Simply Piano
Simply Piano was crafted by JoyTunes, a leading music education company. The app was developed to democratize music education and make piano learning accessible and enjoyable from home. Co-founder and CEO Yuval Kaminka, alongside his team, launched JoyTunes with a vision to combine music educators' expertise with advanced technology, thereby simplifying the piano learning process. Simply Piano has earned recognition for its innovative approach, winning multiple awards such as the World Summit Awards in mobile content and Apple’s Editor’s Choice. It has also gained a vast user base, reaching millions globally (Music & Creativity) (Wikipedia). The Simply App has since expanded to offer guitar and singing lessons as well.
Differentiation: What sets Simply Piano apart is its 'playing-based' approach, similar to learning a language through immersion. It contrasts starkly with traditional 'reading-first' methods, promoting immediate hands-on playing. This method allows learners to start playing familiar tunes right from the beginning, integrating musical theory and skills as they progress (Wikipedia) (The Music Ambition).
How to Get Started: Getting started with Simply Piano is straightforward. After downloading the app, users can immediately start with introductory courses that cover basic piano concepts and simple songs. This setup makes it easy for homeschoolers to integrate piano lessons into their routine, recommending daily short sessions to steadily build skills (The Music Ambition).
How It Works: Simply Piano is designed as an intuitive, user-friendly app perfect for homeschooling environments. Learners begin with basic lessons and gradually advance through different paths depending on their interest—be it pop chords or classical music. The app provides instant feedback on playing, with visual cues that help in correcting and learning from mistakes. Homeschoolers can efficiently use Simply Piano independently, with minimal setup and no need for extensive prior preparation (The Music Ambition).
Educational Content and Languages Included:
Basic to intermediate piano skills
Music theory integrated with practical playing
Styles include classical, blues, jazz, and popular music
Courses in reading sheet music, chords, and playing techniques
What’s Good About It: Users appreciate the seamless blend of learning and playing, the variety of music genres covered, and the app’s ability to cater to different skill levels. The immediate feedback mechanism and the structured learning paths that keep the experience engaging and progressive are also highly valued (Music & Creativity) (PianoDreamers.com).
What Could Be Improved: Some users note the app's limitations in advanced music theory and the inability to customize aspects like tempo during practice. The requirement for a compatible keyboard and issues with note recognition on acoustic pianos are points of friction for some users (PianoDreamers.com) (The Music Ambition).
Advice from Parents: Many parents suggest starting with short, daily sessions to build a routine without overwhelming the learner. Ensuring that the keyboard or piano is fully compatible with the app to avoid technical issues is also recommended. Some also advise supplementing app lessons with traditional music theory for a more rounded education (The Music Ambition).
Who It’s an Ideal Fit For: Simply Piano is perfect for homeschooling families looking for a flexible, engaging way to introduce music education. It's especially suited for beginners and intermediate players who enjoy a variety of musical styles and want to see quick progress in their ability to play songs (The Music Ambition).
Who It’s Probably Not a Fit For: Advanced players or those seeking in-depth classical music training may find the program limiting. It's also less suited for learners who prefer traditional, structured, and theory-intensive piano lessons (The Music Ambition).
Grades: Suitable for all ages, from young children through adults.
Cost: The app offers various subscription plans ranging from $59.99 for three months to $119.99 for a year (Music & Creativity).
Ways to Get It: Simply Piano is available for download on both iOS and Android platforms, accessible through the App Store and Google Play respectively.
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