 "Software is good, Keyboard is weak" | 2009-01-07 |
| - Reviewed By User: A12485MWVC375U |
| Tried it out before giving as a gift, software was good but was not impressed with the keyboard. Could have purchased a reasonable MIDI keyboard and software for less than I paid for the eMedia keyboard and then have the option to play away from the computer. |
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| "The Pluses Outweigh the Minuses" | 2008-12-31 |
| - Reviewed By User: A2AGJ1MQ1PBAEG |
I purchased this product a while back and although have upgraded my computer and changed ISP's, have had no significant problems with the software. It is a bit quirky but once I got used to it, have had no problems.
You get what you pay for with this package... The keyboard is not the best quality but certainly not "flimsy". The software isn't very sophisticated. This includes the interface as well as the actual functionality. One of the biggest annoyances is the large variation in volume between some of the videos and the sound from the keyboard. I am constantly adjusting it. Too bad I can't set the volume once and have the software "remember" my settings.
On the "plus" side, the progression of lessons makes sense and you feel like you are learning new skills and really learning to play the piano. I wouldn't recommend this product for a child, however as the music and instruction is geared more toward an adult student (some of the songs are from my grandmother's era).
In summary, this is a capable product for the price but doesn't have the "Wow" factor. |
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 "It serves its purpose" | 2008-04-13 |
| - Reviewed By User: A17A1KTVI3DG6U |
I was reluctant to make this purchase after reading so many negative reviews; however, I am now very pleased that I went against what I believed to be my better judgment. I have been dedicating about six hours each week to this product for the last four or five months. When I began, I possessed only the most limited of knowledge with regard to sight reading, keeping time, and rhythm. I now have to admit, though I still have much to learn, that I can play the piano because of this product (although playing well will inevitably take some time). This system worked wonders for me and was much cheaper than the alternative of paying weekly for lessons, yet I must encourage you to read the following.
WARNING:
- Children should not be subjected to this product, as they might experience severe boredom if product is applied directly (some instances of secondhand boredom have been reported in children under 16 that have even come into indirect contact with this product). That is, the lessons are far from engaging and should not be expected to keep a child's attention for even one moment. This might be particularly true when the child has no actual interest in learning how to play the piano, other than appeasing mom.
- The software (and hardware) is, in fact, flakey. This being said, the software and keyboard have always worked for me, even if it did require a few additional steps from time to time. I discovered that one of the primary issues with the keyboard is that it will not work if the latest QuickTime update has not been installed. Considering the speed at which new QuickTime updates are made available, it is easy to see why this might require an update check quite frequently. At one point I also had to visit the company's website to download the latest drivers, since which time I have experienced no further issues. I have also realized that the keyboard will not communicate properly with the program if it is not turned on prior to opening the learning modules. If all else fails...rebooting has always worked.
Even with these seemingly significant drawbacks, my own results with this product prevent me from doing anything other than singing its praises. The cost/benefit ratio, in my opinion, appears to have worked out in my favor. If you are an adult that seriously (serious enough to sit through monotone instructions and no-frill lessons) wishes to learn how to play the piano, I would recommend this product. I would also recommend utilizing these modules with a (not necessarily the one provided in this bundle, although it's not terrible) MIDI controller/keyboard, as there is great benefit to be had from the controller/software interaction and feedback.
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| "Requires Discipline, But The Results Are There" | 2007-07-13 |
| - Reviewed By cakefan1981 |
I've played a few different types of instruments throughout my childhood and early adult years, but never stuck with them for any length of time for various reasons. About a year ago, I got the bug again, and decided "if I'm going to do it, I'll do it right". Whatever instrument I chose, I would devote AT LEAST a half hour a day to practice. I've always wanted to play piano, but my family couldn't afford one, and since no one played, the issue was never broached. Then I saw this product, and gave it a shot.
The keyboard you get is a fairly heavy chunk of plastic, which is good since it won't "walk" away on you of you don't have a proper piano stand to play it on (I play on the counter top in a lower room of the house). The keys are touch sensitive, so if you press harder the sound responds in the like. The keys are NOT weighted, so the feeling is different from a real piano or expensive keyboard, but the keys are full size and cover a few different octaves (though it lacks the full 88 keys of a real piano).
I haven't had any real software glitches like the other reviewers have had, so I suppose I'm lucky in that regard. If something were to malfunction with the keyboard, the lessons work just as well with another board or full size piano if available. The big advantage with the MIDI-connected keyboard, however, is that it grades your performance. This is great to chart your progress on a song.
The lesson plan assumes you know squat about music or the piano, so it truly is for beginners. The songs are mostly familiar tunes or classical pieces, with some traditional songs thrown in. All pieces can be listened to, slowed down, or have certain tricky sections highlighted to concentrate on. Sprinkled throughout are a few brief history lessons that give the composers and the instrument some character. It's quite well-rounded in that regard.
The downsides are that the teacher in the videos is fairly dull. While a skilled pianist, she has no presence in front of the camera. That's a shame, because it would have enhanced the experience. Also, some of the songs are dull. It would have been nice to see some more contemporary pieces taught, but I guess they may have cost a pretty penny. Also, the keyboard doesn't come with a pedal. You can buy one separately, but if you've ever glanced at a real piano, there are three pedals. So far in my lessons, the program hasn't explained how to use these while playing, so that aspect of the instrument is still in the dark for me. Hopefully, it will be addressed.
At first some of the songs and lessons seem boring or obvious, but they do serve a purpose. Some simple songs are revisited later with accompaniment, and that can change the difficulty. Just remember: baby steps. This is a beginner's tool, and as such, will be replaced with a more advanced and expensive keyboard or piano later on down the line if you find it enjoyable and are making progress. For what it is however, I am very pleased, and highly recommend it. |
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 "Home Study Helper" | 2006-11-12 |
| - Reviewed By User: AA93MLFWQ58MH |
| This product is a wonderful resource for anyone, child or adult, learning to play the piano. I use the software as a textbook for all my piano students. As a result: gone are the wrong notes and wrong rhythm. The folks at eMedia have put a lot of thought and care into their software - it's easy to install, use, and it is very interactive. Parents have said that the USB keyboard helps them because they don't have to spend thousands of dollars to buy a piano before starting lessons. My students are having more fun and learning much quicker now, the parents are happy. Thanks, eMedia. |
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 "badly executed" | 2006-03-26 |
| - Reviewed By User: A10T4W6K1Q86T5 |
| This is such a good idea, and such a shame that it is so badly executed. I read the reviews and thought that as is often the case it must be user error, or people not reading the manual. Unfortunately that's not the case - this product is just bad. The software is flakey at best. The keyboard worked for all of three days and then no amount of reinstalling drivers, upgrading versions, reinstalling Quicktime could get it working again. The lessons were deeply dull. Do not expect to sit a youngster down and have them learn on their own. Hopefully someone will pick up the idea and do a better job. |
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