Playground Sessions Review - The BEST App For Learning Piano? Hmmm

[@LeviClay]

I wanted to make a post here to update this review with another month of progress on Playground Sessions While I'm by no means a piano master, I can reasonably confidently say that PGS has almost completely served its purpose now. I've completed the rookie and intermediate bootcamps, and have eaten through most of advanced. A highlight was working on the two Entertainer challenges. These are excellently paced for the beginner with full video. Each part came with video too, which is nice. (some would argue expected seeing as the ads for the software talk about videos... and no, they're not Harry Connick Jr) Outside of that, the program just doesn't grow at the pace I've grown at. In 3 months very little has been added, and what has been added wasn't really my jam (songs) When this review was posted in the PGS facebook, the zealots took issue with it as I didn't point out their live youtube lessons, but with (minimal) respect. That's irrelevant as anyone can access that, member or not. Despite that, many users agreed with my assessments. I should have also mentioned that the software doesn't recognise dynamics or pedal use, so it's impossible for them to make you practice some of the key areas of piano playing. So what would I do differently? Well I fully regret my two lifetime membership purchases as 3 months would have got me the same thing, but you live and learn. I stand by my review fully, and while David Sides did eventually get back to me, it wasn't until he was tagged multiple times in the group commenting on this review. There are better products on the market.

[@bikalpudasaini9437]

Hi, thanks for the review. I am looking for a subscription to learn piano. Can you recommend a subscription? I was thinking of Piano Marvel for now. What do you think is the best? I am a beginner.

[@callmedeno]

Thanks so much for your review

[@callmedeno]

One of my fears in investing into online learning is developing bad habits. I do you think Pianote is then the least likely to cause you to have bad habits due to teacher? Do you think your experience of pianote interaction is representative? ie. maybe they were aware you were a youtuber/reviewer? I do like the idea of playing along or having some gamification though, maybe when I have a solid technique from something like Pianote? :/

[@LeviClay]

In all honesty, I didn’t form my opinions on Pianote’s feedback for students on what they did for me, but how I observed them helping other members. Bad habits are an inevitable pitfall of online learning, but they happen in real life too if you have a bad teacher. But there are enough videos on posture and technique from some amazing teachers to correct those things. Very few people pick up an instrument and get it right form day one. I don’t think that matters.

[@misramany]

Thanks a lot for this review. So which one would you recommend? Im told Piano Marvel is good?

[@tarquinmidwinter2056]

I've been using PGS for about three months now, and have just finished the rookie bootcamp and started on the intermediate. I use it with a Macbook. None of the issues you found have been issues for me, except for the one about 2/4 time. I did find this confusing, though it probably wouldn't be confusing for anyone with no previous experience of reading music. So it's to avoid having to deal with eighth notes. Hmmm... I agree that it would be better to have pieces in 4/4 with eighth notes. All of the other things you mention were not issues for me. There is tech support, though not individual piano tuition. If you want this, then find (and pay!) a teacher. PGS is much cheaper and more convenient. I certainly don't feel abandoned. I had some piano lessons when much younger (about 50 years ago!) and never got very far because I found practising such a chore. PGS takes the tedium out of this with all of the gaming elements that are built in, so I enjoy practising every day. I was also pleased with the huge variety of courses and courses within courses - scales, fingering exercises etc. as well as songs. Well, ya gotta do something during lockdown.

[@foxxxtheworst]

This review was very helpful and answered all the questions I was wandering...thank you!

[@davesax11]

Folks come at piano from many different places: just starting out, while working at a real job, as senior citizens, as aspiring pros. Where you are and what your goals are change the "best" equation to a matter of personal fit. I'm a retired senior. Jazz lover. Played a little sax also as an adult. Starting out I used Yousician and looked at lots of other software. Later moved over to PGS and have completed the foundation sequences, now working on songs. For most of us starting out, its hard to appreciate that learning each module, so song, is a course in itself because its a new set of notes and finger coordination. With perseverence, it comes. As hobbyists, forget perfection. Recognize the melody and move on before you get bored or frustrated. At any speed. You can always go back later. Do a bit of theory - mostly outside PGS and 2 octave scales, but that's for later after you get comfortable with the keyboard - that itself takes several years - NOT weeks or months. The key really is the software letting you focus on the keyboard and free you from consciously fixating on counting. Yes you need it later when playing in a group, but this should be about fun first. My big complaint is teh failure - of the software vendors - of not linking up with the publishers to make more content available on their platforms, even if not fully supported. And of partnering with others to fill in the gaps and provide a further path. If you like a package take advantage of lifetime deals when offered, even tho you will likely move on after 3 years or so to attack this beast from another angle. And remember, the greatest artist / performer ouy there is still a student. Oh, and occasionally take a lesson one on one - with a live teacher.

