The last thing you want is for your child to start learning to play ...and then stop.
Without proper supervision, deadlines or actual direction, children can find it easy to just not bother. Time passes quickly and in a few short weeks a child may come to consider music as something they used to do - a game they'd rather 'not play anymore'. And once playing has ceased to be part of their regular routine, you can be pretty sure they'll Never go back to it.
Children need to be kept involved and motivated by an experienced teacher.
Clearly, Online tuition can contribute little in this regard.
Though easy to access and free to use, such programs may indeed be the cause of your child being deprived of that unique, single opportunity leading to the development of self esteem, playing skills and musicianship.
PIANOMAN'S DISCOVERY...
Some years ago the Piano Advisory approached certain Software Developers, seeking to install selected programs on our computers - to test and evaluate the "Music Lessons" they offered.
The ones we chose were already highly regarded, having previously earned high praise from other professionals and music educators (see testimonials)
Pianoman needed convincing, so he went looking for problems, things to criticize, difficulties, shortcomings etc.
But wouldn't you know it - here at the Advisory, we too were suitably impressed !
And now, all have the Pianoman's endorsement for living up to the developers claims.
Please note: Since writing, some products have been updated or access to them changed - others discontinued and so were removed from this page. What remains are our own particular favorites.
Whilst there are many choices available, this outstanding software range provides you with inexpensive music tuition, effective teaching methods; stimulating musical games, songs, sheet music, midi files. Best of all ... music Theory was never more fun !!!
And what's the SECRET?
It's all about INTERACTIVITY - which is where these music teaching CDs leave the 'free' online internet sessions for dead ! Good software programs are "complete" music courses - not mere samples leading you to the paid stuff.
You need responsible, comprehensive instruction.
Do you want inspired and expertly planned music tuition?
Lessons that are beautifully presented and easy to follow?
These programs are easily installed - so simple to operate even grownups can do it.
Kids love these well designed presentations, the challenges to their problem solving abilities, the Creative displays, the Colorful and interesting activities.
There are games, humorous animations, cute lil characters who pop up and offer encouragement; Some titles offer filmed sequences with expert tutors providing guidance; Live Video footage so you can see what it looks like; You might even get to "perform" - and be promptly rewarded with a round of applause for your efforts!
FOR ADULTS ?
As an adult you might prefer a more serious approach ... to develop your comprehension, sight reading skills, theory and your playing technique. And so you can, with structured lessons representing around two years of standard piano or keyboard tuition and featuring more advanced drills, midi files and plenty of well arranged songs to play
Adventus Incorporated Piano Suite Premier
But I heard there's no substitute for "real" tuition from a regular teacher?
Whilst that's true (and the developers are quick to agree), the products reviewed have some extraordinary features.
Really, they are incredibly inexpensive, compared with prices for the printed matter purchased by music pupils.
If you're wanting computer based music tuition you'll buy these for as little as a few, or at most - a dozen lessons with a professional teacher.
And anyway, I reckon you'll most likely be enrolling for "proper" tuition before long : )
I don't have a Keyboard or piano... what should I Buy?
If you don't own a suitable keyboard instrument, an Adventus Piano Suite bundle includes a fully compatible midi keyboard. A great discovery... In my opinion this one is super value!
Should you already own such a keyboard then any of the software shown here would satisfy most players needs.
Do all Teachers approve?
Of course not ! But we are music teachers ( ... I even teach other teachers.)
And the truth is that where any of my music pupils are using such a program, I recommend continuing to do so as a practical aid to better understanding. Curiosity drives them to more fully explore the medium and they seem to accomplish more in less time.
As they become more involved physically they learn more rapidly and show improved playing skills.
Software like this could one day put Music Teachers out of business...But I seriously doubt that.
And so for those interested in "self teach" programs, Pianoman is pleased to recommend the products reviewed here.
All are quite exceptional quality, totally affordable and fun to own. The Piano Advisory congratulates the companies producing them and invites visitors to this page to examine these products in more detail below
ADVENTUS INCORPORATED Piano Suite Basic
