1/31/2012

Music for Little Mozarts: Music Lesson Book 1 Review

Music for Little Mozarts: Music Lesson Book 1
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When my four year old daughter started showing interest in playing our piano, I immediately set about to find a course of instruction for her (as an intermediate player, I chose to teach her myself). I checked out several books from the library, and browsed several local music shops. In total, I analyzed 6 different courses targeted for young children. I told my daughter she would start taking lessons when she turned 5 (two months away), and her anticipation started building.
Ultimately, I chose the "Music for Little Mozarts" series. The story-based flow of the lessons seemed intriguing, and the material seemed to progress at a good pace.
Well, we are now on the third book (the blue one), and I can say that these books are absolutely fantastic. As it turns out, my daughter hasn't shown much interest in the stories of the books (involving the different mice and other animal characters). She just enjoys working on the simple exercises. We work on the book for at least 10 minutes every day, and she volunteers to practice a little extra on some days. In the beginning, she was able to get through one exercise/page per day, but now it might take a little extra practice for her to learn the new notes. I bought some stickers at Staples, and every time she "passes off" a page, we put a little sticker on it. She really likes that.
Best of all, there has been very little discouragement (or boredom). Each exercise seems to be just the right difficulty.
The support offered with this series is also great. We work through the workbooks as well, and they provide excellent reinforcement for the concepts in the books. We haven't tried the flashcards or other materials offered (parent's guide, "Discovery Book", solo books, recital books, etc.), but I would expect them to be similarly helpful. The coloring books are just pictures of the characters, and don't serve to reinforce musical concepts.
If you're teaching a 4-6 year old how to play the piano, I highly recommend checking these books out!

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Lesson Book 1 is pre-reading. Concepts taught are: How to sit at the piano; Correct hand position; High and low; Loud and soft (forte and piano); Keyboard topography; Bar line and measure, Quarter, half, whole notes and rests; and Repeat signs. The first pieces in the book are played on the black keys. Later in the book, C D E for the RH and C B A for the LH (Middle C position) are taught with letter notes (the name of the note is written inside the note head).Song titles include: A BEAR'S SONG * A MOUSE'S MELODY * A THREE-NOTE SYMPHONY * BRIGHT STARS * CONCERT DAY * DOWN WE GO * E-I-E-I-O! * LEFT HAND WALKING * LITTLE DANCE * LOST TEDDY BEAR * MOZART MOUSE'S FIRST MINUET * MUSIC FRIEND WALTZ * NAP TIME * OFF TO BED * ON MACDONALD'S FARM * RAINY DAY * RIGHT HAND MARCHING * ROCKIN' PONY RIDE * THE A SONG * THE B SONG * THE C SONG * THE C SONG, AGAIN! * THE D SONG * THE E SONG * THE ELEPHANT SONG

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M-Audio Oxygen 49 49-Key USB MIDI Controller Review

M-Audio Oxygen 49 49-Key USB MIDI Controller
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A video review of the m-audio oxygen 49 (silver) midi control keyboard... Just another spectacular product from m-audio. looking forward to purchasing more items from them.

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The Oxygen 49 USB MIDI controller delivers next-generation functionality from M-Audio, the leading innovator in mobile music production technology.Oxygen 49 features eight assignable knobs and nine assignable sliders, plus dedicated transport and track select buttons.directLink mode aotomatically maps these controls to common DAW functions including ransport, mixer, track pan and plug-in parameters.Built-in factory preses offer support for popular virtual instruments right out of the box - no complicated setup required.Velocity-sensitive keys and a sleek , compact design round out a portable keyboard that's perfect for both production and performance.No other MIDI controller in this price range has so much functionality while remaining easy to use.

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1/30/2012

Love Songs of the Beatles - Piano/Vocal/Guitar Artist Songbook Review

Love Songs of the Beatles - Piano/Vocal/Guitar Artist Songbook
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This song Book was the greatest thing i ever purchased
i loved the songs and now i can play songs on the piano and the guitar my favorite was In My Life.
I love it

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21 songs, including: All My Loving * All You Need Is Love * And I Love Her * Because * Eight Days A Week * From Me To You * Girl * Here, There And Everywhere * Hey Jude * I Will * I'm Happy Just To Dance With You * If I Fell * In My Life * It's Only Love * Julia * The Long And Winding Road * Michelle * Something * Thank You Girl * When I'm Sixty-Four * Yesterday