[@alonda147]

I appreciated this review. I, too, purchased a lifetime membership. I have studied classical piano. My dad, sister and brothers all play(ed) by ear and with others. I wanted that out of Playground. Your video has shown me to change my expectations and to use my credits wisely. Thank you!

[@musikone1780]

Hey Levi, I know you did this review about a year ago, but I totally agree with everything you said. You hit the nail on the head with all points. I am a beginner piano player and your point that PGS doesn't address playing the piano to accompany singers and other instruments is a huge gap. I ended up joining pianote. I like the energy that Lisa has along with the community.

[@chopinlvr]

Pianote ROCKS!!!!

[@lillymaymusic2661]

So cool!! I have been a playground member since I was 11 years old and I love it (So a little over 2 years) I have played the piano for over 7 years all together though and I love the Playground app even compared to traditional in person piano lessons!! I have several covers of their arrangements on my channel! Awesome review!!

[@inspector-tech]

Thanks for reviewing this. Was going to purchase this course, but definitely won’t now. Will pull the trigger on the course I initially set my sights on. Thanks once again.

[@daniele3452]

Great vid, Levi. Thanks for this review. I was just thinking to buy something for my son to start to learn piano and fortunatly i came across your video BEFORE trying Playground! Thanks again. :D

[@torrellex7634]

Excellent review! Thank you.

[@Whatsup_Abroad]

Hmm I just signed up with simply piano for 1 year. My goal is to become technically capable on the piano. I don't really need to master the instrument, just be capable of playing a few impressive classical pieces, understand cords enough to play modern stuff, and look good doing it. Maybe be able to improv a bit? It seems these apps are fine for getting started, learning muscle memory, technical skill, and that getting a tutor occasionally to help understand theory beyond what the apps teach you would take the foundation you build with the app and make it stronger and build on it.

[@joeditta7792]

Thanks for the your honest review and opinion. I’ll keep looking.

[@zwurltech9047]

Thank you so much, very helpful! That confirms my decision for piano marvel, with which i am very satisfied so far.

[@quantitradersignalservice5735]

I only wish I had PGS when I was learning the piano at age 10. I probably would have never quit.

[@douglasw.7864]

New subscriber here. All your thoughts regarding PGS are spot on Levi. I own the course (gift from the wife in 2019.) After 4 months I started to feel like (as you mentioned) that is was repeating itself in a sense. I was not a complete beginner (a by ear chord player mainly.) It has its merits, but fully agree, the adverts are a bit misleading. Great review and I checked out your Piano Note reviews as well. Cheers.

[@automaton111]

I don’t want to learn songs for the sake of playing certain songs. But I do want to learn the theory behind specific songs with the end goal of being able to write my own and play my own songs. Of course I need to learn the finger placement, dexterity, and everything else along the way. Would you recommend PGS or some other tutorial software for this?

[@LeviClay]

Did you watch the video? I wouldn’t recommend PGS if they paid you to join. Go get a free 30 day Pianote trial with my link in my video descriptions. Far better site!

[@jwd223]

Thanks for the PGS breakdown. It really helped me to understand playground

[@karim111]

I use PGS now since 6 weeks, with a nice new digital piano and my Macbook, i am a beginner, and i must say i could not be more happy with how fast and easy i learned playing the piano so fast, reading scores etc. i could not have imagined! PGS offers so much value, the structured setup of the courses, the instructors, everything on point. So i can not relate to what you have experienced Levi.

