Piano With Jonny - In-Depth Review (2025)
Are you considering signing up for Piano With Jonny? Before you do, it's important to take a closer look.
I’ve been a paying member of Piano With Jonny (PWJ) on and off since 2019 and renewed again in 2025 to keep this review current. This is not a sponsored post, and I’m not here to hype or trash it, just to give you the straight facts so you can decide if it fits your goals.
What Piano With Jonny Actually Is
Piano With Jonny is a subscription-based video lesson library created by Jonny May. The main focus is contemporary styles: jazz, blues, pop, cocktail piano, gospel, and neo-soul. The teaching method revolves around lead sheets (chord symbols + melody), ear training, and improvisation rather than heavy classical notation or technique drills.
- Over 2,200 video lessons (as of late 2025)
- Monthly “Learning Tracks” (10–15 new lessons built around one song or concept)
- Downloadable PDFs, MIDI files, and backing tracks
- Private Facebook group (44,500+ members) and monthly live Q&A sessions
- Works on desktop, tablet, phone (web-based, no dedicated iOS/Android app with mic listening)
Current Pricing
| Plan | Discounted Price (Holiday Special) | Standard Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $19.95 / first month (50% off) | $39.95 / month | Then $39.95/mo; cancel anytime. |
| Annual | $15.00 / month (paid upfront at $179.95) | $179 / year (~$14.92/mo) | Best value; rate locked in, never changes. Includes everything below. |
| Founder's All-Access (Lifetime) | Not currently listed in special | $294 one-time | Lifetime access + future content; check site for availability/promos. |
What's Included in Membership:
- Instant access to 2,200+ HD video lessons and live events
- Learning tracks with progress tracking
- Weekly challenges and live shows
- Access to PWJ community (forums/Facebook group)
- Fast & friendly customer support
- Downloadable resources (lead sheets, MIDI, backing tracks)
Holiday specials like this are common through December 1, grab it if you're committing, as it drops the effective annual cost significantly.
What It Does Well
- Strong emphasis on practical, real-world playing (chords, voicings, improvisation)
- Clear, well-produced videos with multiple camera angles and on-screen keyboard
- Logical progression in the Learning Tracks
- Active community for feedback and motivation
- Excellent for adult learners who already know they want jazz, blues, or pop styles
Where It Falls Short
- Very little classical training or traditional notation focus
- No real-time feedback (no mic/listening technology like Simply Piano or flowkey)
- Limited hand-technique instruction — posture and relaxation are mentioned but not drilled
- Some users find certain lessons repetitive or overly focused on Jonny’s personal style
- No gamification or streak tracking (they added light XP/badges in 2024, but it’s minimal)
- Can feel overwhelming for complete beginners who need more hand-holding
Who It’s Actually For
| Good fit for | Probably not the best choice for |
|---|---|
| Adults 25+ interested in jazz/blues/pop | Children or teens |
| Self-motivated learners | People who need constant external accountability |
| Intermediate players wanting improv skills | Strict classical pianists |
| Fans of lead-sheet / chord-chart playing | Users who rely on apps that listen and score |
Quick Comparison (2025)
| Platform | Best for | Annual cost (standard) | Real-time feedback | Improv focus | Full Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Piano With Jonny | Jazz / blues / improv | ~$179 | No | Very strong | (this page) |
| Simply Piano | Total beginners, pop songs | $120 | Yes | Weak | → Read review |
| Pianote | Rock / pop, live classes | $149 | Yes (some courses) | Moderate | → Read review |
| flowkey | Classical + pop sheet music | $120 | Yes | Minimal | → Read review |
| Pianoforall | Chord-based playing (one-time) | $49 lifetime | No | Moderate | → Read review |
Realistic Expectations
Most members who stick with it for 6–12 months can play 10–20 songs with left-hand accompaniment and do basic improvisation over common progressions. Progress is heavily tied to consistent practice — there’s no app forcing you to play correctly, so bad habits can creep in if you don’t self-monitor or supplement with a teacher.
Need a piano first? Check out my tested guide to the Best Beginner Pianos & Keyboards in 2025
Final Take
Piano With Jonny is one of the stronger options available in 2025 if your goal is contemporary styles and improvisation rather than classical piano or gamified beginner lessons. It’s reasonably priced for what you get, especially during this holiday window, and the community adds real value. At the same time, it’s not a complete replacement for private instruction, and it won’t appeal to everyone.
Try it if the style matches what you want to play, the 30-day guarantee covers you. Skip or supplement it if you need classical training, real-time feedback, or heavy structure.
Questions about how it compares to something specific? Drop them below and I’ll answer straight.
Comments ()