The 5 Best Piano Courses Online: A Comprehensive Guide (2024)

Learning piano has never been more accessible, thanks to the plethora of online courses available today.

Whether you're a complete beginner just getting your feet wet or an adult seeking to refine your skills, the digital age offers an abundance of options tailored to suit every learning style and schedule.

This guide dives into the best piano courses you can find online, suitable for different needs such as best piano lessons for adults and even those looking for the best play by ear piano course.

Each course outlined here provides unique benefits, methodologies, and resources, empowering you to embark on a successful and enjoyable musical journey.

1. Pianoforall

Price: $49

Overview: Pianoforall is an innovative and well-structured course designed to help beginners learn piano quickly and effectively. Developed by piano teacher Robin Hall, Pianoforall stands out due to its focus on chords and rhythmic patterns rather than traditional note reading.

This makes it an excellent option for those looking for the best beginner piano lessons that prioritize immediate playability.

Features:

• Instant Playability: The course emphasizes getting students to play recognizable songs quickly, which is great motivation for beginners.
• Comprehensive Content: With over 300 video lessons and 1000 audio lessons, along with nine interactive eBooks, Pianoforall offers an extensive learning path covering various music styles including jazz, blues, and classical.
• Multi-Device Accessibility: Lessons are optimized for various devices, allowing you to practice on your tablet, smartphone, or computer effortlessly.

Why Choose Pianoforall?

If your goal is to achieve swift progress in playing real songs without initially getting bogged down in music theory, Pianoforall is among the best piano courses catering to this need. It provides a balance between learning technique and enjoying music, making it one of the best programs to learn piano for fast results.

Who It’s For: This course is ideal for adult learners or beginners interested in learning how to play piano quick and easy. It's also a top choice for those wanting a structured and easy to follow approach for their piano learning journey.

2. Piano by Pictures

Price: 30 Days Free then $37 a month

Overview: Piano by Pictures, designed by Dr. Ryan Kelly, a professor of music at University of Nevada in Las Vegas, offers a unique and visually-driven approach to learning piano. The course uses images and diagrams extensively to simplify the learning process, teaching the piano in a way akin to teaching a visual art.

Features:

• Visual Learning Techniques: The use of pictures to explain scale patterns, chords, and melody structures makes abstract concepts more tangible, especially for visual learners.
• Step-By-Step Guidance: The course is structured progressively, ensuring that learners build a solid foundation before moving on to more complex topics.
• Play by Ear Module: Included modules encourage students to develop their ability to play by ear, which many consider the best play by ear piano course method available.

Why Choose Piano by Pictures?

For those who are visually inclined or prefer to avoid heavy theoretical content, Piano by Pictures offers one of the best piano lessons that simplifies learning through engaging visuals. It removes the often-intimidating barrier of reading sheet music right away.

Who It’s For: This is perfect for complete beginners, visual learners, or anyone looking for an alternative to traditional piano lessons. Given its approach, it also serves musicians looking to enhance their creative skills.

3. Simply Piano

Price: $19.99/month

Overview: Created by JoyTunes, Simply Piano has become incredibly popular, especially among young learners and families. It is an app-based course that turns learning into a game-like experience, making it one of the best piano learning apps for engaging content.

Features:

• Interactive Lessons: The app listens to you play and provides real-time feedback, which helps to correct mistakes and reinforce correct techniques.
• Wide Range of Music Styles: Simply Piano covers pop, classical, jazz, and country, immersing users in diverse genres.
• Progress Tracking: The app tracks your progress and adjusts your pace, ensuring you never feel overwhelmed or under-challenged.

Why Choose Simply Piano?

As an interactive, app-based system, Simply Piano brings fun into learning. Its appealing design and adaptive feedback mechanism make it one of the best beginner piano courses for those who thrive on technology-enhanced learning.

Who It’s For: Families who want to learn together, young learners, and beginners looking for an easy-to-use app that makes learning intuitive and fun. It’s a great choice for those who value instant feedback and a modern learning interface.

4. Bastien Piano Method

Price: $50

Overview: A traditional yet highly respected method, the Bastien Piano Method is known globally for its structured learning approach. Ideal for those who prefer a systematic approach used in countless music schools worldwide.

Features:

• Structured Curriculum: The method follows a well-ordered progression with a focus on both practice and theory, which is essential for foundational learning.
• Interactive and Engaging: Supplemental materials such as flashcards, games, and theory workbooks make it particularly engaging for younger learners.
• Early Introduction to Music Theory: Unlike other methods, Bastien gives a considerable emphasis on theory from the beginning, setting a strong groundwork for advanced learning.

Why Choose Bastien Piano Method?

For those inclined towards traditional learning paths, the Bastien Piano Method remains a staple for its thoroughness and effectiveness. It’s considered among the best piano lessons for those looking to integrate both performance and theoretical knowledge.

Who It’s For: Best suited for children learning piano for the first time through formal instruction or for adults returning to piano with a focus on skill-building and music literacy.