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1/29/2012

Yamaha PKBZ1 Adjustable Z Keyboard Stand Review

Yamaha PKBZ1 Adjustable Z Keyboard Stand
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Height is adjustable in 3-inch increments from 22-to-36 inches. Keyboard sits on top of the stand as it would on a table, so add distance from the bottom of keyboard base to top of keys to estimate key height above the floor.
A Yamaha PSR-series keyboard is 3-inches to top of keys, so if the stand is set at the second position, keyboard height is about 28-inches, about the same as a piano. Adding an intermediate height would be as simple as drilling a 15/64" hole through an upright on each side.
Stand is sufficiently sturdy, and very well designed. Simple assembly consists of unfolding top and bottom of each Z, attaching adjustable cross-bar between the Z's; it fits into a U-shaped receiver on each side, where it attaches with a single threaded knob onto a welded bolt. Width is infinitely adjustable from 22-to-35 inches (dimensions from package). A horizontal flange extends outboard from the top of each Z, drilled for bolts (included) to attach keyboard. The holes are about 1-inch outboard of the Z, so if manufacturer's width spec is correct, it would accommodate a keyboard whose mounting holes are 24-to-38 inches apart.
It's all steel, except for plastic knobs attached to steel nuts or bolts. Threaded parts are deep and it looks like it could survive being repeatedly assembled and disassembled, thought that's not in my plans.
Includes touches I wouldn't expect at this price, such as rubber pads on top to protect the keyboard, soft spring-loaded ball bearings to latch the top and bottom of each Z into position. Utilitarian in appearance, decent construction quality (China), flat black painted finish.


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The Yamaha PKBZ1 is an adjustable Z style stand for anyone who needs a rock solid platform for energetic performances The PKBZ1 features independent width and height adjustments, providing improved stability over a single-braced X-Style stand. AmericanMusical.com is an authorized dealer of Yamaha products.

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Sabine ZipBeat 6000 Digital Metronome Review

Sabine ZipBeat 6000 Digital Metronome
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I have visted multiple music stores and looked at a myriad of metronomes, but this one is the best. When my piano students need a metronome, I simply ask the parents if I can order it for them online. They don't have to go to the store ... I can make sure the kids get the best one ... and it's always here by next week's lesson.

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Sabine's new ZipBeat-6000 Digital Metronome offers you many valuable features previously available only in far more expensive metronomes. The SWEEP LED gives you a visual cue. Switch from 2 alternating LED's to 8 sweeping LED's. It even has a stand for easy viewing. The ZipBeat-6000 Digital Metronome comes complete with a manufacturers Limited Two Year Warranty. Loud Clear ToneAccented Downbeat from 2 - 6 beats per measure.Speed adjusts from 40 to 208 beats for measure (or Largo to Presto)6-Setting tone generator for reference pitch (from A=440 to A=445 Hz)

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1/28/2012

Casio CDP 100 Digital Piano Review

Casio CDP 100 Digital Piano
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We purchased this item for my wife who is an acoomplished pianist. She has a grand piano and has played and taught piano (private and college level).
Reason for purchase, to have a portable item that could be used by us in churches or situations where a decent paino was not available. This unit is very portable. A little bulkier then the smaller keyboards but you do have the benefit of a standard piano keyboard.
She is happy with the tone quality and action of the keys. The Casio will definately handle most of the music that she would play.
She realizes that this does not compare to her grand piano but she admits that it is an excellent item for the money.
The only drawback is that it does not have a dedicated line to hook into an amplifier. An adapter has to be used on the headphones jack.
Definately a good buy.


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An instrument has been crafted that truly delivers the joy of playing the piano to anyone who has ever dreamed of learning to play. Authentic tones, carefull sampled from a concert grand piano mate with a Weighted Scaled Hammer Action to provide for a most realistic and satisfying musical experience. It comes with an adapter and a sustain pedal. Optional matching stand is available.

