Thank you so much for doing this. There are so many (Playground Sessions, Piano Marvel, Skoove, Yousician, JoyTunes's Simply Piano, Flowkey, Piano Academy)... it's really hard to get a sense of which will be best. I really liked that you showed the option to add/hide finger numbers and other stuff--that's the kind of detailed feature that helps explain what's good about a piece of software. You do good work! Keep it up!
Agreed! I'm also reviewing all these options and opinions via CZcams, wondering which one I should start. I'm an absolute beginner and my goal is to read sheet music and not depend on the app to play. So I want something that will not handicap me. Although I believe the more time I spend practicing will contribute to my goal, I want the best path. I do plan to go to a music school, which application will best get me through this journey? Thanks from Amsterdam.
@@bsandrade77 Hi--I just did 1 month with Piano Marvel, and I am now 2 weeks into Playground Sessions. Piano Marvel is old fashioned, reminds me of school, has only old songs, and has an emphasis on testing. I still loved it! When my 1 month trial was up, I switched to try out Playground Sessions. PGS is more fun, has better tutorials and videos, and has more modern music. Both programs support printing out some sheet music, with an emphasis on music that actually looks like music (they use standard music notation everywhere, vs. the game-like interfaces.) Both programs look and work best on a real computer (I set up my laptop on a stack of books behind my keyboard). The quality of the background accompaniment and the quick access to more modern music means I prefer Playground Sessions... but Piano Marvel still has a place in my heart. :-)
@@bsandrade77 From what you wrote, I think Piano Marvel will be the best for you. This app focuses on the note reading and thanks to the mostly classical repertoire, you can gain playing technique faster. They have very well done sight-reading tool and this app is used in many music schools around the world. You can watch my full Piano Marvel review here: czcams.com/video/PWiWZohjSQ0/video.html
I tried Flowkey, then Skoove, then Piano Marvel. I chose to purchase Piano Marvel and paid one year up front. With Playground Sessions, the idea of being limited to five songs in a month turned me off completely. Am really enjoying Piano Marvel. 30 years ago I took piano lessons for 4 years, quit, and have started again! By the way it is Playground Sessions, not Session...😄 Addendum: I paid for Playground Sessions and in just one day, have requested a refund. I can't stand it. The iPad app is horrible. You have to add songs on the website, and only then will the songs appear on the iPad. Plus, a limit of 5 songs a month is a joke. Once you buy a song you cannot return or exchange. One advantage PS has is that you can download (which makes the e-file yours always) and print out the sheet music which you cannot in Piano Marvel. But in Piano Marvel you can access ANY of the thousands of songs in their list, at any time. I suspect you never did try the iPad app of this program.
Hello. I have a doubt about playground sessions.. I installed the app, and signed up. I didn’t pay for any subscription, there is no premium option in the app. But the rookie lessons, intermediate lessons , advanced lessons and the others are available for free to download. Is it normal to be like that? Is it generally free? I didn’t pay for anything and I don’t want to pay. Soo the lessons are really free ? They won’t take any money right? I didn’t pay in the website too
@@OnlineMD there aren’t any songs in there tho , but I clicked a random lesson and clicked download and it appeared. I mean the video appeared , but I do,t know about the feedback , stars etc. I kinda think it’s normal that these lessons are there , and I think it’s for everyone. Maybe I think you just have to pay for songs and feedback 🤔 Anyways atleast the videos are there , soo I will try to use those.
Now i just realised there isn’t much stuff to use there at all. Not all these lessons have videos... They have very little stuff. Soo there’s no advantage for me haha 😂
It’s just like a tour of what’s there in the actual app. Actually thought I was lucky enough. Well now time to uninstall the app lol And you are right . The iPad app isn’t good
Does PS give you proper instruction with regards to finger placement - and which to use when? I like that Yousician at least offers color-coding - though the app itself doesn't seem as appealing
Thank you for the review! Question: MIDI files are everywhere online and will Playground allow opening of files not in their repertoire? Say similar to MuseScore3 but incorporating all the various selections of left hand vs right, etc...? Also curious your thoughts on Sythesia which appears to offer similar notation control type functionality but no lessons?
Hi there! Unfortunatelly, it is not possible...support.playgroundsessions.com/hc/en-us/articles/360001202123-Can-I-upload-my-own-songs-into-Playground-Sessions-using-MIDI-or-XML-files-
@@bestmusiccourses4815 Thank you! I'd be curious your thoughts on Synthesia? Perhaps and more relative to these various learning applications and learning in general. As a new adult learner to piano I'm lost in the sea of lessons and applications [I'm PC]. PianoForAll seems focused on 'playing' vs reading music. Synthesia seems a pure trainer type software. And frankly I'm not sold on these others though out of them all - bang for the buck and learning to "play" - PianoForAll is winning in my eyes. Thoughts?
@@Orionsbelt31 Well, to be honest I'm not a big fan of software like Synthesia because it is very mechanical type of learning without explaining how music work and how to play not only the correct notes but also work with dynamic, tempo and expression. The visual of falling blocks is not helpful at all in my opinion. I would prefer a real piano teacher, if not possible, I would try apps like Flowkey, Skoove, Playground Session or Piano Marvel...or PianoForAll like you mentioned.
