming self-assured and proficient musicians. These lessons are delivered by Will Barrow, complemented by occasional guest artists for professional instruction. The curriculum unfolds progressively, with each lesson building upon previous instruction.

Tailored for at-home learners

These lessons have been tailored to accommodate at-home learners. They feature practical tools for self-assessment, with "you're ready to move on when" indicators. Detailed instructions are provided for instrument setup, and students have the flexibility to pause and resume video content at their convenience. One remarkable aspect of Learn & Master's piano courses is the wide array of topics they cover. With over 38 topics in their curriculum, you can find lessons on things as simple as understanding the keyboard layout to delving into chord inversions and classical piano concepts. The Learn & Master piano series spans various styles, including rock, classical, ragtime, country piano, modern pop piano, boogie-woogie, blues piano, jazz piano, and Latin piano.

Online support community

While this program primarily takes place in the comfort of your home, you're far from isolated in your learning journey. Learn & Master extends an online support community to all its students to create a more collaborative environment. You can use the Learn & Master discussion boards to connect with fellow learners and also gain the opportunity to engage with Will Barrow himself. This allows you to ask questions and share recordings, seeking the support of a community that comprehends your learning requirements. Learn & Master provides you with all the essential resources in one place.

Outdated tech is disappointing

However, there is a minor accessibility concern. To access the materials, you have to have a DVD-compatible system or acquire an external CD drive, as modern computers often lack built-in CD drives, and many households have transitioned away from DVD players in favor of online streaming. The fact that Learn & Master uses more dated technology might pose challenges for some individuals who want to learn from this company.

Competitive one-time payment

One of the benefits of Learn & Master is its one-time payment. Instead of signing up for monthly subscriptions or lengthy private lessons, you can get the entire curriculum for Learn & Master with one payment. To acquire the full set of DVDs, a workbook, and accompanying CDs, the total cost amounts to $89. If that upfront payment seems a bit steep, there's a convenient payment plan that allows you to spread the cost over three or four installments. However, considering the cost of piano lessons can range from $50 to $70 an hour, a single payment of $89 is highly competitive. But there is just one problem: at the time of this review the Learn & Master packages were out of stock, so you might need to contact them to get a hold of more inventory.

60-day returns

In the event that you're dissatisfied with the piano course post-purchase, Learn & Master provides the assurance of a 60-day money-back guarantee. It doesn't say anything on the site about return shipping, so you might want to take that possibility into account, but otherwise their return policy is highly competitive in this industry.

No buzz for Learn & Master

One thing that detracted from Learn & Master aside from the outdated technology is its reputation. The company doesn't necessarily have a bad reputation, it just doesn't have any information out there at all. The handful of reviews we could find for Learn & Master weren't for the piano program, so without clear feedback or a page on the Better Business Bureau, customers are left somewhat in the dark as to the effectiveness of Learn & Master.

Low tech option may not be ideal for all

While Learn & Master sounds good on paper, there's one huge problem: all Learn & Master lessons are distributed via CDs, which poses compatibility issues since many modern computers lack CD drives, necessitating external drives. While the content maintains a professional and comprehensive standard, making it a cost-effective alternative to subscription-based piano lessons, it's evident that Learn & Master could benefit from technological updates. Given this lack of regular updates and modern technology, it may not entirely align with students seeking to master modern songs or cater to their music preferences.

Piano With Willie

• Priced at $29.97 per month or $299 per year
• Lessons offer one-on one coaching
• Play-along tools
• Video lessons
• Beginner-friendly
• Accessible to anyone with a computer
• Offers sheet music and DLC
• "A+” rating from the BBB

PianoWithWillie, a company owned by the Jazzedge network, emerges as a piano-focused lesson plan that's part of a larger conglomerate renowned for its stellar "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau. This network encompasses numerous micro-sites, each covering a different facet of piano education. With a spectrum of piano resources consolidated under one primary platform, students are able to pick out their ideal piano lessons based on their current proficiency and area of interest. PianoWithWillie is particularly tailored to furnish online instruction to students who already have one or more years of piano experience.

Who is Willie?

