Pianote and Piano Marvel Review - Learning Piano Online as an Adult

[@thedave1602]

Arstavial: "I'm a beginner" *proceeds to play River Flows In You by Yiruma* Me: . . . .

[@arstavial]

lol it's a cool song to suddenly bust out, but I think the more you learn piano, the more you learn it's kinda the tip of an iceberg that runs soooooo so deep.

[@MichaelWTurner]

I usually don't leave long-winded comments, but your video was so good at picking up on a frustration of mine as a long long long-time beginner. I have been playing the piano off and on for years using KZbin. And back in 2020 I used the playground sessions app for a year and a half, but something about it didn't keep me practicing consistently. I've been taking lessons locally at a school for 4 months and it is a much much better experience. I've been practicing daily and taking a 30 minute lesson weekly. I now have a love for playing. The problem is my teacher is not the greatest when teaching theory. That's what I want to learn - it's the "Why" you mentioned. We pretty much just follow a beginner book every time I go there, and the book doesn't even teach different scales or why things are played in different keys. Hell, what is key exactly. I want some of those basic parts of theory, so ultimately I can improvise on the piano and have fun just zoning out to the beautiful sounds this instrument can create when played well. He also has me learn songs out of a separate song book that has Pop songs in it. I like playing music that I know, but they are extremely difficult for me to learn as a beginner. I've been playing one for two months and I've only learned the intro, but it is playing with both hands and that's cool. Anyway, you said so many things that I asked my teacher - like "C7/E over the measure- what's that all about...how can chords be split like that...why?" I appreciate your video so much. I am thinking maybe I'll subscribe to Pianote. Last week I cancelled my weekly lesson. I don't see a need for it. I would prefer to find good software and go back and take a pick up lesson maybe once a month. This is an awesome video. Thanks again.

[@PianoMarvel]

Thanks for the review! I think we can use this feedback to try and add more of the "why" to what you're doing, especially in the Method and Technique section! 😊 FYI: we have been adding videos to every method song starting at Level 4. We finished all of Level 4 and 5 and just started Level 6 where things gets really tricky! We'd love to have you come back and check it out if you are interested 😊

[@arstavial]

That's great to hear! When I hit a wall with self study, I'll definitely reach out to you. Piano Marvel is a great platform and I really grew as a player, thanks to you :)

[@PianoMarvel]

@@arstavial Aww, thanks! 😊 This is great to hear! 😁😁 We'd love to have you back!

[@natesanti]

@@PianoMarvel you should have a pop chords and comping lesson path. I was a member before, made it to like 3d or something, I was half way is all I remember, when I realized I wasn’t practicing what I wanted to play most, pop songs. I loved everything about Piano Marvel, except the fact that I felt it was teaching me a style of music I had no interest in playing. The technique with a pop path option would have been a game changer. All in all, keep what you have for those interested in playing traditional and classical pieces, but also add a pop path for those learning as singer songwriters and producers.

[@PianoMarvel]

@@natesanti it’s funny you mentioned this. I, too, came to the piano to be a producer. I thought by now I would have been the next Skrillex, but that’s not the case 🙃Regardless, I started off by first learning my chords. I started by learning all 3 note chords. From there, I then went to the 4 note chords. Got most of the way through them by making my own flash cards. I still have those and remember how I practiced them. I’ve wanted to recreate that in Piano Marvel, but it’s a very time consuming process and I’m not sure it’s really as good as how I used to do it before coming to PM. I feel that I know how it should be done… maybe one day we will finally do it! It’s funny, though, the chords became a sort-of gateway to classical music for me. Yes, I took college classes with piano lessons which focused on classical music (which also helped), but I still think that the chords served as a great foundation for me. Not only for fun so that I could play pop stuff with my dad and my brother, but also just understand/make music. I’d love to be able to share that process that I found successful with others. I truly think it was one of the things that led me to where I am today. Maybe I can help make it for you?! What I need is a guinea pig so I can know what’s too hard and what’s too easy… e-mail me. It’s [e-mail] 😊😊

[@aarongarner580]

@@natesanti You will be happy to know it's coming. In fact, next week we are releasing the first of the pop course. We will put it up top in the favorites for you.

[@Sagart999]

Thanks for your video. I am in the middle of sorting our all of the piano apps and online learning services. What made this video valuable to me was your comments on how far each of the apps was able to take you, their weaknesses, and when to get off the bus.

