Hmm, I'm not quite bought on this. I was classically trained in piano for 12 years. I don't think color coding keys is how you learn to read music. Their aren't even the notes on the keys, so how are they going to even know what is middle C? My German piano teacher would have something to say about this!

I think i am with Skinny on this one.

Supposedly you do learn notes on a musical staff, but I'm sure it's not nearly as effective as having a teacher go through each note with you over and over!

Ditto.

I dreaded piano lessons. I had to play one piece of music 10 times in a row without a mistake. If I made one I had to start at 0 again. This is bringing back memories of torture.

I'm a piano player myself. I don't think I would personally do well if I had to learn from computer software - I find I do better with human teachers when it comes to learning a new skill/subject. I've spent so much money on various "Learn X Language" software, but eventually bailed on all of them.

I think this is a cool idea though. My boyfriend, a true tech geek, has been wanting to learn piano for a long time. I'm forwarding him this.

cool for kids

I had a similar program when I was little. It was a lot simpler, but I did learn how to read music a little and I still remember the songs I learn. I think it was well worth it and I'll probably buy this. $200 isn't bad. It's a lot cheaper and less time consuming than finding a music teacher

I saw something on TV about a music teachers using those programs to make sure their students practice their music. It keeps track of how many notes they missed, how long they practiced, what music they practiced, etc. I think that's great because then the student and teacher can get together and work on the "problem" areas.
I think a program like this would work great if it was used with a music teacher!

I think this could work. Since it is a video game kids might get hooked and actually learn something useful. I hope it actually does teach you to read music (notes on a staff) because that can help you pick up other instruments later. Also after you buy it for 200$ you can just keep using instead of seeking random crazy piano teachers (we all have stories!).

Okay, I know most of you are against this item. But coming from a girlfriend of a guy who loves Guitar Hero and Rockband (I like the drums on Rockband!) I think this would be a great alternative for a girl who wants something to do while her boyfriend and his friends are rockin' out. I think it would be a fun thing to play around with...but could easily be something you'd get tired of after a few hours of playtime. I do know this, I hated piano lessons with a passion...but from the looks of this item it still wouldn't measure up to the real thing.

My husband bought that for himself at the NAMM conference last year He hasn't had as much time to dedicate to it as he would like though.