5. Piano Career Academy

Price: $47/month

Overview: Piano Career Academy, founded by pianist Ilinca Vartic, offers a comprehensive curriculum for those serious about developing their piano skills. It’s particularly noted for its high-quality content aimed at providing deep musical understanding and proficiency.

Features:

• Professional Insight: Courses are deeply rooted in classical traditions, bringing professional and artistic insights to budding pianists.
• Extensive Resources: The academy offers more than 100 video tutorials, monthly lessons, and an active community for musicians to share and enhance their learning.
• Focus on Technique and Expression: Comprehensive techniques and emotional expression are emphasized to refine the artistic capabilities of students beyond just playing notes.

Why Choose Piano Career Academy?

Geared towards those who want to delve deeper into the art of piano playing, this academy offers the best piano lessons for adults aiming to pursue classical music with technical precision and expressive depth.

Who It’s For: Intermediate to advanced players, classically trained musicians, and serious hobbyists seeking an immersive learning experience.

Choosing the right online piano course hinges on your personal goals, learning style, and interest level.

The courses highlighted here, from the highly interactive Simply Piano and visually engaging Piano by Pictures to the profound methodologies of Bastien Piano Method and Piano Career Academy, represent some of the best virtual piano lessons available.

They cater to different preferences, from beginners eager to start their musical journey to more seasoned pianists desiring in-depth classical instruction.

For those seeking keyboard piano lessons for beginners, these courses provide the stepping stones necessary to cultivate your skills, enhance your understanding, and, most importantly, enjoy the beautiful art of piano playing.

Whether your interest lies in speedy proficiency or deep classical knowledge, these best piano courses are designed to enrich your musical endeavor in today's digital learning landscape.

Additional Considerations When Choosing an Online Piano Course

Selecting the right piano course involves more than just finding a reputable program. To effectively benefit from the best piano courses available, consider the following factors that could make your learning journey smoother and more enjoyable:

1. Define Your Learning Goals

Before diving into any course, it’s crucial to establish what you intend to achieve. Are you looking to learn the basics, play classical compositions, modern pop songs, or maybe even delve into jazz improvisation? Having defined goals will help you select the course that aligns best with your aspirations.

For instance, if playing by ear is a priority, programs that emphasize ear training like Piano by Pictures could be more suitable. If classical proficiency is your aim, the in-depth approach of Piano Career Academy might appeal to you more.

2. Consider Your Learning Style

Your personal learning style is another critical consideration. Some learners thrive with visual aids and interactive elements, while others prefer a more structured, text-based approach.

• App-based learners might enjoy the interactive design of Simply Piano with its game-like method.
• Visual learners will appreciate Piano by Pictures for its unique approach using diagrams and images.
• Traditional learners will benefit from the structured approach of the Bastien Piano Method.

3. Assess the Flexibility and Accessibility

In our fast-paced world, flexibility is key. Many courses are designed to fit into various lifestyles, providing lessons that can be accessed anytime, anywhere:

• Pianoforall offers materials available across multiple devices, lending to practice on the go.
• Simply Piano requires only a mobile device for access, allowing spontaneous practice sessions.

Having access to your lessons on different devices ensures that you can practice when it suits you best, making your path from a beginner to an advanced pianist more consistent and enjoyable.

4. Evaluate the Cost vs. Value

Cost is important, but it should be weighed against what you're getting in return. Investing in a course that provides comprehensive materials, personalized feedback, and a supportive community can be more beneficial than opting for cheaper, less thorough alternatives.

• Courses like Piano Career Academy, with its professional guidance and extensive resources, might require a higher upfront cost but deliver substantial educational value and depth.
• For budget-conscious learners, courses like Pianoforall offer a balanced, affordable option without skimping on quality content and results.

5. Look for Community and Support

Learning music can be a solitary journey, but it doesn't have to be. Engaging with a community can enhance your learning experience through shared knowledge, encouragement, and collaboration.

• Piano Career Academy offers an active community where learners can interact, share experiences, and gain insights from peers, which can be invaluable for sustained motivation and camaraderie.
• Many courses also have forums or Facebook groups for learners to engage with each other and share tips.

6. Take Advantage of Trial Periods

Most reputable online courses offer free trials or sample lessons. Utilize these opportunities to gauge whether a course's teaching style and content resonate with you. Sampling the course before committing could prevent future dissatisfaction and ensure you make a well-informed choice.

Embracing the Journey

Choosing the right online piano course is a personal decision that hinges on your unique learning style, goals, and resources. Each of the courses listed – Pianoforall, Piano by Pictures, Simply Piano, Bastien Piano Method, and Piano Career Academy – offers distinct pathways to exploring the world of piano music.

Embrace your journey with an open mind and enjoy each note along the way. Whether your aim is to become a professional pianist or simply play for joy, the best piano lessons await online, providing all the tools and inspiration you need to turn your musical dreams into reality.

Remember, every great pianist started right where you are now. With dedication and the right guidance, you’re on your way to discovering the beauty and joy that piano music brings and crafting a skill that will enrich your life for years to come.