[@pneumaticYeti]

This is exactly my motivation to learn piano and exactly the experience perspective i was looking to find. Thanks for making this! I'm going to get started with Piano Marvel to learn the basics

[@pianopressofficial]

Interesting that you mentioned "lacking structure and what to play next". I find myself filled with doubt sometimes, like should I be learning this or is this going to help me progress. Then I remind myself to just keep playing and learning and by learning different songs, I learn different technique. For example, by learning Fur Elise I was introduced to chromatic scales. So lets keep playing and asking questions later 🙂

[@arstavial]

I think just playing in general is the best way forward! Is there a "absolute best way" to learn? yeah, probably. But it's not really feasible. Lets just try to enjoy the process!

[@CoreyKublik-ur4hv]

Thanks for the review. I’m exactly starting at the point you were and was thinking about taking the same approach - midi connected learning software for the first few months to get the ropes with they keys and then moving onto Pianote for the their mentor lessons. Your review gave me the confidence that my thinking is on the right track.

[@ShiftyShotgun]

Piano Marvel has the entire Alfred Adult All in one series in their library. That + the Alfred's books is probably a great match.

[@komalthecoolk]

Wow! I have been using this app for a while and didn't even notice this and I was JUST about to buy this book. Thanks for pointing this out.

[@liamonconlocha4898]

You praise Pianote, but many of the songs are simplified without being stated. Another point is, I was a day late with closing my acc. They still took a year’s subscription from my acc. The Method is not a responsible method, didactically poor.I found some of the melodies were not the way the original sounded and not just the key

[@theveryfirst]

I don't like those note detection apps. You end up just guessing and getting lazy. I prefer pianote and being guided with a video. I left pianote and have just rejoined. I realised how good that platform is. Just blindly learning songs with apps like flowkey is not the way. You need to learn progressions and scales.

[@Eponymity1000]

I wish I had seen this review a year ago. Pianote has been great for me in my first year. I’ve learned a lot and achieved more than I thought I could. But I’d be even farther along if I had gone through the more rigorous and fundamental approach of the Piano Marvel method first. There’s a lot of value in the Pianote method, but I don’t think it’s the best place for a rank beginner. They’re teaching you how to teach yourself but dressing it up as piano lessons. It puts too much of the burden on the student to devise a well-informed practice routine. Thanks so much for taking the time to gather your thoughts and share them like this.

[@arstavial]

Yeah, Pianote definitely inspires a love of music and gives you all the tools you need. But sadly giving someone who doesn't know a drill works a drill, they can't really do much with it!

[@Sn00ze]

I don't know if it was mentioned in the video but one huge plus of Pianote is that your subscription also gives you full access to all of the other Musora learning apps (Drumeo, Guitareo, Singeo) at no extra cost. So if you play/learn multiple instruments, you really get a lot for your money.

[@arstavial]

Yeah I picked up a bit of Drums and Guitar! I learned that Guitar is NOT for me, lol

[@BonnySueTank]

Thanks for your review and I agree with your opinion of Pianote and predict I will cancel my membership after two months, max. I am frustrated with their Methods course (except for the early lesson on Chord Progression, which I never understood until now,) because it seems to skip learning the basic C scale, treble and bass clef, and it seems to be for people who can watch a video and follow along. I need to see and follow with sheet music. Chord sheets don't tell me when to anticipate playing the next chord. My favorite learning tools are "Alfred Self-Teaching Adult Piano Course," (absolutely essential!) and then Playground Sessions' Bootcamp for Rookies. After that Pianote Method. I don't know what will be next....

[@arstavial]

I wish you luck! Pianote isn't for everyone, and the most important thing for any person trying to learn something is finding what works perfectly for them!

[@anngreen3032]

Your video is super helpful. I chose Pianote for many of same reasons you stated. I haven’t made it my way through the methods yet tho I will eventually. Pianote adds new content very often and provides live sessions regularly with different techniques / lessons and real time Q & A.

[@BlkMagik]

I've been self-learning with Piano Marvel daily for a month now and I absolutely love it, not only for their own methodology and technique lessons (which have taught me a ton in a short time), but also because they have lessons that coincide with the entirety of my Alfred's Adult All-in-One Course book which has been great for keeping me engaged while working through the book. I also enjoy the light gamification that does well with keeping you motivated while not gamifying the process so much that it waters down the lessons or cuts corners on teaching you the fundamentals. It has been nice seeing myself slowly climb the ranks alongside a few of the users that I made friends with in my own head lol. Seeing other students chipping away at the learning process, even if it's only through leaderboards, really does help a ton with keeping you on track.

