Pianote+ Review 2024 - What Makes It Unique?

Pianote, an online piano instruction platform, has recently undergone a significant update. This review will focus on the features included in the Pianote+ subscription, noting that some are not part of the standard Pianote package.

The company offers online lessons for all skill levels and fosters an online community for learners and teachers. Let's examine what Pianote provides.

What Makes it Unique?

Pianote combines piano lessons, courses led by music professionals, and a library of popular songs. Its emphasis on fostering a sense of community sets it apart from other platforms. Students can easily connect and have the opportunity to seek guidance from qualified instructors.

Pianote appears to be expanding its offerings with student forums, podcasts, and additional features alongside its lessons. Musicians interested in multiple instruments may appreciate that a Pianote subscription also grants access to Musora platforms for singing, guitar, and drums.

Who Is The Target Audience?

Pianote targets a broad range of potential piano students, including young learners, adults, and those with varying levels of experience. While the platform advertises resources for advanced pianists, its foundational courses primarily cater to beginners.

A 'Where to begin?' section on the Method page assists users in determining the best starting point based on their proficiency. The platform's diverse selection of musical styles aims to appeal to a wide range of interests.

Pricing & Subscriptions

Pianote offers two subscription tiers: Pianote($25 p/m) and Pianote+($30 p/m). Both include monthly or annual payment options, a free initial week, and a 90-day money-back guarantee.

The Pianote subscription provides access to lessons and most community features but excludes the song library. This tier costs $25 per month or $200 per year.

Pianote+ includes everything from the basic package, plus the full song library and direct communication with instructors for feedback and questions. This subscription costs $30 per month or $240 annually.

Both options may be more cost-effective than traditional weekly lessons.

The Steps To Get Started

After subscribing to Pianote+, users are directed to the "Method" section. The introductory "How To Use The Method" video provides an overview of the platform.

To use Pianote+, you'll need a web browser, internet connection, and a piano or keyboard. While it's possible to download materials like sheet music, your instrument does not need to be connected to a computer.

Pianote's foundational piano course is called "The Method" and includes 10 levels. Levels range from basic keyboard and chord instruction (Level 1) to advanced topics like jazz techniques and complex time signatures (Level 10).

The platform offers a "Where to Begin" questionnaire to help determine the appropriate starting level.

Each level contains approximately three courses focused on specific skill areas. Courses consist of four to eight lessons, with each lesson including a video and short assignment. Video lengths range from five to twenty minutes. It may take at least a month to complete each level, including practice time.

The Method is only one component of the platform. Pianote+ also offers content on songs, bootcamps, and tips. While the extensive content may appeal to users seeking comprehensive instruction, its volume might seem overwhelming to some.

Lessons include a video, assignment, and optional downloads like worksheets and sheet music. Learners can mark lessons as complete or add them to a list for later review. Each lesson earns XP points, which may serve as a motivational tool.

Pianote Method

Level 1

Pianote's Method assumes no prior piano experience. Level 1 covers posture, instrument selection, and practice space setup. Instruction emphasizes chords with lessons on the C scale and four basic chords used in "Let It Be." A backing track for "Let It Be", with a metronome and vocals, supports practice.

This approach is well-suited for rapid progress and emphasizes chord charts, which are often used in contemporary music notation. However, Level 1 does incorporate foundational elements of music theory such as scales, ear training, rhythm notation, and basic time signatures.

Exercises and worksheets accompany the videos and are designed to support both written and practice-based learning. Most lessons in the Method feature instructor Lisa Witt, whose teaching style is described as easygoing.

Levels 2-5

Levels 2-5 expand upon the foundation established in Level 1. The platform includes exercises designed to make scale practice more engaging by incorporating improvisation techniques with chord work from the prior level.

Instruction covers triads, chord construction, and the use of inversions for smoother transitions. The song selection includes "Knocking on Heaven's Door" and "Someone Like You." The curriculum also addresses using the sustain pedal for expressiveness.

The ear training and theory sections introduce time signatures, distinguishing major and minor keys, and identifying and playing intervals and chord progressions. These concepts support playing by ear. The course offers guidance on accompaniment rhythms and riffs.

Level 5 transitions from chord charts to standard music notation and sight-reading. The platform leverages the chord knowledge and ear training from previous levels to facilitate this shift.

The videos utilize overhead shots to provide a clear view of the instructor's hands, catering to visual learners. The content focus remains primarily on pop playing, accompaniment, and performing in band settings.