[@LeviClay]

ok stooge

[@karim111]

@@LeviClay Looks like someone is overrating itself.. you really think PGS is desperate to pay somebody for commenting on here, not underming your channel, but i just have this positive experience, and I went for PGS after evaluating many other reports, and trying alternatives. Anyway maybe I should really ask for beeing payed haha

[@LeviClay]

@@karim111 you can’t relate to what I have experienced… because you’re a beginner. You can’t comprehend why, as a lifelong student of, and teacher of music, that 4/2 is a TERRIBLE idea to teach students. You have no concept of structure, or what it’s like when it’s done well. It’s like you’ve had your first burger and you’re raving about it… but it’s from Mac Donald’s. I’m glad you’re happy, but I assure you, it gets a lot better than this.

[@karim111]

@@LeviClay that may hold true, i am not argueing your professional standpoint. Yes, I am an absoulte beginner, it's just my genuine positiv impression, of course subjective but at the end thats what counts i guess.

[@LeviClay]

@@karim111 not at all mate. The problem is that people think ALL opinions are equally valid, but they’re simply not. You’re not in a position to have an opinion of worth on the quality of educational content. Only as to whether or not you’re happy. Just as if your car is broken, I would expect you to listen to a mechanic’s opinion over mine. My opinion on what is wrong with your car is worthless, because I have no expertise in cars. Pgs still has a dead group, an app that doesn’t work, they’ve not added new content for months. Their content isn’t thought out and contradicts itself over and over. That’s what happens when you build a house with no blueprints. They just keep adding and hoping it gets better… but the content David teaches clashes with how Harry teaches. Where does Harry mention the laughable 4/2 time signature?

[@wheretheresahilltheresaway5447]

I'm on a hunt for a good piano lesson app for my ten year old and reviews like this are immensely helpful, I give my thanks for taking the time to review and post this video. Great clarification on the pros and cons of the program. Seems like the company focuses on new sign-ups and then couldn't care less about retention or actual learning.

[@LeviClay]

Check my Pianote review and get a free trial

[@tiddlypom2097]

Your comment about learning piano for accompaniment (rhythm section) is important. Do you know any apps or online courses that teach this? I am an intermediate level piano player in a band. I did classical piano lessons up to 3rd grade as a kid, and I can read both sheet music and guitar chords. Where I'm lacking is specific techniques for turning those chords into a good accompaniment.

[@tiddlypom2097]

I just found your Pianote review. Still enjoying it?

[@LeviClay]

Love it

[@ChicaRho]

This is an excellent level of detail; thank you! You just saved me the cost of a subscription that wouldn't meet my needs, at least not as a beginner.... I'll start with another service and see if it makes sense to work my way back around to Playground Sessions later.

[@LeviClay]

Check out my Pianote review

[@jarl4206]

I agree with everything you said. I also have a lifetime membership (6 months in) but I did have a year with Yousician first. Really most piano apps are lacking something. PGS is sadly probably one of the best. The lack of thorough counting instruction, 2 octave scales, arpeggios and the iPad app issues are my biggest complaints. I think it’s just more glaring that you really can’t learn complete piano from just an app. Yet at least. Maybe someday. Ps I agree the entertainer challenge was nice. I’d like more of those. They did just release a video for “Yellow’’. It’s super easy though. Another plus are the hanon exercises. I don’t regret my purchase

[@YavorArseniev]

Man, I'd love a(n improved) site like this for harpsichord, spinet and virginal and historical fingerings. Fantastic review, though.

[@BrianWalters97]

I really want to learn a bit of piano but online videos dont really do it for me. Awarding learning (like earning levels/xp) really helps me so i am looking at one of these learning apps. I'm gonna try playground sessions and flowkey too see which one works better for me. Thanks for this review, it helps a lot :)

[@beardedrake9983]

Which one was better

[@Toogoodtobetrue458]

Happy all these apps are out there to self study - I had piano dreams when I was younger and without these apps I don’t think I would even start.

[@goofyguy47]

Thank you Levi for this thorough review! Is the PGS app unusable at this point? You mentioned to someone else that the app is terrible. I was considering the PGS keyboard and membership bundle to get some basics down before switching to Pianote. But it seems like you're hardcore against PGS now. Also, what keyboard are you using? What do you recommend for a complete beginner?

