Are you keen to learn piano but unsure where to start? In this comprehensive Simply Piano review, we’ll explore whether this popular piano app can truly help you master the keyboard and develop proper piano technique.
What Is Simply Piano?
Simply Piano is a piano learning app developed by JoyTunes that aims to teach absolute beginners how to play the piano through interactive lessons and real-time feedback. The app has gained tremendous popularity, with millions of downloads on both the App Store and Google Play.
How Does Simply Piano Work?
The Simply Piano app uses your device’s microphone to detect the notes you play, providing instant feedback on whether you’re hitting the right note or playing wrong notes. This interactive approach helps users learn piano basics and develop their skills at their own pace.
The app offers structured lessons that gradually introduce new concepts, from reading sheet music to playing chords and more complex compositions. Each lesson includes practice mode options that allow you to master skills before moving forward.
I had piano lessons for a few years as a teenager and, because of our financial situation, we couldn’t afford private lessons. The unintended consequence of a group setup was that I was dependent on the worst person in our group actually practising, which of course…he didn’t. That meant we could only ever go at his pace, which drove me insane.
Eventually, I gave up.
Simply Piano works at your own pace, which means you can develop as slowly or as quickly as you need.
Sheet Music
Simply Piano excels at teaching users how to read sheet music effectively. Unlike traditional methods that can feel overwhelming, the app introduces notation gradually with clear visual cues that highlight the relationship between sheet music and the keyboard. The interactive format allows you to see notes light up on the on-screen keyboard while simultaneously viewing them on the staff.
The app’s sheet music interface is particularly beginner-friendly, using colour-coding and highlighting to help users make connections between written notes and their keyboard positions. As you progress, Simply Piano gradually removes these training wheels, transitioning you to reading standard sheet music with confidence.
For those who find traditional sheet music intimidating, Simply Piano offers a bridge that makes the process more approachable while still developing legitimate reading skills that transfer to any printed music you might encounter outside the app.
Piano Basics
Simply Piano structures its curriculum around solid piano basics that establish proper fundamentals. The app begins with keyboard orientation, helping absolute beginners understand the layout of white and black keys, octaves, and basic fingering positions.
Early lessons focus on critical foundational elements such as:
- Hand positioning and basic posture
- Single-note melodies using both hands independently
- Gradual introduction of timing and rhythm concepts
- Simple exercises that build finger dexterity and coordination
These piano basics are presented in a sequential, logical order that mirrors traditional teaching methods while leveraging the app’s technology to make learning more engaging. The gamified approach transforms what could be tedious technical exercises into enjoyable challenges that build essential muscle memory and keyboard familiarity.
Simply Piano Features
Comprehensive Learning Path
Simply Piano offers courses suitable for absolute beginners through to intermediate level pianists. The app starts with piano basics and progressively introduces more advanced concepts including:
- Reading sheet music (including treble clef notation)
- Playing chords and chord progressions
- Developing sight reading abilities
- Building hand coordination
- Understanding music theory fundamentals
Extensive Song Library
One of the most appealing aspects of Simply Piano is its extensive library of songs across different musical tastes. Users can learn to play:
- Classical pieces
- Pop songs
- Film soundtracks
- Rock classics
Each song comes with a backing track that makes practice sessions more engaging and fun. The app also allows you to learn a few songs of your choice right from the beginning, which keeps motivation high.
Piano Keyboard Options
Simply Piano works with:
- Acoustic pianos
- Digital keyboards
- MIDI keyboard connections
- On-screen keyboard (for practice when away from your instrument)
For optimal results, connecting a MIDI keyboard provides the most authentic experience and helps develop proper hand position and muscle memory. I like this option because I can use a MIDI connection on our electric piano in our living room paired with headphones. My six-month-old daughter does not enjoy listening to me practice (which tells you something about my ability…), so it’s been a lifesaver.
Also, the responsiveness you get from a direct audio feed is fantastic!
Simply Piano Cost and Free Trial
Simply Piano offers a free trial that gives access to introductory lessons. For full access to all courses and features, users need to subscribe to a premium plan. The Simply Piano cost structure includes monthly, quarterly, and annual subscription options, with the annual plan offering the best value.
I started initially with a free trial and then moved into an annual Simply Piano Premium Membership for £104.90 that covers me and my children.
Playing Piano
Playing piano with Simply Piano feels noticeably different to traditional practice methods. The app transforms the often solitary experience of learning an instrument into an interactive, responsive process. As you play piano with the app, you’ll notice how it adjusts to your performance in real-time, slowing down difficult passages or repeating sections where you struggle.
I really enjoy this process of playing the piano and on several occasions, I’ve found I’ve lost an hour without even realising.
The app encourages regular playing piano sessions through gamification. The achievement system and progress tracking, help to establish consistent practice habits essential for improvement. Simply Piano’s approach emphasises actually playing rather than just theory – you’ll have your hands on the keyboard from the very first lesson.
Both my eight and ten year old took to the lessons almost immediately. It completely removed the ‘sting’ of being told how to do something new by their old man! If you have children, you’ll understand what I mean…
What’s particularly effective about Simply Piano’s method is how it balances technical exercises with actual music making. Even as a beginner, you’ll be playing recognisable melodies rather than just drilling scales, which makes the practice process more rewarding and motivating.
Learn Piano
To learn piano effectively requires the right balance of structure, feedback, and enjoyable content: three areas where Simply Piano excels. The app’s curriculum is designed by music education experts who understand the progressive steps needed to learn piano properly.