The teaching methods at PianoWithWillie come with a question: "Who is Willie?" Willie is both the namesake and the instructor of the courses. While the website mentions his Berkeley education, it remains relatively scant on biographical details. An online search showed that Willie has performed across the United States. His educational journey includes significant periods of study in New York and Boston, collaborating with renowned musicians.

Video courses with jazz and rock influence

So, that leaves another question: How does he teach? PianoWithWillie offers courses covering multiple facets of piano proficiency, from accompaniment and improvisation to jazz technique and rock composition, among others. Within this expansive array, there are two fundamental courses that stand as prerequisites for all students: piano essentials and chord essentials. These foundational courses cater to students of varying levels of expertise. In totality, the lessons include over 4,000 individual videos to learn from.

Accessible to anyone with a computer

PianoWithWillie extends an appealing opportunity for students to access personalized one-on-one coaching with Willie through Skype, adding a unique dimension to the learning experience. While the program is already accessible through the internet, making it easy to use for anyone with an internet capable device, you also get access to a fundamental of piano methods: feedback directly from your teacher.

Accurate pricing is hard to find

When checking out the prices, we encountered inconsistencies across the PianoWithWillie website. The actual details of the program pricing changes depending on the section of the website you visit. On the membership page, the cost stands at $29.97 per month or $299 for an annual membership. However, this price changes on other pages. There were also discrepancies on what's actually included for the price. One page states the available video content includes 550 hours of video lessons, while another claims over 700 hours.

No refund policy

Another concerning point about PianoWithWillie is the absence of a refund policy. This implies that whether or not the learning style works for you, you're going to be stuck footing the cost of lessons from this platform. So, if you're looking for security or guarantees, you won't find that here.

Nobody is talking about Willie

During our research, we found that PianoWithWillie's parent company Jazzedge holds an "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau. However, in terms of third-party reviews, there isn't much out there. Even on the BBB page for Jazzedge there are zero reviews for the company as a whole. Considering some of the other cons of going with PianoWithWillie, it might be safer to find a site that has a more robust review presence with specific customer feedback.

Missing info causes concern

While the quality of PianoWithWillie's courses had potential, the lack of detailed information presented on the website remains a noticeable problem overall. Although the site hosts numerous testimonials extolling the virtues of the course, their authenticity and impartiality may be subject to scrutiny, given the absence of unfiltered feedback. Plus with no return or refund policy, we question how much the company stands behind its services. Potential students might benefit from exploring alternative online piano courses that provide more transparency.

Piano For All

• Priced at $49 (one-time cost)
• Taught by one teacher overall
• Focuses on popular music
• Multimodal learning (reading, listening, and doing)
• 9 interactive ebooks
• Accessible learning on any device

Piano For All sets out to serve beginner students in their quest to master the piano, offering a holistic approach that encompasses both mastering sheet music and the ability to play by ear. Despite its merits, some parts of the website may require some extra digging. Notably, the information presented regarding creator Robin Hall's credentials and the comprehensive interface of the course are somewhat unprofessional and vague, which doesn't inspire confidence in a piano method led by this teacher.

Constructive feedback

One of the main promises of the teaching methodology at Piano For All is its progress evaluation. The program designer, Robin Hall, pledges his willingness to provide constructive feedback, emphasizing a quintessential element of traditional piano lessons. His vision hinges on equipping students with the profound understanding of the music they play, enabling them to swiftly improvise and even compose their own pieces.

Focus on popular music

Piano For All introduces novices to the world of piano through familiar rhythmic styles made famous by artists such as Coldplay, Norah Jones, and Billy Joel. Focusing on popular music rather than a classical approach is meant to encourage students to explore different genres and build their own creativity into their music. However, the course structure remains somewhat unknown. While glimpses of the instructional approach are offered in video clips on the website, the core methodology doesn't stand out as being substantially different from other online piano lessons. The primary model involves an instructor playing a song, highlighting the keys being pressed, and repeating the sequence for students to follow along.

Accessible for download for anyone, anytime

The program delivers a comprehensive package comprising nine interactive eBooks, a staggering 500 embedded audio files, 200 enlightening video lessons, the promise of email support, and a commitment to furnish students with lifetime updates. The course's presentation is rather unique, as it is predominantly narrated in the first person by the course creator, Robin Hall. Piano For All values its accessibility and convenience, allowing users to download the course materials for offline use on any device.