[@sparetomato]

Thank you for this review. I've been looking for a piano tutorial app/site to improve my piano playing when I came across Playground. I was very sceptical about how much Quincy Jones was involved - thanks for confirming my scepticism.

[@LeviClay]

I'm getting lots of ads for them again and it legit pisses me off that it's either Harry or Quincy. Very misleading.

[@JS-nf7ne]

I agree. Quincy and Harry had virtually nothing to do with the development of Playground. They are just spokespeople. Playground also really falls short on content. Piano Marvel is a much better option IMO.

[@nehpet74]

I'm a lifetime subscriber and Playground have been promising a new version of the software for over two years now. It has yet to materialize even though it is claimed it is 'close', every six months or so.

[@LeviClay]

Be careful not to point that out in the facebook group... you'll draw the ire of other members who will quickly call for your opinions to be deleted... very healthy place

[@PeterB95]

Interesting video. I'm looking for a PC based app to continue my piano learning. My simply piano comes to an end shortly and I'd like to have a mix up. Would you recommend this for someone who has around a years experience? Having watched this I'm having doubts. I'd rather hold out for lessons with a tutor until after the pandemic. I'm not keen on the idea of virtual lessons so would like something to keep me learning.

[@LeviClay]

I have to say, for someone in your shoes... no, I wouldn't bother. I'm working on review of Pianote which is excellent, so maybe look into that?

[@PeterB95]

@@LeviClay Thanks for getting back to me. I will definitely look into it.

[@p3rrypm]

What about the real tone cable from rocksmith? That seemed to work well for guitar. As for playground sessions font issue, that’s rookie garbage, they can import that font within the css code.

[@Rouciak]

Hi. Great review. I agree. I love the app and its great fun, but i don't feel like I've learned much. Got to the advanced level and decided to take a step back and use the piano book and metronome. As you've said, it could be so much better...

[@mullerhun]

HI! I've like the review, looking to learn to play the piano, but I would like to know: Is there a software which supports connecting a piano to the pc and works with it?

[@kenhenkel7806]

very good review. thank you

[@igetmycalcium]

I gave up on Playground a few years ago only because of that 4/2 time signature you were talking about. That messed with me so bad. So it eventually will move on to 4/4??? Maybe I will think about giving it another shot.

[@LeviClay]

It just switches to 4/4 when you move onto the intermediate bootcamp. I’d love to tag David Sides so he could see your comment... but he doesn’t care.

[@slvalive]

So i take it you need a tablet to use the vourse? If so...what kind of tablet does one need...and can you download the app on the tablet? Reason why i ask...i have never owned a tablet....just a phone...

[@LeviClay]

no, you can connect to it on a laptop/PC but please... watch the review. It's garbage. Don't touch it.

[@rubberroast1598]

They just did a big update to their IPAD app, and their library is quite extensive I find..... I am still in trial with flow key, and PGS. If PGS isn't the BEST app as you say......which one would you say is?

[@LeviClay]

Pianote - easily, I reviewed it after this and loved it so much I’m now a lifetime member and partnered with them

[@douginny]

@@LeviClay But Pianote does not interface midi with the piano and cannot therefore give you real time feedback. Right? It's like comparing apples to oranges. I love this review though. I am 2 days in and agree with a lot that you say. Like you, I am a 30 year lead guitar player in band but wanted to tackle piano. Simply Piano has what you ask with it's chord program but I wanted to take it further and that lead me to PGS. I have seen a lot of Pianote stuff but again, it does not do midi interface. I am not sure what to do now. Thank God I am only month to month with PGS.

[@deannahansen1946]

I bought playgrounds over a year ago. I started it, then didn’t do anything with it. I’ve started again today. I want to be able to play on a worship team with singers. What other program would you recommend???

[@LeviClay]

Check out my video on pianote

[@deannahansen1946]

@@LeviClay I found that right after I commented. I have already switched to Pianote and love it! So glad I came across your review! Thank you for responding!

[@sara.colombia]

Hi I need help !! I want to learn piano, but which kind of keyboard do I need to properly use this playground sessions or any other app. Like if its any specific function or thing that needs to connect or play, any recommendations. Thanks y'all !!!

