LearnJazzPiano.com archives: Opinions needed! Piano Lessons Video Game

Savannah -- 03/06/2007, 15:10:38 -- #33566

Hi everyone! I'm new to this forum but am looking for opinions from musicians and people that have actually tried this software I found.  I've seen this piano video game on www.pianovideogame.com and am thinking of buying it for my son. It looks great, I just want to be sure it works before I spring for it. Anyone have any experience with this? Please let me know!  Thanks, and nice to meet all of you... Savannah

wdennissorrell -- 03/06/2007, 20:32:46 -- #33566

Sorry, but I have never seen nor used that software. That being said, does your son want to play piano or do you want him to play? I am not trying to be a jerk with my comment, but if he has desire to play and you supply positive reinforcement, that is the most productive environment possible. I fear that any video game would only reinforce the mechanics of the process and would not address other musicality issues. There are no completely wrong answers in matters like these, if the cost is not excessive it may merit inspection. I am confident that others here can address any specifics of that software's actual value. Peace out.

Whacky -- 03/06/2007, 20:51:29 -- #33566

I don't think this would be an adequate substitue for a teacher, but it might be a nice supplement. (I haven't seen it either) For example, it would be very hard for the software to "police" things like fingering.  On the other hand it might make spending time with the piano a lot more fun than traditional lessons. Whether it is "worth it" or not really depends on your expectations.

kensuguro -- 03/13/2007, 06:24:59 -- #33566

the software does look interesting from an educational point of view.. the method itself seems to be an established one.  It's mapping pitches to colors, shapes, or basically stimulus from non-aural senses and this creates a mneumonic map, that makes it easier to recall pitches.  Yamaha's been doing this for years, turning out what I believe is the highest rate of kids with perfect pitch. (in japan) Really depends what you want and what your son wants, though.  Obviously, this software isn't going to work miracles, being a fun and meaningful way to pass time.  If what you want for your son is perfect pitch, then I'd assume there are better "real" classes to take.  If it's just for a fun game with an added experimental value of maybe learning some pitches, then it seems like an okay buy. My honest opinion is though, that I've personally never been impressed by educational software.  Generally, they just don't work.  Their product scheme depends on your "hope" of obtaining something you want through their product, which gives you some responsibility of achieving your goal.  So, when you don't reach your goal, then it's really on you, because you got the tool to achieve your goal, but you didn't and it's your responsibility.  The whole business mechanism doesn't work in my opinion.

Copyright © 2005 by Scot Ranney. All rights reserved.

Click Here for more information about performances and clinics. Click Here to sign up for Scot's music announcements.