When you learn piano with Simply Piano, you benefit from:
- A curriculum that builds skills systematically
- Adaptive difficulty that responds to your performance
- Visual learning aids that reinforce concepts
- Immediate application of new skills to actual music
The learn piano journey is carefully structured to ensure you develop a comprehensive skill set rather than just memorising a few songs. Simply Piano introduces concepts like rhythm (the part my girls really struggle with…shhh don’t tell them), dynamics, and articulation alongside note reading, helping users become well-rounded musicians.
For those who have tried and abandoned attempts to learn piano in the past, Simply Piano’s bite-sized lessons and immediate gratification model often proves more sustainable than traditional methods that may not show tangible results for weeks or months.
Instant Feedback
One of Simply Piano’s most powerful educational features is its instant feedback system. Using your device’s microphone, the app listens as you play and provides immediate visual cues about accuracy. This instant feedback loop dramatically accelerates the learning process compared to traditional practice where mistakes might go uncorrected.
The instant feedback comes in several forms:
- Visual indicators showing correct and incorrect notes
- Timing guidance that helps develop rhythmic precision
- Progression tracking that identifies patterns in your mistakes
- Achievement metrics that celebrate improvement
This constant stream of instant feedback creates a highly efficient learning environment that helps prevent the formation of bad habits. The app won’t let you progress until you’ve mastered each concept, ensuring a solid foundation before building more complex skills.
Moreover, the positive reinforcement aspect of the instant feedback system helps maintain motivation, a crucial factor in successful piano learning. Rather than feeling discouraged by mistakes, users receive constructive guidance on how to improve.
The Learning Experience
For Absolute Beginners
If you’ve never touched a keyboard before, Simply Piano provides an excellent entry point. The lessons start with absolute basics, introducing a few notes at a time and gradually building complexity. The structured approach mimics what you might learn with a piano teacher but allows you to progress at your own pace.
For Intermediate Players
Those with previous knowledge will appreciate the option to skip ahead to more challenging material. The app assesses your skills and recommends an appropriate starting point, ensuring you’re neither bored nor overwhelmed.
Music Theory Integration
Simply Piano balances practical playing skills with essential music theory. While not as in-depth as dedicated music theory courses, the app introduces fundamental concepts like:
- Note reading and rhythm
- Chord structure and progressions
- Musical notation and terminology
This theoretical foundation helps develop a well-rounded musician rather than someone who can only play by rote.
How Simply Piano Compares to Other Piano Learning Methods
Simply Piano vs Piano Lessons with a Teacher
While Simply Piano cannot fully replace in-person lessons with a qualified piano teacher, it offers several advantages:
- Learn at your own pace
- Practice anytime
- Fraction of the cost of traditional piano lessons
- Instant feedback on performance
However, a human teacher can provide personalised guidance on hand position and technique that an app cannot fully replicate.
Simply Piano vs Other Apps
In the crowded field of piano apps, Simply Piano stands out for its:
- Polished user interface
- Responsive note detection
- Structured curriculum
- Extensive sheet music library
The gamified approach makes learning feel more like a video game than formal study, which helps maintain motivation during challenging sections.
Play the Piano
Learning to play the piano with Simply Piano transforms what might otherwise be a daunting process into an accessible journey. The app’s methodical approach helps users play the piano with proper technique from the beginning, focusing on developing the fundamental coordination between both hands.
As you play the piano through the app’s curriculum, you’ll notice how it intelligently introduces new challenges only when you’ve mastered previous concepts. This scaffolded approach prevents the frustration that often leads beginners to quit. Whether you aspire to play the piano casually for personal enjoyment or develop serious skills, Simply Piano provides a pathway that adapts to your goals.
The app particularly excels at helping users play the piano with musicality, not just technical accuracy. Lessons incorporate elements of expression, dynamics, and phrasing that are often overlooked in self-teaching methods. This holistic approach ensures that when you play the piano using skills developed through the app, your performance sounds natural and expressive rather than mechanical.
Who Will Benefit Most from Simply Piano?
Simply Piano is ideal for:
- Complete beginners wanting to learn piano fundamentals
- Casual learners who want to play for fun
- Those who cannot commit to scheduled piano lessons
- Parents introducing children to music (it’s won the Parents’ Choice Award)
- Former players looking to refresh their skills
Limitations to Consider
Despite its strengths, there are some aspects where Simply Piano falls short:
- Less emphasis on proper hand position than with a traditional teacher
- Limited feedback on expression and musicality
- Some advanced techniques require more specialised instruction
- The structured path doesn’t always accommodate different learning styles
Is Simply Piano Worth It? Our Honest Opinion
For most beginners and casual learners, Simply Piano offers tremendous value. The combination of structured lessons, instant feedback, and engaging content creates an effective learning environment that keeps users motivated.
The app successfully transforms what could be tedious practice sessions into enjoyable play sessions. While serious classical students will eventually need to supplement with traditional instruction, Simply Piano provides an excellent foundation for understanding keyboard layout, reading sheet music, and developing basic playing skills.
Conclusion: Simply Piano Review
Simply Piano deserves its popularity as a leading piano learning app. It strikes an excellent balance between education and entertainment, making the journey of learning to play the piano accessible and enjoyable.
Whether you’re looking to master a few songs for personal enjoyment or building a foundation for more serious study, Simply Piano offers a cost-effective, flexible solution that works remarkably well. With its free trial option, there’s little risk in giving it a try to see if this approach to learning piano suits your style.
Have you tried Simply Piano or other piano apps? Share your experience in the comments below!