Levels 6-10

Levels 1-5 provide the core foundation. Learners who wish to pursue a more classical path can opt for "The Classical Method," beginning after Level 5. Instructor Victoria Theodore leads this option, which includes studies of classical pieces like Minuet in G Major and Raindrop Prelude, as well as additional techniques specific to classical playing.

Those continuing the main Pianote path will progress through Levels 6-10 with a focus on dynamics, phrasing, and addressing common technical challenges. Level 8 includes a wider range of musical styles, featuring classical, blues, and jazz selections.

Level 9 delves into songwriting, while Level 10 provides a comprehensive review, including additional tips on practice, performance, and improvisation.

Coaches

The "Coaches" tab offers an overview of Pianote instructors and their respective lesson content. This feature is particularly useful for learners seeking instruction in a specific niche. Instructors demonstrate expertise in various areas, such as gospel, arranging, and improvisation.

Songs & Tutorials

The "Songs" section of Pianote features a library of hundreds of songs organized by skill level, style, artist, and progress. Musical genres include classical, film music, country, pop, traditional, and musical theatre.

The platform offers a "Request a Song" option for titles not currently in the library.

Upon selecting a song, users can access sheet music via the "Downloads" tab and utilize Pianote's playback feature. The playback highlights corresponding notes on the sheet music and includes tempo adjustment, looping, and a visual keyboard display.

The "Song Tutorials" tab offers 30-60 minute instructional videos for specific songs. These tutorials provide more in-depth guidance compared to the basic playback/sheet music option.

Packs

The "Packs" section contains specialized lesson sets organized by subject. This option may be useful for users who find the core Pianote method less effective. Subjects include specific skills like piano technique, riffs and fills, and sight-reading. Packs vary in size, ranging from 12 to 72 lessons.

Bootcamp

The "Bootcamp" section offers individual lesson videos focused on hand technique development, such as left-hand practice and arpeggios. Videos range in length from 10 minutes to an hour.

Quicktips

The “Quick Tips” section provides shorter videos with time-specific or list-based subjects, such as "How To Play A Walking Bass Line," "3 Easy Coldplay Songs," or "Piano Players Best Kept Secret."

Live Tab

The "Live" tab displays upcoming livestreams hosted by instructors. These sessions may include Q&A sessions or masterclasses and provide opportunities for learners to ask questions.

Student Focus Tab

The "Student Focus" tab offers access to "Student Reviews" videos. These showcase students working on specific techniques with coaching feedback. The "Q&A" section contains archived livestream videos where instructors answer questions and focus on particular pieces. Both sections feature an option for users to submit their own questions or videos for review.

Podcast

Pianote offers a podcast hosted by instructors and featuring special guests. Episodes cover piano technique, music industry insights, and topics such as mental health, potentially relevant to those pursuing music professionally.

The platform also includes student forums where users can ask questions, connect with other learners, and discuss progress. This feature promotes a collaborative learning environment.

Pros and Cons of Pianote

Pianote has both advantages and disadvantages. Here's a summary:

Pros

• Teacher Access: Instructors offer tips, visualizations, and practice methods that might be missed with self-study. They present concepts in an easy-to-understand manner.
• Engaging Format: Video lessons create a classroom-like experience and may be more appealing than printed or software-based programs.
• Usable with Acoustic Pianos: Pianote is not restricted to digital pianos, expanding its accessibility.
• Personalized Support: Access to teachers for addressing specific questions.
• Expanding Content: Live lessons ensure ongoing content creation, and users can submit questions or videos for review.
• Emphasis on Musicianship and Ear Training: Addresses areas sometimes neglected by other learning platforms.
• Practice Features: Offers adjustable playback speed, looping, and metronome options.

Cons

• Public Progress: For maximum benefit, students share videos and learning progress, which might not be comfortable for everyone.
• Content Organization: The range of lesson styles makes it challenging to locate focused supplementary content, such as technique-specific bootcamps or tips.
• Lack of Immediate Feedback: Pianote does not provide instant feedback on note accuracy and rhythm, which can be helpful for beginners.

Pianote vs. Simply Piano

Both Pianote and Simply Piano offer online piano instruction with a focus on contemporary music styles. However, there are key differences between the platforms.

Approach

Simply Piano takes a more structured approach, leading users through a linear sequence of lessons and songs. It utilizes immediate feedback technology, highlighting incorrect notes and rhythms as the user plays along with backing tracks.

