How long does it take to learn to play the piano?

The real question is how well do you want to be able to play? If you just want to play the basic one-finger rendition of Hot Cross Buns, you can have that down in just a few minutes! Of course, most people have bigger goals like playing a song they love or accompanying singers at church. Piano instruction is often measured by levels from 1-10, and the average student will master one level per year of instruction and practice. Your results may vary.

Are there piano lessons suitable for young children? Or older adults?

Absolutely. No one is too young or too old to learn the basics of playing the piano. Naturally, the type of instruction used for children who aren't reading yet will be different from what is used by older kids and adults.

Is it really possible to learn to play piano without an in-person teacher?

Yes! In fact, some piano lessons are used by respected universities to provide self-paced instruction to their students - without having to set foot in the music department!

How expensive are piano lessons?

If you're taking lessons from a local teacher, you could pay anywhere from $20 to $50 for a half-hour lesson. On the other hand, if you're using an online system or another form of self-guided instruction, you could learn to play for less than $10 per month! Costs vary depending on which program you choose, but all of them are much more affordable than one-on-one instruction.

Do I need to have a full-sized piano?

Not usually. A small keyboard will usually suffice. Some piano lesson platforms use a specific electronic keyboard to interface with the computer and deliver lessons.

What other equipment will I need for piano lessons?

That completely depends on the lesson format you select. Old-school piano lessons might require a DVD player, while more technologically-advanced platforms use a laptop or tablet. The most important equipment, though, is your willingness to practice!

I hate classical music. Are there any piano lessons that I'll actually enjoy?

Don't worry: if Chopin makes you cranky there are options that use much more modern pieces to help you learn. There's even a piano lesson program that has famous instructors like Quincy Jones and Harry Connick Jr.!

Is there a satisfaction guarantee?

Most of the time. Policies vary, but it's common to see a refund policy or free trial, to ensure that you've chosen a style of piano lessons that works for you.

Best Piano Lessons for June 2026 | Top Consumer Reviews

Item: The Best Piano Lessons - Summary Reviews
Rating: 5
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Tuesday, June 16th We evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

2026 Piano Lesson Reviews

Where can you find the best online piano lessons? It's a question more and more people are asking. Whether you've always dreamed of sitting down and playing a favorite song, want to sharpen your technique, or are thinking about picking piano back up after years away, there's never been a better time to learn.

5.0

EXCELLENT

Best Option

Pianote

Pre-recorded video lessons
90-day money-back guarantee
Beginners to early intermediate players

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EXCELLENT

5.0

On the Pianote website

If you've spent any time searching for online piano lessons, chances are you've stumbled across Pianote. It's one of the biggest names in the space with engaging videos, charismatic teachers, and a huge catalog of songs. Unlike gamified apps, Pianote leans into a more "teacher-led" experience with pre-recorded videos that produce real progress while still providing motivation and fun. It's our #1 pick for piano lessons, and we think you'll love it too.

4.5

GREAT

Great

Piano Marvel

30,000+ songs & exercises
Real-time feedback with microphone or MIDI connection
Free tier or $10 to $15/month

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GREAT

4.5

On the Piano Marvel website

Piano Marvel is widely viewed as one of the more serious contenders in the world of online piano lessons. It is a structured, curriculum-driven website and app with interactive practice models and a huge song library. It is used by thousands of students and teachers each month and is an effective way to learn piano.

4.4

GREAT

Great

Artist Works

Video exchange lessons
Over 50,000 students taught
5 award-winning teachers to choose from

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GREAT

4.4

On the Artist Works website

If you've ever wished you could take piano lessons from a world-class musician without leaving your living room, ArtistWorks might just sound like music to your ears. It provides real feedback from professional musicians, not just generic pre-recorded videos. The technical and mentor-based approach is a fan favorite for the flexible schedule, master teachers, and responsive customer service team. Give ArtistWorks a try.

4.3

GREAT

Great

Hoffman Academy

300+ completely free lessons
Paid plans start at $20/month
For beginning to early advanced learners

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GREAT

4.3

On the Hoffman Academy website

If you've ever wished piano lessons could feel more like a friendly YouTube adventure than a strict weekly appointment, Hoffman Academy might just be your jam. This kid-focused online piano program has built a reputation for being fun, approachable, and extremely affordable. With fun free videos and paid add-ons, this piano platform is accessible to anyone on any level.

4.3

GREAT

Great

Piano Video Lessons

Completely free lessons
For beginning to early intermediate adult learners
Optional one-time purchase for supplemental materials

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GREAT

4.3

On the Piano Video Lessons website

Piano Video Lessons is one of the few programs that proudly boasts, "No subscription required." That alone makes it stand out in a world of monthly fees and app-based learning. The program uses pre-recorded videos by its creator, Lisa, to lead you through structured online piano lessons similar to what you'd get if you hired a local piano teacher. Since you really can't beat "good and free", we give Piano Video Lessons a good overall rating in our review.

4.0

VERY GOOD

Very Good

Flowkey

Limited free version or $9-$37/month
7-day free trial available
Real-time computer feedback by using your microphone

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VERY GOOD

4.0

On the Flowkey website

Flowkey is a user-friendly piano lesson app where beginners and advanced learners alike can find fun, challenging, or relaxing songs to learn and play. Using a tech-driven learning approach, it's one of the most popular piano learning apps out there, known for its sleek design, massive song library, and ability to listen to your playing in real time.