Great review! Playground was fun for a little while but really lacks in content and videos. I've enjoyed Piano Marvel much more. The music selection is huge and once you learn how to use all of the learning tools you won't look back. It's also sad to see that Playground hasn't updated their app for a very long time. Piano Marvel is doing updates constantly. Also the competitions they put on are fun. For me, it's been a much better fit.
Thank's for your comment! Yes, Piano Marvel has great functionality and huge library, maybe more focused on the classical piano pieces. Although Playground Session has not so big repertoire, I thing the arrangement quality is great. I'm glad you have tried both apps, it is always better to try more options. Good luck!
@@bestmusiccourses4815 Thanks! I spoke to someone at Piano Marvel recently. They told me about some updates that they are rolling out soon that will make the music sound better (with audio and soundfonts) along with some other stuff. Maybe you could do a review after they do their big updates. Best.
Hi there! Since I know, it is not possible to download your song to any of these app. But Flowkey has classic video game songs in the repertoire: www.flowkey.com/en/video-game-music-piano
When u said 5 song every month, does that means 1. You get 5 new songs for free every month? And additional songs need extra money 2. Can we keep the songs from previous months? Or it'll be deleted or replaced with the new songs
Hello - in the beginning you mention that with a piano you will not be able to utilize the full range of the features of playground I have a classical acoustic piano - does this mean you would not recommend playground for me ?
Thank you so much for doing this. There are so many (Playground Sessions, Piano Marvel, Skoove, Yousician, JoyTunes's Simply Piano, Flowkey, Piano Academy)... it's really hard to get a sense of which will be best. I really liked that you showed the option to add/hide finger numbers and other stuff--that's the kind of detailed feature that helps explain what's good about a piece of software. You do good work! Keep it up!
Thank you very much:)
Agreed! I'm also reviewing all these options and opinions via CZcams, wondering which one I should start. I'm an absolute beginner and my goal is to read sheet music and not depend on the app to play. So I want something that will not handicap me. Although I believe the more time I spend practicing will contribute to my goal, I want the best path. I do plan to go to a music school, which application will best get me through this journey? Thanks from Amsterdam.
@@bsandrade77 Hi--I just did 1 month with Piano Marvel, and I am now 2 weeks into Playground Sessions. Piano Marvel is old fashioned, reminds me of school, has only old songs, and has an emphasis on testing. I still loved it! When my 1 month trial was up, I switched to try out Playground Sessions. PGS is more fun, has better tutorials and videos, and has more modern music. Both programs support printing out some sheet music, with an emphasis on music that actually looks like music (they use standard music notation everywhere, vs. the game-like interfaces.) Both programs look and work best on a real computer (I set up my laptop on a stack of books behind my keyboard). The quality of the background accompaniment and the quick access to more modern music means I prefer Playground Sessions... but Piano Marvel still has a place in my heart. :-)
@@bsandrade77 From what you wrote, I think Piano Marvel will be the best for you. This app focuses on the note reading and thanks to the mostly classical repertoire, you can gain playing technique faster. They have very well done sight-reading tool and this app is used in many music schools around the world. You can watch my full Piano Marvel review here: czcams.com/video/PWiWZohjSQ0/video.html
What about pianote?
Great video. I’m trying to decide on the right piano learning app for me. You’ve made my search much easier. Thanks so much.
I'm glad it was helpful:) Good luck!
Great full, and well thought out review. Thankyou 😊
Thank you very much:)
Thank you very much for this detailed review. It was very helpful!
You're very welcome!:)
I tried Flowkey, then Skoove, then Piano Marvel. I chose to purchase Piano Marvel and paid one year up front. With Playground Sessions, the idea of being limited to five songs in a month turned me off completely. Am really enjoying Piano Marvel. 30 years ago I took piano lessons for 4 years, quit, and have started again!
By the way it is Playground Sessions, not Session...😄
Addendum: I paid for Playground Sessions and in just one day, have requested a refund. I can't stand it. The iPad app is horrible. You have to add songs on the website, and only then will the songs appear on the iPad. Plus, a limit of 5 songs a month is a joke. Once you buy a song you cannot return or exchange. One advantage PS has is that you can download (which makes the e-file yours always) and print out the sheet music which you cannot in Piano Marvel. But in Piano Marvel you can access ANY of the thousands of songs in their list, at any time. I suspect you never did try the iPad app of this program.
Hello. I have a doubt about playground sessions..
I installed the app, and signed up. I didn’t pay for any subscription, there is no premium option in the app. But the rookie lessons, intermediate lessons , advanced lessons and the others are available for free to download. Is it normal to be like that?
Is it generally free?
I didn’t pay for anything and I don’t want to pay. Soo the lessons are really free ? They won’t take any money right?
I didn’t pay in the website too
@@subashree7800 well then just enjoy! I have NO idea what's going on! 😄
@@OnlineMD there aren’t any songs in there tho , but I clicked a random lesson and clicked download and it appeared. I mean the video appeared , but I do,t know about the feedback , stars etc.