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1/27/2012

eMedia MyPiano Electronic Keyboard and Learning Software Kit Review

eMedia MyPiano Electronic Keyboard and Learning Software Kit
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This kit will help a child become somewhat familiar with a keyboard instrument, rhythm, notes, rests and the music staff. Some moderate and usually fun practice with the interactive MyPiano software will have the child progress from 'Mary Had a Little Lamb' (lesson 15) to 'Jingle Bells' (lesson 106). The keyboard interacts with the MyPiano software through the provided MIDI to USB cable.
By the way, the keyboard can be used on its own and similarly, the MyPiano software should be usable with any MIDI-enabled electronic keyboard - I wrote 'should' because I was unable to use it with our VERY OLD (10 years old) MIDI-capable electric piano but I am blaming the piano at this time.THE KEYBOARD
The 49-key keyboard comes with all the bells and whistles expected from the upper end of the 'inexpensive' class. All the detailed specs are available at the Amazon page so I won't repeat them here. It is powered by either a DC adapter or batteries. An soft but audible hiss can be heard when turning on the device.
One somewhat uncommon enhancement is the LCD display showing which keys are played both on a staff and, for some reason, on a small representation of the keyboard. The notes played appear on the LCD display as small dots, not always easy to see.
The 2 outputs are a PHONES OUTPUT and the MIDI OUT. There is no MIDI IN which was a disappointment but not totally unexpected.
The keys are significantly smaller than those of a true piano. This is presented as a feature meant to accommodate children's small hands but I personally have some doubts that it's a good idea to have children practice with small keyboards if the goal is to make proficient keyboard players. The keys travel a long way and some force is required to press them all the way but the sound is produced when the key reaches 1/3 to half-way down. Hitting the keys harder will not produce a louder sound.MY PIANO SOFTWARE
The goal of MyPiano is not to produce a concert pianist in 108 easy lessons but, hopefully, to help parents determine if their child is talented and sufficiently motivated to take professional lessons and study the instrument beyond "Jingle Bells" or "Pop! Goes the Weasel". To the extent that the scope of the software is well understood and accepted, both parents and children should have a mostly enjoyable experience.
As I mentioned on the first paragraph, this is an introduction to piano playing and not a lot of time is spent, for example, on the proper sitting and hand position. Yes, there is a lesson on each but a professional instructor will spend months if not years, constantly correcting the student. Lessons are dedicated to identifying the notes on the keyboard, presenting the treble and bass clefs, the music staff and so on. There is only very little practice at playing both hands simultaneously or playing chords.
Technically speaking, the interactivity of the software consists on its ability to monitor whatever is played on the keyboard via the MIDI connection. After the song is played, the software will display a score in the form of a percentage, the assumption being that the higher the percentage, the better was the song played. In practice, this works most of the time but I found that simply pressing the first note of the song and then doing nothing would return me a perfect 100% score.
Other features include a pop-up metronome that duplicates the 'Metro' key on the eMedia keyboard. Most lessons pages come with buttons that would display little videos, play the featured song while a keyboard pop-up display shows which keys are to be pressed by which fingers and, as mentioned before would analyze the student's play and provide a score. While learning a song, the tempo can be slowed down or accelerated to achieve the suggested optimum.THE LEARNING PROCESS
Studying piano this way can be fun for the child and the child will make a lot of progress, quickly, gaining the ability to play simple songs. However, the ceiling is pretty low - without a true instructor and an understanding of music theory going beyond the basics (no chords or scales are taught here) the student will not go very far. He/she may be able to learn more simple songs or fragments of songs but 'simple' is they key word and, in my view, 'more' is not a synonym for 'better'.MY EVALUATION
For a basic keyboard teaming up with a not so ambitious piano learning kit, this is an okay package. Our kids learned a couple of songs already but, overall, a 3-star rating should be fair - Amazon's translation of 3-stars is "it's Okay".

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Get Started with the eMedia My Piano Kit Introducing the eMedia My Piano Kit. This kit has everything your child needs to begin playing the piano: an electronic keyboard sized for small fingers, a power supply, and the USB MIDI interface for connecting the keyboard to your computer. What's more, it comes with a great teacher, the new interactive eMedia My Piano CD-ROM (for Windows & Mac computers) for children ages 5 and up.