[@henrytoronto4867]

For playground sessions, you need a usb connection to connect the keyboard to your device. But if you have a midi port you can find a MIDI-to-USB cable to use

[@eyesontheprize6637]

I appreciate the honest review. Thank you.

[@steelsvanman]

thanks dude, im 53 and always been a touring drummer but could never read music, i play guitar too but just by ear... ive always wanted to learn piano and be able to read so ive been looking for an onine way of learning and was considering this app, but definately wont be using it now... cheers

[@JoeyVegas63]

thank you for your unbiased review. Is there a software package to learn the piano for a beginner?

[@LeviClay]

Playground is great for a beginner - especially for the price! I think there's a lot that I'd fix if I was running the show, but at the core it's great. I'm still using it.

[@adrianjapp]

Thanks for the frank review! Is there an alternative that you have looked at as well and may recommend? Looking at a good app/service/program to learn piano.

[@LeviClay]

Working on a review of Pianote at the moment

[@jonathanrossmusic2509]

I wonder just how many solid apps there are out there. I just did a video reviewing the atrocious Fender Tune app. Of course, they build guitars and amps, and don’t know the educational side of things. But with the resources they have, I’d expect better than what they are offering. Who in your opinion does a good job delivering quality educational resources in app form?

[@sawssman965]

If you cant read/arent interested in learning sheet music, would this course still be applicable for someone just looking to gain improvisation skills?

[@LeviClay]

Did you not watch the video? I wouldn’t recommend playground for ANYONE.

[@sawssman965]

@@LeviClay no.

[@Persun_McPersonson]

@@sawssman965 Why would you ask questions without having seen the review first to see if the question has already been answered?

[@sawssman965]

@@Persun_McPersonsonbecause i have other stuff to do. thanks for asking

[@Persun_McPersonson]

@@sawssman965 OK.

[@wtfusheeple5383]

hi what do you think is the best piano course-subbed

[@LeviClay]

Check my video on Pianote

[@wtfusheeple5383]

@@LeviClay will do ,thanks

[@Native_love]

I kinda figured that was what the app was like. No real content from Harry or Qunicy and almost no live support or guidance. THANK YOU for the HONEST REVIEW!!!

[@Andrew-dj1wd]

Can this app be used on a Windows 11 Desktop PC?

[@LeviClay]

it doesn't matter. Don't use it. It's a terrible app.

[@echochambers777]

Good review and as a current PGS member, I would agree with just about everything you said. Although I think some of the big negatives for you may not be big deals for others. I'm curious of how you would assess other piano learning apps though. In my research all of them warrant their own criticisms. Remenber most apps have learning resources outside of the app as well. For example, PGS (and others) has free video content and often weekly live teaching sessions via their KZbin channel. Either way an app isn't going to have everything you want. I would recommend any user of [insert piano app] take a multifaceted self-teaching approach: 1) the app you choose, 2) a couple of method / theory / technique books, and 3) free or paid youtube tutorials (e.g. Pianote) particularly when learning technique or original pieces suitable to your level.

[@LeviClay]

Got a review of Pianote in the works I can only review a paid site based on the paid content. So PGS doing free livestreams doesn’t mean much because anyone has access to those. The same with Pianote. The content of the membership is what matters, how practical it is, how well structured it is, and how much support you get as a member.

[@echochambers777]

@@LeviClay Great. Looking forward to more of your reviews on these piano learning sites and apps.

[@GuidoHaverkort]

Thanks for this review! Will probably be getting yousician instead

[@LeviClay]

pianote - check my review, get a free trial

[@pascalhibon7928]

Thank you for this honest review! I have looked at many of these types of apps and I guess the all more or less suffer from the same issues. I have tried learning the piano, and music theory at the same time, by myself a couple of times. But it is very hard to keep motivated and I've dropped out of it. This probably a bigger issue in the beginning because of the many very boring, but necessary, exercises. Anyway, I need to keep on looking...

