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Wednesday, November 13th
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:
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.
Have you always wanted to plunk out a tune for your friends and family? Are you seeking to grow your piano-playing technique, or perhaps to elevate your existing skills to new heights? Maybe you've got a little remorse for neglecting those childhood piano lessons (hey, don't worry, we understand!) and are now yearning to revisit this musical journey.
While some might argue that digital piano lessons (no matter how they're taught) can't replace the in-person quality of piano, we're here to check out all the options for you and tell you what's what. Which sites are worth your time if you're just starting out? Which sites are best for enjoying the music and learning along the way?
Mastery of the piano is a versatile skill, and music is known for being an invaluable pursuit not just for impressing your friends with expert renditions of the Piano Man, but also for helping your mind and body connect with memory skills and the beauty of musical expression. And, it's something you can use surprisingly often.
Whether you want to step in as an accompanist in a school play for your kiddos, regale and entertain guests in your home, find solace and expression through therapeutic musical outlets, or even work towards that dream of taking center stage as a professional performer, your decision to learn piano is one that you'll undoubtedly cherish. As with any pursuit, success hinges on your dedication to practice and your unwavering commitment to the online lessons that will unlock your latent musical prowess, ultimately allowing you to savor the joy of your newfound talent.
For most of us, piano lessons have traditionally been offered in two primary settings: private lessons at home where a seasoned piano professional teaches you theory, performance, and technique from a variety of method books, or at a local studio, fostering a collaborative environment where students frequently showcase their burgeoning talents to their peers. While some students find these settings to be invigorating opportunities for growth, others may feel a certain apprehension, preferring the intimate setting of solitary learning from the comfort of their homes.
In-person piano lessons also carry a hefty financial burden. Learning in your home means paying for the teacher and their travel fees, which can mean you're looking at lessons over $70 an hour. However, in the age of technology, there are new and exciting ways to learn the piano without those long-term financial commitments.
No matter your reason for seeking out piano lessons, there's plenty of places to choose from. As the digital age unfolds, a multitude of online piano lesson options, each ready to cater to your unique musical aspirations, are available to you. There are plenty of different learning styles, but the bottom line is: you can find instruction that's similar in content and methodology to that private teacher feel, and we're going to help you find which ones.
To get you started on your journey through treble and bass clef, to arpeggios, scales, and music technique, we've put together a quick list of key things (pun intended) to help you find the best fit for your new piano lessons. If you're not sure where to start, take a peek at these factors first:
Guided by a love of music and experience with piano, the experts at Top Consumer Reviews have reviewed and ranked the top online piano lesson sites out there. Our aim is to give you the proverbial theory book on how to find your way to piano mastery. We hope you find a harmonious and melodic fit, where your musical aspirations can flourish unencumbered.
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