[@RandyRiley]

Thanks for the advice. I’m waiting on my keyboard to ship and navigating which app to use. Playground Sessions seems ideal in the music library they offer, but it seems most people prefer piano marvel. I’m going to go with it to get up to speed and get my fingers down and learn how to sight read reasonably. There’s not a ton of reviews on any of the apps lately. Most are 2-3 years old, so I really appreciate the reviews. Seems like piano marvel is the best technology as far as apps go. Pianote seems interesting, but with it being video based puts me off especially in the beginning.

[@Stonee84]

Same boat. I was gonna go playground but it seems like for solid foundation.. marvel is it

[@leroymeadows7408]

Piano marvel is great I been playing for a week now.

[@johnfishlock22132]

I love Pianote. Lisa and the other teachers are fabulous. If you're a beginner their Method course is the one to take. Well worth the money.

[@khinekhine613]

I am looking for the efficient platform to learn piano. I am in my mid 40s . Would you recommand Lisa and the pianote?

[@Persun_McPersonson]

@@khinekhine613 Did you even read their comment?

[@BensMusicDojo]

Also, I never heard that river flowing song until I got into piano. I’m making a vow to never learn that one. It might have been a good song, and I have no idea who was the original artist to play that, but I’ve heard it so much that I just can’t hear anything in that tune that captivates me. That’s my nice way of saying damn that shit is overplayed

[@thedave1602]

2:11 I agree. I thought Synthesia would be an interesting way to try it, but wondered, is it just teaching you to play songs or play piano? Found it hard to stay interested in.

[@hobbes1694]

Thanks man, this was superhelpulf. I'm just starting my piano learning journey and have no idea what I'm doing 😅 but you did provide some much needed clarity

[@arstavial]

I hope you keep up your journey :)

[@mapleleafdavid]

Nice reviews. I am using Pianote currently as an adult learner and am really enjoying the lessons. My goal was to build a solid foundation as a beginner so I am thinking about giving @PianoMarvel a try as well. I want to be able to play a mixture of pop and classical so it sounds likes both platforms in combination will offer the best of both worlds. Basic chord progressions meh. but I know its all part of the learning process. I see some of the covers Riyandi Kusuma arranges and that is exactly the type of music I would primarily like to be able to play along with some classical pieces I enjoy. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. Cheers.

[@datoubi]

Fantastic summary! Straight to the point. I might subscribe to Pianote now

[@shadowryder1018]

I have a fundamental music theory background. I enjoyed your video. I too have chosen to learn piano with pianote and find it fitting well for me and my style of learning. I am hoping you continue on and make another video to show your further progress.

[@MeaHeaR]

instedd ov waisting yore munney inn Japanese, u shooda stayed in England untt learned their

[@paultreneary]

Coincidentally, I just started learning the piano last week. I have a smattering of experience of playing guitar, rather poorly, over a few decades, and I think I have a good feel for researching things, including the 'net. I've come to pretty much the same conclusion regarding the various options/methods (I really don't like the 'Guitar Band' style, and I'm a gamer!). I initially didn't warm to the lady on the Pianote, but I now find her style, and enthusiasm, to be at just the right level for noobs like me, and I've just done the very, very, basic intro lessons. Now I'm off on my own figuring out all the basics (chords, scales, inversions etc and attempting a couple of songs), but I sense that I will return to Pianote in the autumn/winter when I have some dark evenings, in order to ramp up my knowledge.

[@theplinkerslodge6361]

Great, useful share. I used piano marvel for about a year and was pretty happy. Watching this vid to see if there is a better option before I sign back up.

[@omaralkarnos4488]

Thanks for the review i am on the same boat as i have tried most of these platforms. Pianote was the the best of them. But as i said now what should i do? Whats the next path i should follow to be able to do my own covers and not copy others. Here where am lost😢😢

[@NickMcC]

400th like! Also, great content. Thanks for doing this!

[@farrkmond]

I’m in exactly the same place now, thanks so much for the review!