System Requirements:
Windows: Windows XP/Vista/Windows 7 64 MB of free RAM, CD-ROM

Macintosh: Mac OS X 10.3 or later (Intel OK) 64 MB of free RAM, CD-ROM



What's in the Box Keyboard, Power Supply, USB MIDI Interface, eMedia My Piano CD-ROM

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Piano & Keyboard Workshop 2.0 Review

Piano and Keyboard Workshop 2.0
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I had previously used Jump Software's Piano Discovery System (now out of business). But I got a new keyboard, and thought that I would get new tutor software to go with it. Well, this was on the shelf at my local electronics superstore, and it was THE MOST EXPENSIVE package. However, I could not imagine a worse package. I would like to point out that, unlike other reviewers, I had no installation problem on WinXP Pro. First of all, this is NOT for beginners. For example, the first lesson never even tells you which hands or fingers use to use. There are ABSOLUTELY NO VIDEOS anywhere. All this program does is is load MIDI files, play them back, and grade you as you play it. That is it! I would expect better from shareware. Even the text instructions do not tell you anything about how to read music, the difference between a half-note and a quarter-note, which fingers to use, etc. So this was a complete waste of $40!
For a point of reference, Piano Discovery System had recorded voices talk you through each lesson. It had videos of a person playing the music properly. It had a couple of games which were actually fun to play. Unfortunately, the company is out of business, and the software does not work on XP.

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1/26/2012

Charlie Brown's Greatest Hits - Piano Solo Songbook Review

Charlie Brown's Greatest Hits - Piano Solo Songbook
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I'm more single-notes with right had and simple beat with left hand. This has cords, eighth notes, staccatos, sharps, and flats. Personally, it's not my level. I'm better with Easy Piano Music. If you're like me, choose an easier piece. If you're better than me, feel free to buy this. I have nothing wrong with the book itself.
I'll list the songs it gives:
Air Music
Baseball Theme
Blue Charlie Brown
Charlie Brown All Stars (Theme Music)
Charlie Brown Theme
Christmas Time is Here
Happiness Theme
He's Your Dog, Charlie Brown
Linus and Lucy
Love will Come
Masked Marvel Music
Oh, Good Grief!
Peppermint Patty
Red Baron
Schroeder
Skating
You're in Love, Charlie Brown

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18 solos , including the theme music "Charlie Brown All Stars."

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1/25/2012

Casio WK-3800AD 76-Key Electronic Keyboard with Premium Accessories Package Review

Casio WK-3800AD 76-Key Electronic Keyboard with Premium Accessories Package
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I love the sound of a Hammond B-3 but am not prepared to spend $2300-$20,000 to get it in my house. After extensive research and reading a downloaded 3800 manual, I took a chance and bought one. I am so glad I did.
1. The 3800 B-3 sound is fabulous for this price. B-3 purists will argue about the sound quality compared to a real B-3 but they even complain about the XK-3c. This is my money and I am saving $2000 or more to get a sound that is VERY VERY close to the real thing based on my ears.
2. This thing has tonewheel DRAWBARS!!! They are electronic with push buttons and only have 4 volume settings vs 9 on the real one. Because it is electronic it seems like it would have been easy to put 9 volume settings on this thing. However I would challenge anyone to tell the difference between a real B-3 at a 888003377 setting vs a 3800 at their 333001133 setting in an onstage band.
3. The 3800 has 2nd and 3rd harmonics percussion and clicks. They sound pretty darn good
4. This has a Leslie simulator with the fast and slow speeds. You can also vary the speeds and parameters if you want to play with that. There is even OVERDRIVE with different levels!!! Downside of this feature is that if you change the rotary parameter, you have to lift your hand off the keyboard so the computer can make the change to the keys. Casio needs to fix this on their next version of the keyboard.
5. The sampled piano sounds are very good and have a lot of variation.
6. The other sampled sounds, strings, woodwinds, etc. are just ok. You wont fool anyone thinking they are hearing the real instrument however the sound pallet and variety is huge
7. This is a quasi sythesizer where you can vary some of the tone parameters but it is nowhere near a dedicated synthesizer.
8. Good solid percussion backup rhythm section.
9. Interesting auto harmony/auto chord feature. Amusing to play with this. Great for those that don't have the time to develop keyboard techniques and want to play instantly.
10. Touch sensitive keyboard is ok. Better than the real low end keyboards but not as good as the higher end keyboards. Someone using their Steinway grand or Rhodes piano techniques on this will break it. I wish Casio would marry the guts of the 3800 with their hammerweighted keyboard
11. You will discover a new religion if you hook this up to two external amplifier systems (I used Trace Elliott heads and Ampeg speakers) and crank it up to hear the full depth of the organ tones from the church organ to the drawbar organ with rotary effects.
OVERALL: For $400 street price, you cannot beat the value of this keyboard. This is a very and most underrated low cost B-3 "impersonator" on the market today. I am surprised more people aren't talking and blogging about this product. If you ever wanted to learn the Hammond techniques but dont have the big cash reserve, this is an excellent way to get started. Good time to find vendors offering bundles with this keyboard.