[@LeviClay]

Check out my Pianote review - that’s easily my go to, after getting a lifetime membership there I’ve now partnered up with them and you can get a month free via my link on the video 🙌🏻

[@pascalhibon7928]

​@@LeviClay Thanks Levi for your reply. I did follow quite a few of the Pianote videos on KZbin in the past. These are not the actual membership videos but various clips that are available to the general public. And I do agree, the quality of the videos and content is very high. Lisa is very nice and knows what she is talking about. But I often got intimidated by the pace in those videos. It often starts with something relatively simple but becomes very over my head very quickly. That's why I hadn't considered Pianote. But per you recommendation, I'll give them a try. Thank you!

[@LeviClay]

@@pascalhibon7928 yeah, the KZbin stuff seeks to impress quickly, but the site stuff is well paced. For me I’d actually argue it goes a little TOO slow! But for someone new to playing, it’s perfect

[@onnot701]

Did you check out piano marvel... simelar but a lot cheaper

[@LeviClay]

I didn’t

[@stevenaustin4591]

so, what kinda songs are you playin on the keys? any vgm stuff like final fantasy etc?

[@LeviClay]

I’ll get there - at this stage it’s Georgia on My Mind

[@stevenaustin4591]

@@LeviClay just the final fantasy theme arpeggio is a good exercise to get under your fingers :)

[@yeseniasplace]

have you done a review on Pianote?

[@LeviClay]

Yep

[@yeseniasplace]

@@LeviClay thanks saw it. So glad I made the best investment. Did you do it for Guitero?

[@LeviClay]

Guitareo concerns me as they use a guy as their poster boy who has no reputation as a teacher but for making funny and creative KZbin videos. That doesn’t mean someone can teach. The saving grace is that I work in guitar all day long and guitareo marketing has never shown up anywhere, so at this stage it’s harmless. If they push it further I’ll review it and be I afraid to call out things that suck, because I can do that on guitar!

[@michelemoneywell8765]

Excellent review. Thank you for taking the time to make it. Song credits don't roll over on annual or monthly plans, by the way. (If you don't use them, you lose them.) I think with the lifelong, you get 40 songs total, then have to buy them for $1.99/song. Was thinking about subscribing because of Harry Connick, Jr. It's disappointing to learn of their misrepresentation. I do want a program with more video instruction. Will check out some of the other programs. May still wind up with Playground, will see.

[@LeviClay]

Check out my review on pianote :)

[@eyesontheprize6637]

I have been on and off with piano for years. I just found Jared Messer on Worship Music Academy and it is going well. He is sharing things I have not yet learned in my years of piano playing on and off, with lessons and on my own, so it is very good. Great for a beginner, but I'm glad I'm taking it with a bit of experience under my belt, although it does make me want to skip ahead before I've mastered the speed. He has a lot of videos that are helpful and he is in them! Well, his hands are. LOL Nice fellow.

[@m-jleduc5592]

Thank You for this review.

[@kelliereviews5341]

I would love to be taught by Harry Conick Jr. But I dont have an I pad, I just have a tablet, it doesn't have a usb port. So Im stuck with Simply Piano. 👍😁👌

[@bdub1078]

As a beginner I have to say I liked PS, however the IPad App is so unstable I will be moving on from PS's. Too many reboots and reloads of the App on iPad. It may be solid on the computer (IDK) but I prefer the iPad and am mystified how problematic it has been.

[@tommykindle9774]

Would you recommend this for someone who does not even know how to read music?

[@LeviClay]

Absolutely not. I wouldn’t recommend this to anybody, check my Pianote review and get a free trial with the link in the description

[@calebpagan2226]

I got this app so I could learn Spain by Chick Corea.

[@tonymckeown1314]

thanks for the honest review.

[@michaelthompson3286]

4/2 time? Honestly I've never come across it!

[@edgarjandette7652]

Thanks for the review and for saving my money from being wasted :)

[@WDHJKY]

Thank you for the review of “Playground Sessions”. After listening I am not sure this learning software is for me.

[@txdave2]

Really useful "real world" review. I've been a non-professional trumpet player for over 50 years, and like you, I've always wanted to learn to play the piano. I decided to try the free one week trial of PGS. I'm enjoying it, so far. A lot of the "Basic" lessons are a little tedious for someone with a musical background. Still, overall I find the process enjoyable. I strive for a 100% score on every lesson which adds a fun challenge for me. I agree with you that some of the content seems out of logical order. I find the user interface of the PC version to be well laid out and easy to learn. I like the option to print out sheet music from the various songs and lessons. I'll probably subscribe to PGS after my free trial has ended. Maybe you and I are distant cousins. LOL

[@LeviClay]

Well check my Pianote review first

[@txdave2]

@@LeviClay I just watched it. Thanks for the heads up.