Pay once and learn forever

One perk of Piano For All is the cost. Instead of signing up for a monthly payment plan or a subscription, you can get the entire lesson package for one price. At the time of this review, the price for Piano For All was just $49. Normally the cost is $79, which is still cheaper than other single-purchase options in this review.

No details out there for Piano For All

Unfortunately, there isn't any way to double-check how effective Piano For All is for general students as there aren't any third-party reviews out there for this company. On top of that Piano For All also doesn't have a page with the Better Business Bureau, so there's really not a lot of info out there for this company aside from a handful of blog reviews. The blog reviews are pretty mixed with some saying it's "worth the hype” and others saying, "stay away”.

Not a top performer for piano lessons

Considering that the course's website occasionally raises questions about the grand claims it makes, such as the assertion that students can attain professional piano-playing skills in a matter of days and mixed blog reviews with no third-party feedback, Piano For All doesn't stand out as a top performing site for piano lessons. With almost no one having rated or used the site, it begs the question if Piano For All really is "for all” or if it's one of the many mostly unknown businesses on the web. In light of these uncertainties and the desire for a more transparent understanding of the course content, we recommend considering one of the higher-rated courses in this review instead.

Rocket Piano

• Priced at $39 (one-time cost)
• Books and CDs for learning
• Multimodal learning (reading, listening watching, and doing)
• 60-day refund policy

The initial impression of Rocket Piano is a confusing and unhelpful design mixed with lengthy and difficult-to-read descriptions of the piano program. One of these long walls of text includes a letter accompanied by a photograph of someone named "Jon” from Rocket Piano. But beyond that, you don't get a clear idea of Jon's identity or his credentials. Despite the company's work to emphasize that this course isn't boring (we might respectfully disagree just based on their site design), we couldn't find much to really back up those claims.

Their method isn't overly clear

Rocket Piano's teaching method is left somewhat to the imagination. While the walls of text tell you that you'll discover how to maximize your progress in just a short 10-minute session, surpassing the results of those who invest hours of their day (the pianists on our review team are highly suspicious of this claim), and that you'll learn to work on the art of conveying emotions through your piano playing, there aren't a lot of details on what exactly Rocket Piano does to help you master these things. What we could find is that Rocket Piano accommodates learners of various levels, providing theory and immediate application in original pieces for beginners. And with audio samples, you won't have to wonder what certain songs sound like.

Materials accessible through download or shipping

The Rocket Piano package includes three instructional books tailored to different proficiency levels (beginners, intermediates, and those with advanced skills), along with a dedicated jazz and gospel piano book. You also will receive a few bonuses which include a metronome, a music theory game, software for sight reading, tools for perfecting pitch, and a piano book. You can access these materials either by having them shipped to your home or through the option of digital download (minus things like the metronome).

Outdated formats

Many of the materials appear to be in CD or DVD format, which may be less accessible to some customers who don't have CD drives or DVD players. Also, the precise titles of the classic songs and Rocket Piano originals taught within the course are not explicitly listed. This raises some questions about the content of the courses.

One time payment with 60-day refund policy

The pricing of the full program is set at $39.95, which is extremely affordable for a one-time payment. However, given that the methods are based on books and CDs, and the outdated materials don't seem grounded in traditional piano lessons, it may not be worth your money to check this out. On the bright side, Rocket Piano offers a 60-day refund policy in case you do purchase and change your mind.

No reputation details available

While the website does feature positive reviews, these testimonials are not unfiltered, potentially lacking the objectivity that impartial reviews offer. And since we couldn't find any indication of a listing with the Better Business Bureau or any third-party review sites that talk about Rocket Piano, we find their reputation to be fairly questionable overall. This might not be the safest place to spend your money.

Not a strong reputation to stand behind

While Rocket Piano offers a decent repertoire of teaching materials at an affordable price point, it doesn't stand out from the pack. Despite the long scrolling page of written information, Rocket Piano still leaves customers feeling in the dark about what they're actually paying for. The absence of helpful and detailed information and any trustworthy reviews ultimately influenced our low rating.