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The Casio WK3800 keyboard is ideal for home/project studio use, open-mic performance, education/classroom applications, or simply for pure musical enjoyment. The WK-3800 76 Key Musical Keyboard with touch response, allows you to select up to 894 tones that include orchestral sounds, synthesized sound and more. The Auto Accompaniment that will allow you to simply play a chord and the corresponding rhythms, bass and chord parts play automatically. A big LCD screen graphically shows you fingerings, keyboard keys to be pressed, and notes, making keyboard play more informative and enjoyable than ever before.

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Casio LK-230 Lighted Personal Keyboard, 61 Keys, with New Voice Pad Feature Review

Casio LK-230 Lighted Personal Keyboard, 61 Keys, with New Voice Pad Feature
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After a recommendation from a 'musical' person, we purchased this for our two-year old granddaughter. It is perfect now, and will continue to provide good sound quality in the future. Apparently, the advertised claim that this is "The epitome of music education and entertainment." is also true. The playback feature fascinates our granddaughter when she is not trying to play the keyboard.

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The epitome of music education and entertainment!The LK230 features one of the most helpful learning systems in Casio's own Step-Up music education system. Casio makes it easy to learn by breaking lessons down into small learning units that are then learned step by step; it also inspires musical creativity: The Voice Pad function makes it really simple to play back voice samples and other sounds and effects using the pads. And that's not all; the LK230 has plenty more to offer, including the AHL sound source boasting 48 notes, 150 rhythms, an extended automatic accompaniment feature with ON-bass chord and a large, easy-to-read display.

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1/24/2012

Casio CTK-496 Electronic Keyboard with 61 Full-Size Keys and Singalong Capability Review

Casio CTK-496 Electronic Keyboard with 61 Full-Size Keys and Singalong Capability
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When I first purchased this product I was ready to open it up and start playing, however, it doesn't come with an AC Adapter(it takes a 9 volt ac adapter) and it doesn't include batteries (as with most electronics nowadays). Although I fortunately had an adapter that fit the keyboard I didn't realise that until after I had already gone out and bought the required six AA batteries required to power the keyboard.
Apart from my power-supply fiasco, once I did get the product working I was surprised at how unrealistic the piano and a lot of the other sounds .. sounded. Another draw back about this keyboard is that it doesn't include the midi in/out cables used to connect to a computer or another midi device, however if you're just wanting to play and don't have any interest in using the keyboard in conjunction with a computer, then this product is great.
Pros:
affordable price
61 full sized keys
long battery life
lots of built in songs to learn
comes with a music stand and ~100 songs to play
Cons:
doesn't come with midi in/out cables
doesn't come with power adapter
certain tones sound horribly unlike the instrument stated (~30 in all of 100 total)
So if you're looking for something affordable, lightweight and easy to use, this is the perfect keyboard for you.

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Casio's 61-key CTK-496 has everything a beginner needs on board: 100 tones, 100 rhythms, 100 songs. The familiar CD player control buttons (stop, play/pause, rewind, fast forward) make child's play of song bank operation. The on/off buttons for the right and left hand--as well as the button for activating the chord book function--are located just beside the song-bank controller. The instrument offers 12-note polyphony, which means up to 12 keys or voices may be sounded simultaneously.The song book included in the package yields insight into notes and lyrics. Once you've rehearsed the tunes, the next job is waiting: Sing Along via the top-panel microphone input and dedicated volume control. Other features include MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) in/out, auto-accompaniment, assignable pedals, a headphone jack, and 2 speakers powered by 2 watts each.Power the unit using an optional AC/DC adapter (model AD-5) or with 6 AA batteries (not included).What's in the Box Keyboard, song book, music stand, a user's manual, and registration/warranty information.

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1/23/2012

Hohner S32R - Red Student Melodica Review

Hohner S32R - Red Student Melodica
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This instrument is fantastic! I've wanted a melodica for a very, very long time and finally decided to purchase this one (after hours and hours of research) the other day. A lot of reviews said to go with Hohner and boy were they right! This does not disappoint! It's super easy to use and fun to play, but doesn't sound like a cheap toy. I've never played an instrument with keys before (strictly strings) and the ease with which I picked this up was incredible. There are no batteries and there's nothing to tune. It's probably the best purchase I've made in a long time.