[@HoldMyBeerFam]

Is there any online alternatives that are "Better"? I'm looking for one that teaches you theory and to read sheet music PROPERLY. They almost got me on the marketing and if it were not for you I would have subscribed. I have tried others in the past so when you were describing cons I knew right away what the experience was going to be like. A lot of the time they market before putting the program first and everyone wonders why. Honestly cause making advertisements for a program is easier than to make the program. This is why time and time again you see ridiculous marketing strategies like this one, Quincy and Harry posted all over the front along with number 1 rated for 7 years in a row. None of that is the reason why though, and honestly where are these rating tallied from? I think more people have heard of Yousician at this point than Playground Sessions.

[@LeviClay]

I'm working on a review of Pianote at the moment - that's a lot more pop in nature. As my time with Playground continues I still like it, but I'd describe it as a course written by classical pianists to grab everyone. I'd argue a little too much emphasis is put on reading (for my taste) compared to somewhere like Pianote where reading doesn't even come into it until much later on. It's not wrong, just different. Honestly, Playground is worth a shot - but not a lifetime or even annual membership. You'll have developed the skills you need to not need the program and to use books and other videos after 3-6 months

[@funnyfromadam]

So basically you learn to play commercial songs? Not theory, finger positions, basic chords, chord progressions, scales, soloing in scales, improvising. Everything you need for a solid foundation.

[@LeviClay]

Not even that, you learn really basic arrangements of commercial songs as a vehicle to try and teach you the other things… which it fails at

[@p3rrypm]

Pull your finger out of where? 😶

[@jameslabs1]

Thanks very much

[@grooveroid]

Rather than using these apps of questionable value, as a beginner, in my opinion you'd be much better off not going the notation route off the bat. Instead getting into basic theory, chords, major scales, and shortly after by learning a few songs by ear and example off youtube or wherever. There are good things about learning notation, for example playing without looking down ,dynamics and timekeeping.. The other side of the coin is it can hinder your ability connect things mentally with a bit of intuition and ear training. At least get all 12 major scales under your fingers and know how to play a few chords and arpeggios..learn a couple songs, get a bit into theory and perhaps even write a song tune or two..then look at apps that teach music notation, or for that matter taking formal lessons in the same mould. In this way you'll already have some facility on the instrument and when you see a sharp on the F line you'll straight away know you're in G or E minor.

[@JS-nf7ne]

Playground Sessions iPad app was horrible. Total waste of money and didn't work. I've been using Piano Marvel for several years. It's amazing. Piano Marvel did it right. I do wish they would produce an android app though.

[@keithamberg6392]

Thanks for a very good review. A little disappointed to hear about some of the negatives but still sounds like it may be a good way to go. Sounds a bit like Rosetta Stone as far as lots of money into marketing (although rosetta’s bang for your buck was pretty pathetic compared to what this seems like IMO).

[@deanray8951]

Don't bother even looking at their website if you do not live in the US. They don't ship out USA but you wont find that out until you get to the PAYMENT screen. Why dont they just put that info on the home page to save ppl wasting their valuable time. Thumbs down.

[@roybruce2068]

I think I will stick with Pianote, cost a bit more but I don't have to buy an ipad. Roy .

[@LeviClay]

Pianote is much better - check my review

[@roybruce2068]

@@LeviClay Ok , thanks Levi. I have been with Pianoe since March and thinking of taking Lifetime membership. They are including singing and Guitar lessons. Had my guitar over 60 years and gave up after a month. Never going to be a rock star. Purchased Yamaha GX 670. Fingers are a bit arthritic so never going to be a good pianist , but might get away with being a reasonable keyboard player, I hope. Thanks for responding. Roy

[@austingavent]

3 minutes of introducing yourself could be trimmed next time

[@consulting4804]

I actually found the intro quite useful and pertinent to the topic discussed!