Pianote offers a greater variety of instructional formats. Its core lessons resemble a video-based classroom experience, complemented by song tutorials and targeted practice content. While Pianote provides practice tools like playback adjustment, it emphasizes learning through instruction rather than instantaneous feedback.

Content

Both platforms feature extensive song libraries, but Pianote offers a wider selection of music theory and technique-focused lessons. Simply Piano places greater emphasis on learning popular songs quickly.

Community & Support

Pianote actively fosters a sense of community with forums and opportunities to connect with instructors for questions. Simply Piano's user interaction and teacher access appear more limited.

Target Audience

Simply Piano's structured approach and immediate feedback may appeal to beginners seeking a guided, gamified learning experience.

Pianote may resonate with learners seeking a less linear path, greater stylistic variety, and a stronger emphasis on music theory alongside a focus on song repertoire. Musicians interested in broader skill development beyond basic piano playing could find Pianote's diverse content particularly compelling.

Cost

Both Pianote and Simply Piano operate on a subscription model. Pianote+, which includes full access to its features, is slightly more expensive than Simply Piano.

Choosing the Right Platform

The best choice depends on individual learning styles and goals. Those seeking an immersive platform with diverse content and community interaction may prefer Pianote. Learners desiring a streamlined approach with a focus on rapid song acquisition might find Simply Piano a better fit.

Pianote vs. Playground Sessions

Both Pianote and Playground Sessions offer comprehensive online piano instruction. However, their approaches and strengths differ, making them suitable for different types of learners.

Key Differences

• Teaching Style: Pianote primarily utilizes video lessons with instructors providing demonstrations and explanations. Playground Sessions employs a more gamified approach, integrating interactive sheet music and real-time feedback on note accuracy and rhythm.
• Content Focus: Pianote emphasizes developing overall musicianship, including ear training, theory, and various musical styles. Playground Sessions has a vast song library of popular music and a stronger focus on learning specific pieces.
• Community: Pianote actively fosters a sense of community with student forums, live lessons, and opportunities to submit videos for instructor feedback. Playground Sessions offers a less prominent community aspect.
• Cost: Both platforms have subscription-based pricing models. Pianote offers two tiers: a standard package providing access to core lessons and a premium "Pianote+" option including the song library and direct teacher access. Playground Sessions has a single subscription tier.

Choosing the Right Platform

• Pianote may be ideal for: Learners who prefer a traditional classroom-style format, those seeking a well-rounded musical education beyond playing songs, and individuals who thrive in a community-oriented environment.
• Playground Sessions may be ideal for: Those motivated by game-like elements and immediate feedback, learners primarily interested in playing popular songs, and those who prefer a more self-directed learning path.

Important Note: Both platforms offer free trials, allowing potential students to experience their teaching styles first-hand before committing to a subscription.

Pianote vs. Flowkey

Pianote and Flowkey are popular online piano learning platforms with similarities and key distinctions. Both offer video lessons, a focus on popular music, and practice tools. Here's a breakdown to help potential users decide which platform might best suit their needs:

Content

• Pianote: Emphasizes a structured "Method" with multiple levels, supplemental courses, and a vast song library. Also includes podcasts, forums, and access to teachers for questions and feedback.
• Flowkey: Offers a wider range of individual song tutorials and shorter courses on various skills and techniques. While it has structured tracks, the focus is less on a comprehensive, level-based curriculum.

Interface

• Pianote: Relies primarily on video lessons and downloadable sheet music. Includes practice tools for playback adjustment, but does not provide real-time feedback on note and rhythm accuracy.
• Flowkey: Features a distinctive "wait mode" where the lesson pauses until the correct notes are played on a connected digital piano or using a computer's microphone. This provides immediate feedback but may necessitate a specific instrument setup.

Community & Support

• Pianote: Emphasizes student forums and direct interaction with teachers for questions and feedback.
• Flowkey: Facilitates less direct teacher interaction, but may offer a community forum depending on the subscription tier.

Cost

• Pianote: Offers two subscription tiers providing varying levels of content access. Both are generally more affordable than traditional in-person lessons.
• Flowkey: Subscription costs are comparable to Pianote.

The Verdict

Pianote may appeal to learners seeking a comprehensive, structured curriculum with community interaction and teacher guidance. Flowkey may suit those who prioritize learning individual songs and those who benefit from the immediate feedback from its distinctive "wait mode". Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual learning styles and preferences. Free trials with both platforms are often available, allowing users to explore and compare before committing to a subscription.