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The Melodica is a fascinating wind instrument, easy to learn and powerfully expressive! Played like a piano, it is so compact that you can take it with you anywhere. Producing single notes or chords, the Melodica is both a solo and orchestral instrument blending beautifully with other instruments. Whatever the music you like - from classical to rock - the Melodica will add its own personality, a unique and captivating sound!

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eMedia Piano and Keyboard Method Volume 1 Review

eMedia Piano and Keyboard Method Volume 1
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I was completely new to music when I bought this set (CD-ROM and keyboard). I think it is great. It walks you through the basics and when you start playing the music has numbers on it that match up to your fingers (1-5) so you can play as you get the hang of reading music. Gradually they remove some of the numbers so your music reading skills improve.
The software grades your playing with a percentage score, and gives you details on your errors (if you want them).
Also, it includes short videos of a person playing piano so you can see proper posture and such. Each song comes with (optional) accompaniment, which can make it funner to play (especially with the simple songs).
The keyboard that comes with it (optional) has a solid feel, and is touch-sensitive (pressing harder plays louder). The keyboard plugs into the joystick port (probably on your sound card).

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The eMedia Piano and Keyboard Method CD-ROM offers over 300 step-by-step lessons starting from basics such as hand position, rhythm and playing on black keys, and moving on to music notation, sight reading, scales and much more! Piano teacher Irma Irene Justicia, M.A., who has taught at the renowned Juilliard School of Music, guides you with video demonstrations of techniques. Songs and exercises are enhanced by live recorded audio, variable-speed MIDI keyboard tracks and colorful MIDI accompaniments.

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1/22/2012

Korg LP350 Lifestyle Digital Piano White Review

Korg LP350 Lifestyle Digital Piano White
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SOUND AND FEATURES: 4.5 STARS
Let's get this out of the way--Korg designged an excellent sounding piano. You should compare this with the less expensive Yamaha Arius YDP-S31 if you want to make an apples to apples comparison. They are similar in features. I've little doubt that they are made from the same components somewhere in China. We don't plan on doing any producing on the piano, although we have entertained using the MIDI controller for some computer learning tools for our children. The only feature that I absolutely have to have is the volume control. It has one.
The sound of the piano is rich and authentic. I am not a piano player at all (I can, however, appreciate sound fidelity), but my wife is--she learned on an old acoustic and has played on dozens of different types and brands and understands the feel and sound of a good piano (and organ). She finds it more than acceptable in terms of simulating the playing of an acoustic piano. As my children learn to play, we are more than confident as their skills progress that they will be able to transition to the authentic acoustic pianos without having to relarn the weight, feel and sound of them.
DESIGN AND BUILD: 2.5 STARS
I assembled it myself in under 30 minutes. Piece of cake. I was mostly disappointed in the finish--I had assumed that it would be a glossy black- it is not. It's a matte black and silver, a thin easily chipped paint that covers medium density fiberboard. The frame isn't as sturdy as I would like it, and not as attractive as Korg makes it out to be. For a piano that is supposed to be a decorative accent that suits a particular lifestyle (read more expensive), I was expecting a higher quality build.
Which brings me to my other problem. The Hammer Weighted keys. When I assembled the piano and took the securing tape off of the cover, I noticed that the three top keys were out of kilter. I'm not talking the out of kilter you usually find on traditional string and hammer pianos, where the lighter keys offer a looser play, the keys were literally rattling around in the frame. I requested a replacement.OVERAL PURCHASING EXPERIENCE 1.5 STARS
The 1.5 Stars is for the inital sale there is no redeeming quality about the rest of my purchasing experience. The price is excellent. My biggest gripe, of course is that I still don't have the piano. After returning it to be replaced, the piano went on back order. It's been on backorder for a month and then the store (name redacted) will start shipping the pianos out. The first time they estimate they will receive the piano will be February 5, one month and two weeks since I requested a return, and almost three months since I initially ordered it. My family loved the piano for the one week that it stood in our home, but I have to say that I'm less than thrilled about the fact that I haven't been able to enjoy a piano that I paid almost a thousand dollars for due to the shoddy manufacturing process that caused me to send it back even before I had the chance to enjoy it.
TOTAL SATISFACTION: SOMEWHERE AROUND 3 STARS
The sound and features bring this back up to average. Without the excellent sound and feel of this piano, you would definitely be looking at another piano. The SP-250 seems to be this piano's sibling in terms of features. A little more work on the manufacturing process could go a long way. Who knows? Maybe the delays in the ordering are to increase the quality of the build for customers. I tend to doubt that, as the more rushed someone is to produce something, the more mistakes they usually make.