I kinda think it’s normal that these lessons are there , and I think it’s for everyone. Maybe I think you just have to pay for songs and feedback 🤔
Anyways atleast the videos are there , soo I will try to use those.
Now i just realised there isn’t much stuff to use there at all. Not all these lessons have videos...
They have very little stuff. Soo there’s no advantage for me haha 😂
It’s just like a tour of what’s there in the actual app. Actually thought I was lucky enough. Well now time to uninstall the app lol
And you are right . The iPad app isn’t good
Userful video. Is there a transpose chords feature of the app?
thank you for the video. Great explanation.
awesome review man!! awesome!
Thanks a ton!
Fantastic work , thanks .
Thank you too!
Very informative. Thanks so much.
Glad it was helpful!
Does PS give you proper instruction with regards to finger placement - and which to use when? I like that Yousician at least offers color-coding - though the app itself doesn't seem as appealing
Nice video man very helpful
Thanks a lot:)
thanks for a great video! Quick question Piano Marvel works with a MIDI keyboard like Arturia MK2? Thanks
You are welcome Zaily! Well, yes it works with Arturia MK2 for sure, you just need a midi cable.
Excellent review.
Thanks:)
thanks, this is very detail review..
Thanks, I hope it helps
Very helpful, thanks
You're welcome!
Thank you.
You are welcome:)
Thank you for the review! Question: MIDI files are everywhere online and will Playground allow opening of files not in their repertoire? Say similar to MuseScore3 but incorporating all the various selections of left hand vs right, etc...?
Also curious your thoughts on Sythesia which appears to offer similar notation control type functionality but no lessons?
Hi there! Unfortunatelly, it is not possible...support.playgroundsessions.com/hc/en-us/articles/360001202123-Can-I-upload-my-own-songs-into-Playground-Sessions-using-MIDI-or-XML-files-
@@bestmusiccourses4815 Thank you! I'd be curious your thoughts on Synthesia? Perhaps and more relative to these various learning applications and learning in general.
As a new adult learner to piano I'm lost in the sea of lessons and applications [I'm PC].
PianoForAll seems focused on 'playing' vs reading music. Synthesia seems a pure trainer type software.
And frankly I'm not sold on these others though out of them all - bang for the buck and learning to "play" - PianoForAll is winning in my eyes.
Thoughts?
@@bestmusiccourses4815 an answer would be great regarding the follow up question of Seagull
@@Orionsbelt31 Well, to be honest I'm not a big fan of software like Synthesia because it is very mechanical type of learning without explaining how music work and how to play not only the correct notes but also work with dynamic, tempo and expression. The visual of falling blocks is not helpful at all in my opinion. I would prefer a real piano teacher, if not possible, I would try apps like Flowkey, Skoove, Playground Session or Piano Marvel...or PianoForAll like you mentioned.
@@mullerhun Sorry for my late answer
I clicked on your link for a free trail, but there is no free trail.
You are right, sorry...here it is: www.playgroundsessions.com/free-trial-step-2?ari=gs
Great review! Playground was fun for a little while but really lacks in content and videos. I've enjoyed Piano Marvel much more. The music selection is huge and once you learn how to use all of the learning tools you won't look back. It's also sad to see that Playground hasn't updated their app for a very long time. Piano Marvel is doing updates constantly. Also the competitions they put on are fun. For me, it's been a much better fit.
Thank's for your comment! Yes, Piano Marvel has great functionality and huge library, maybe more focused on the classical piano pieces. Although Playground Session has not so big repertoire, I thing the arrangement quality is great. I'm glad you have tried both apps, it is always better to try more options. Good luck!
@@bestmusiccourses4815 Thanks! I spoke to someone at Piano Marvel recently. They told me about some updates that they are rolling out soon that will make the music sound better (with audio and soundfonts) along with some other stuff. Maybe you could do a review after they do their big updates. Best.
@@JS-nf7ne It is a great idea, thank you!
Which app allows you to download your own songs to learn?
I want to learn classic video game songs.
Hi there! Since I know, it is not possible to download your song to any of these app. But Flowkey has classic video game songs in the repertoire: www.flowkey.com/en/video-game-music-piano
@@bestmusiccourses4815 you can download scores on the website.
Check out MuseScore for IOS for video games scores. Otherwise checkout midi sites.
When u said 5 song every month, does that means
1. You get 5 new songs for free every month? And additional songs need extra money
2. Can we keep the songs from previous months? Or it'll be deleted or replaced with the new songs
You keep the songs as long as your membership is active. You can print the sheet music, but you won't have the backing tracks....
Hello - in the beginning you mention that with a piano you will not be able to utilize the full range of the features of playground
I have a classical acoustic piano - does this mean you would not recommend playground for me ?
Best results are. Sith a digital piano so that it can grade your playing.
Unfortunately the ios app is completely bugged. Terrible.
playground looks amatuerishly designed from aesthetic standpoint
It's the piano marvel for me!
Cool! Good choice....I wish u good luck:)
Спасибо за хороший обзор!
Пожалуйста :)
I just stsrted uding playground sessions and uts already better than piano marvel
Cool, I'm glad you found online course that fits you:)