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Comment by sandGorgon | Hacker News Reader

So I'm just giving you perspective after about 9 weeks of SimplyPiano.

Im very far away from being able to control the nuances of volume. Im still at the point, where I'm learning to use my left and right hands independently and play without looking.

And that's what SimplyPiano gets you to - it's a structured program+game that teaches you to read music and gain hand independence using an app.

Im pretty self aware that I will need a teacher at some point. I have been a gamer and had formal teaching in music when I was kid.

I find it hard to believe that a teacher would be able to correct me in real time, while simultaneously having me enjoy the process. Once I start playing half decently, the memory of music is motivation enough.

Not right now.

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Out of curiosity, how does the app make you enjoy the process? I took a quick look and it seems to have the same basic progression that most classes have, I assume the paid courses are different and better but I can't see them.

My 6 year old son played with SimplyPiano for several months this year, and I tried it out a bit as well. For me, SimplyPiano brings the excitement of being able to play popular music that you recognize and enjoy in a matter of weeks. The app has easy arrangements of everything from Adele to Beethoven that it takes you through as it 'teaches' you. There is also a gamification aspect that gives you more stars for hitting the right notes at the right time.

When I had piano lessons as a child, playing classical music for years became boring and uninteresting to me. I believe apps with a wide range of music help keep interest levels up. The app seems like a great way to dip your toes into playing piano without committing to finding a teacher.

So it doesn't "teach" you. Like I didn't even know it was teaching me to "read music".

For me, it was just "hitting a few symbols". Suddenly in 2 weeks, I was reading music. It uses exactly the same tactics as any videogame lets you figure out game mechanics.

Suddenly, you're playing another state of the game...and oh hey it's THAT song.

This is hard to conceptualize for someone who can already play. But you have to understand that in October, I had no clue I would be reading music in December.

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