[@fightingforfreedom5017]

The main point is. The rich will always take advantage of the poor. That’s the way it is. It’s all about the money. And I don’t think that’s FUNNY!!! Overwhelming, confusing, and on your own, without any help. Well man, that’s the story of my life.

[@KotbBelmasry]

current user of it great & honest review thanks a lot i hope they improve it

[@LeviClay]

Same - I’m still active, but it hurts me to see how many dumb things there are that need fixing.

[@KotbBelmasry]

@@LeviClay indeed

[@BodyRocker9]

I like flowkey the best

[@zannido3125]

I cannot argue with your review at all. Agree with it. Sorry about the long reply. I just have a lot to add! I'm a complete newbie and the rookie does infuriate me because I do feel like its a game and I saw no point in doing different hand positions that taught me 0. I also find the timing is off. If there is a whole note and I don't hold it down for the 4 beats I still get credit for a right note. All I have to do is tap the key and it registers correct. The whole note rookie lessons in boot camp makes me want to tear my hair out in frustration because they are so slow and I have trouble hitting the key when they want it hit. It's a bit of a guessing game. Some notes you hit the key right before you get to the note some are right on the note. I noticed the course challenges don't grade as stringent as the boot camp too. Let's talk about Harry Connick Jr. I jokingly blame him for ruining Will and Grace like I blame Mark Harmon for ruining Moonlighting (I'm old lol) I actually do not like Harry Connick Jr videos. I prefer David Sides. So I'm kind of glad its not so much lol. I do agree if they are going to plaster his face all over the place he should be more involved in the videos and I agree about your comment about Quincy Jones too. To be fair David Sides does comment in a blue moon on the Facebook group. You are correct the students answer most of the questions. They are generally a very good community and are very positive. Well except that one irritating reply to my questionasking If I want to to talk to a manager. My name is Karen that is the only reason that turkey asked that. My post was a question not a complaint and I got valuable feed back but I still had to tell that turkey he wasn't funny in the least lol. You didn't mention Phil and his live streams on KZbin videos. Tsk tsk tsk. Lolol. They stopped them during the holidays and I haven't seen them start up again but it was a way for them to connect with their customers. I think the last one was early December. Here is a fun story for you. So I commented that I wish they offered personal skype lessons or maybe zoom lessons for a small group. One admin suggested I email that idea to their support team. So I did. I can't remember his name but he responded back and asked if we could chat via a phone call. I said sure and gave him my number. He calls and asked me a bunch of questions where I am at in my piano playing, my goals, my biggest influences and parts I think I need work on (timing ugh) etc. Bit of back information, I started the program in July and its September so I hadn't played long and newbie right... He said he would like to try a 30 minute zoom lesson and we set up a time. He literally cancels a few hours before the lesson and says he has to reschedule but it can't be next week because he will be on his honeymoon. This takes us into October. He said he will contact me with a new date and time. I responded back congratulating him on his wedding and no problem. I sure hope nothing bad happened to him on his honeymoon because it is January and I haven't heard from him again. I'm not sore or anything about not hearing from him, my introvert personality was kind of relieved lol. Anyways they keep hinting at an updated App and even asking for volunteers to beta test it so let's hople it comes out soon. The end of my 2 cents.

[@LeviClay]

The timing thing is interesting, because pedals stop you from having to hold a note down for its full duration. But PGS doesn’t have anything in place to register pedal usage, so when there are pieces you play where the pedal would hold the chord for its full duration, in reality to get 100% accuracy you have to change chords as the last possible second! (I’m referencing the she will be loved intermediate lesson)

[@timjohnson2186]

Great investment

[@michelmusique4379]

All systems have pittfall, Playground is the best by far. Simply and Flowkey are the worst.

[@LeviClay]

I’m sorry, that’s simply not the case.

[@soeren72]

Big Thanks, sounds awful 🙂 I will stay with free Bill Hilton

[@ninidesbois]

Le gros rosbief tu parles trop

[@leobarrios2532]

Too much talk!

[@LeviClay]

I can promise you this… if you go looking to learn something, and you complain that someone tells you too much, just stop… you’ll never learn anything