Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
It serves its purpose , April 12, 2008
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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18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
badly executed, March 25, 2006
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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7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Software Good! Keyboard Not Necessary, February 8, 2006
The software program is ok. Although I found it more difficult than their Emedia Guitar CD-Rom. Unfortunately the people who teach these lessons are highly qualified dull people (sorry if you are that person). I was debating on purchasing the keyboard separately or together. The keyboard that comes with it connects to the computer. I thought that this would help me learn faster but I think it is really not necessary to get a keyboard that connects to the computer. Any keyboard will do fine in aiding the learning process. I am going to buy Scott the Piano Guys DVD as well. I prefer the his hands on demonstrations.
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