[@jcwpiano]

Good video on pros/cons learning the piano as an adult and with online material. Personally, I found learning music theory, at least at a basic level, compliments piano learning and playing. It's no wonder ABRSM prerequisites dictate having passed grade 5 theory in order to take grade 6 practical exams.

[@metatron333ascension]

On PGS you can toggle the finger numbers and letters on or off.

[@arstavial]

True! But from what I can recall, that toggles the numbers on/off for ALL notes. Having the finger number sometimes is very helpful, especially when moving up and down the keyboard. PGS didn't seem to offer those small helpful nudges, instead going for an all or nothing sort of approach.

[@tortuga809]

i just occasionally turn it on when first learning a new more complicated part but mostly leave it off the rest of the time. its very easy to toggle on and off.

[@BensMusicDojo]

I started five months ago, and have passed on the various apps. I have picked up some things from KZbin, but have more focused on two books Alfred’s All in One Course and Alfred’s Easy Piano Best Loved Children’s Songs. The latter being much more difficult than the former. I’ve got stuck on a fancy version of Jingle Bells, and I’m not stopping until that’s mastered. It has a tricky syncopated bass line, and I have about halfway mastered. It’s past Christmas, but I figure I will crush the next holiday season. I have a lot of experience on guitar so a lot of the simple songs and exercises on the apps just were a slog and I couldn’t get into it.

[@easyon12]

I sooo agree about everything you've said about Piano Marvel!

[@rkoby42]

Good review. I have been using Playground Sessions and Piano Marvel. I have gravitated mostly to PGS. You can turn off the finger numbers. There a lot of pop music content on the platform. I have been learning songs at intermediate level. I will drop Piano Marvel as I agree with you on the song selection. I signed up with TomPlay. This is a really interesting alternative. Lots of sheet music in all genres with backing tracks. Does not do note detection. But if you reach a certain level you should not need that. But you can loop and have a moving cursor. You can annotate the score yourself for hints.

[@arstavial]

Yeah, I was aware you could turn off the fingering for sheet music, but SOME notation is useful. But now that I know you can annotate it yourself, I might have to give it another look!

[@ajotech]

What’s the next platform you plan on learning from? What else do you have on your roadmap for learning?

[@arstavial]

Well, recently I've decided to take Sight Reading more seriously. I think like many, the act of LEARNING a new song is like pulling teeth and takes forever, but once I've got it in my fingers things are fine. Problem is, you can only memorize so many songs! So right now I'm trying to find things that will work. But I think at this point, I'm likely going to need a teacher in order to progress. Online platforms do have their limit.

[@chaiyutasawameiteerungroj3255]

Could you provide me amazon jp link or ISBN for Chrono Trigger Piano Score Book?

[@arstavial]

www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/gp/product/4810826554 Here ya go!

[@Araldo123]

I just started learning to play the piano a couple of days ago using Pianote and I do like it so far. I wonder, now you have finished the pianote course and subscription, what will be your next step to continue learning? Other courses, reading books, getting a teacher or just playing songs and practise a lot?

[@arstavial]

For the time being, mostly just playing stuff I like :) I have some piano books and online sheet music I like. But after Pianote, I think the best thing I can do is spend a LOT of hours at the keyboard!

[@alexsiuwh]

It’s really helpful for sharing the view and feel. I started couple months ago and more of a method guy. I got the same feeling as you did

[@stevo271]

So I already know basic music theory. I can read music but want to practice sight reading. Which app would be the best for that?

[@ajotech]

Definitely Piano Marvel

[@arstavial]

I've been toying with www.sightreadingfactory.com/ recently. The sheet music is not musical per say, but it's good practice!

[@blakesmith9039]

You guys know if pianote works with windows is?

[@arstavial]

Well, Pianote is mostly just videos, and my personal PC uses Windows, and I never had any issues. So I think you'll be fine!

[@ITPoshLady1]

Hi thanks so much have you tried Piano with Jonny?

[@arstavial]

I've watched a lot of his videos! Lots of great stuff, and he seems like a really cool guy!

[@motionentertainment452]

Jazzedge is the best

[@markcrowley65]

Thank you, very helpful

[@AV8R_1]

I see what you're saying about synthesia being a lot like a game. It's basically guitar hero for piano. But if you think about it, site reading sheet music is actually just like guitar hero as well. It's far more complex, but it's almost the same thing.

[@sekritskworl-sekrit_studios]

Thanks!

[@tedturner03]

Piano with Jonny!