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|  | Brand: eMedia
Category: Musical Instruments
Buy New: Too low to display
as of 9/4/2010 04:44 IST details
New (6)
Seller: Amazon.com
Rating:  10 reviews
Sales Rank: 9552
Format: CD
Platform: No Operating System
ESRB: Everyone 10+
Media: Electronics
Number Of Items: 1
Batteries Included: No
Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition
Shipping Weight (lbs): 12.4
Dimensions (in): 35 x 10 x 4.2
MPN: EG11034
Model: EG11034
UPC: 746290110349
EAN: 0746290110349
ASIN: B0001IQPZK
Shipping: Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 6-10 of 10
 Requires Discipline, But The Results Are There July 13, 2007
J. M. Taylor (Omaha, Nebraska United States)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
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.
 Home Study Helper November 12, 2006
Paul (New York)
2 out of 4 found this review helpful
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.
 badly executed March 25, 2006
Greg C (Seattle, WA)
18 out of 23 found this review helpful
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.
Software Good! Keyboard Not Necessary February 8, 2006
Mark Twang (San Jose)
7 out of 8 found this review helpful
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.
USELESS!!!! No stars November 28, 2005
Nancy P (East Northport, NY USA)
22 out of 32 found this review helpful
Bought this last Christmas for my daughter, I may as well have just thrown the $100 out the window. It never worked, and the support is nonexistent. By time the gift was given and figured out it would never work it was too late to return it. Don't waste your money.
Showing reviews 6-10 of 10
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