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The LP-350 Lifestyle digital piano is a modern, slimline piano that will enhance your home—not only with its deeply expressive sound, but also with its beautiful appearance. Designed to visually complement nearly any living space, it is less than 11 inches deep,making it both space-saving and efficient. When not in use, the soft-closing keyboard cover leaves a smooth, flat top with absolutely no protruding hinges, allowing the LP-350 to become part of your room's decor. Don't be fooled by its skinny profile, however, the LP-350 is equipped to provide a robust and accurate piano performance, complete with a grand-touch action keyboard, three pedals, and a powerful speaker system which delivers its rich piano sound. The piano sound of the LP-350 was meticulously sampled—in stereo—directly from a concert grand piano to ensure a lavishly resonant tone. The samples were captured at multiple velocity levels, so subtle variations in expression will be naturally reflected in the piano sound you hear. The LP-350 extends beyond piano to include a rich variety of sounds—thirty in all—including Vibraphone, Marimba, Acoustic Guitar, multiple Jazz Organs, Church Organs, and more. In addition, the Layer mode allows two sounds to be played simultaneously with the balance between the two sounds also being adjustable. The LP-350 has been designed with Korg's finest piano touch and feel, using their RH3 (Real Weighted Hammer Action 3) technology. Just as on a traditional grand piano, the keyboard provides a heavier playing touch in the lower register, becoming progressively lighter towards the upper keys. Refinements designed for capturing rapidly repeated strikes ensure that the your expressive abilities will not be impaired even during fast passages. Three levels of touch sensitivity are available using the Key Touch Control function, allowing you to customize the dynamic response to your own playing style. Note: As a measure of environmental responsibi

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1/21/2012

Instant Play Piano Review

Instant Play Piano
Average Reviews:

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In the system requirements for this program, it states that a MIDI keyboard is optional. Apparently that means that if you opt to use the program, you need that "optional" keyboard! If you don't plan to use the program, then a keyboard isn't necessary...stupid!
I researched programs to practice sight reading without a MIDI keyboard, and most programs stated the requirements clearly - a MIDI keyboard is necessary. For this particular program, the system requirements are definitely misleading!
I can't review how well it works, because I can't use it. I'm not a happy customer. Caveat Emptor.

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Instant Play Piano - This total learning package makes it possible for anyone to master the piano, regardless of music training levels. The 4-CD set has personalized instruction and self-paced lessons get you started as a pianist in no time! Build aural skills with the Ear Trainer - emphasizing triads, scales, interval and chords

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Hal Leonard Slumdog Millionaire - Music From The Motion Picture Soundtrack arranged for piano, vocal, and guitar (P/V/G) Review

Hal Leonard Slumdog Millionaire - Music From The Motion Picture Soundtrack arranged for piano, vocal, and guitar (P/V/G)
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Just kidding. I only paid $19.35 including shipping for this 74-pg. music book. If you loved the music of the movie, you'll love this because- it is the music of the movie. Some 'movie music piano books' just have the theme in the simplest of terms, or only include few songs. Sure, this won't sound exactly the sam either, because hey, my piano sure doesn't sound like a sitar, and I can't sing in Hindi. All the same, this book will have you sounding like the movie. A note: the music itself is nicely uncomplicated, but the counting is not for the fainthearted. Anyways, buy the book and enjoy A.R. Rahman's masterpieces- once you figure out the counting.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Hal Leonard Slumdog Millionaire - Music From The Motion Picture Soundtrack arranged for piano, vocal, and guitar (P/V/G)

The winner of eight Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Original Song, and Best Original Score, Slumdog Millionaire was the suprise hit of the 2009 season. The film tells the tale of a Mumbai teen who is accused of cheating after winning the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? This songbook matches the soundtrack and includes 9 songs: O, Saya · Mausam & Escape · Paper Planes · Ringa Ringa · Latika's Theme · Aaj Ki Raat · Millionaire · Dreams on Fire · Jai Ho.

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