3.5

GOOD

Good

Playground Sessions

2,000+ songs in multiple difficulty versions
Real-time feedback with microphone or MIDI connection
$8 to $20/month or $230 for lifetime membership

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GOOD

3.5

On the Playground Sessions website

Playground Sessions feels like the social media of the music world. This is a place where you can keep up with your favorite songs, find big name celebrities (why hello, Quincy Jones and Harry Connick Jr.) and have a community to support you, all while you are taking online piano lessons. If you want to learn popular piano songs with real-time feedback through video lessons with loads of celebrity promotions, you might just love Playground Sessions. It blends structured courses with gamified practice and a large song library, positioning itself as a "learn by playing" platform for beginners and casual players alike. But, it's a little too casual in general, so you may want to check out Playground Sessions' more serious rivals that you'll find higher on our list.

3.0

AVERAGE

Average

Piano With Willie

Pre-recorded lesson videos
Emphasis on real musicality (not just note reading)
Variety of genres including jazz, blues, gospel, and rock

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AVERAGE

3.0

On the Piano With Willie website

Piano With Willie is an online piano lesson platform created by pianist and educator Willie Myette. This program leans heavily into a human, teacher-driven experience with pre-recorded videos focusing on different genres of music like jazz, blues, gospel, and rock. Alongside Willie you'll learn how to not just read music but improvise with a focus on musicality in general. Because Piano With Willie was designed for those looking for specific genre understanding, this program can seem limited unless you're in a small niche group of learners.

2.5

FAIR

Fair

Learn & Master

Taught by Grammy-winning pianist Will Barrow
Covers multiple styles
Includes backing tracks

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FAIR

2.5

On the Learn & Master website

Learn & Master Piano with Will Barrow is a piano lesson program that is delivered straight to your living room, complete with DVDs and a lesson book, all from a Grammy-winning instructor. It's one of the most "old-school" programs still hanging around in the online piano lessons world and while the information provided is comprehensive, it lacks the accessibility you find with almost every other program. We strongly recommend checking out Learn & Master's higher-ranked rivals before committing to these piano lessons.

2.0

SUBPAR

Subpar

Piano Wizard Academy

Best for children beginning piano
Uses color-coded keyboard stickers
No subscription fees

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SUBPAR

2.0

On the Piano Wizard Academy website

Piano Wizard Academy is a computer software program that uses games to motivate and teach children piano lessons online. Instead of traditional sheet music drills from week one, you follow a gamified progression with colorful cues and interactive software that turns learning into play. Those games eventually turn into reading real music, but this alternative approach lacks modern upgrades and accessibility. You've got better options for children higher on our list, so Piano Wizard Academy gets a "why bother?" rating from us.

Continued from above...

Where Can You Find the Best Online Piano Lessons?

It's a question more and more people are asking. Whether you've always dreamed of sitting down and playing a favorite song, want to sharpen your technique, or are thinking about picking piano back up after years away, there's never been a better time to learn.

Learning piano is one of those goals that many people set at some point in their life, as it creates opportunities for musical memories, personal growth, and fun. And, the payoff of being able to play what you want, whenever you want, makes it a goal worth pursuing. In fact, there are lots of benefits to playing the piano besides just accomplishing your goal. It boosts memory, improves coordination, and gives you a creative outlet that doesn't involve staring at a screen (well, not just staring at a screen). Plus, it's something you can actually use. Accompanying at a school event, relaxing at the piano after a long day, or playing at family events are all bonuses where you can actually use your skills in positive ways.

Of course, there's definitely a debate about whether online lessons can truly replace the experience of sitting next to a teacher in person. And sure, traditional lessons have their perks. But let's be honest, not everyone wants to schedule weekly appointments, drive across town, and pay over a dollar a minute just to practice scales under supervision.

That's where online piano lessons come in. Things have come a long way from dusty old video tutorials (although there are a couple of those hanging around still). Today's platforms can listen to what you play, give instant feedback, guide you step-by-step, and even turn practice into something that feels suspiciously (or wonderfully) like a game. It's like having a teacher, coach, and practice buddy all rolled into one.

Online lessons flip the traditional model on its head. You can learn wherever you want for a fraction of the price, all in a style that actually fits you. Want a structured step-by-step course? We've got you. Prefer to jump straight into playing your favorite songs? There's that too. Whatever way you want to learn, we have an option for you.

So how do you decide? We've broken it down so you know exactly what to look for when weighing your choices:

Cost. Most online programs are cheaper than traditional lessons, but can still vary wildly. Consider whether you want to pay monthly, yearly, or once during your lifetime.
Format. Do you want something structured that tells you exactly what to do next? Or something more flexible where you can work at your own pace? Some programs use DVDs, some MIDI connections, some a microphone, and some use none of these. Make sure you have what you need before you commit.
Target age. Some programs are definitely meant for kids who are just starting, while others allow you to pick up wherever you are. Make sure the program teaches in your style, not just nursery rhymes.
Trials and guarantees. Unless you have some unique superpower, you can't always judge a piano book by its cover. So if you're not sure, consider a program that offers a trial period or a money-back guarantee just in case you don't like the program you've chosen.

Whatever you choose, there's never been a better time to learn piano. With all the new technology, there's surely something out there that fits your style and budget. To help you sort through the noise and turn it into beautiful music, the experts at Top Consumer Reviews have evaluated and rated the best online piano lessons today so you can get started making the music you've always dreamed of.