eMedia Piano For Dummies v2

As with most of the ...for Dummies range, this does deliver on it`s promise - but with caveats. I`ve flicked through a few of the different books from this series in shops, and always figured that they were not particularly different to any other basic introductions. And this is the same - and more to the point, if there is one thing the world already has plenty of, it`s books telling you how to play the piano! I was a bit surprised that this isn`t more progressive, or at least, modern, or different. It`s the same old songs as usual, hymns, carols etc., and it`s not very interesting. Having it playing on your PC or laptop whilst you tinkle the ivories may be helpful, as it probably focuses your learning, and obviously it is more fun and cheaper than forking out for lessons from an increasingly frustrated tutor! 150 lessons sounds like a lot, but each one is very short, and they are very easy to follow. Also, it won`t take you that far in terms of development - it really is for beginners, maybe up to very low intermediates. If you really haven`t touched a keyboard before, then perhaps this is a good start, but that`s all it is.

The trouble with this is that it sounds horrible. One of the best things about learning piano - as opposed to say violin - is that you can make a lovely sound almost immediately. But the simpified fingerings leave out the notes that everyone remembers in say mary had a little lamb so that the tune jars on unfamilar notes and the tinny electroonic piano sounds are just horrid. I got this to suppplement learning with the suzuki method (which is wonderful) and this was so depressing by comparison. I see it could be useful as a reminder on all the technical details but the audio lets it down. AND you need a midi keyboard - walking away and trying it on the real piano will sound nicer but doesnt really work,...

I actually thought this was a book. My fault for not reading the product description properly. Because of the low price, Im going to keep

Piano for Dummies is great. It is a very good way to learn basic piano playing,the knowledge of the key and actual playing of such.....It has been a great help for me.

This software is very recommended for those who have absolutely no idea how to start playing the the piano/keyboard. It starts with a very detailed background about position, notes and other essential information and followed by videos, recorded playbacks and other features, which are explained in the easiest possible way.

Every time is open the program it always wants me to register and go through instrument setup...everyone. Now the virtual instruction part no longer is functioning correctly and there does not seem to be an answer for it. Also, now it always starts at the beginning of the entire lesson instead of remembering where I left off. And of course with my luck the return window closed 2 days ago so it was a waste of money.

Tried this product on three different computers, with windows7. Home Premium and Pro, didnt work with either version. Worked with Vista and XP but not with windows7.

I have really enjoyed this course and got a lot out of it, especially in terms of working on rhythym and note reading.

Love it!!!

This is OK- its basically a bunch of clips that you can use to learn various aspects of playing the piano. My daughter was actually learning at the time I ordered and I think it helped a little, but what helped more were the various music books she bought in addition to this. I suppose for someone who had absolutely no background in piano the format would be good- especially for those who like mixing multimedia learning with practical work. It isnt bad- it just wasnt what I had expected!