Pianoforall: Who It Is For and What to Check First
Plenty of adults want to play piano but assume it means years of scales and theory first. This post looks at one course aimed at that group, Pianoforall (affiliate link), based on what the vendor says on its own pages. I say where I have not tested something.
What it is
Pianoforall is an online piano course by teacher Robin Hall. The vendor describes a "play first" approach: you start playing chords and rhythms from the beginning, then gradually learn the notes, patterns and theory behind them.
What the vendor lists
- Video lessons and downloadable ebooks, which you can use online or offline.
- Chords, rhythm styles, playing by ear and improvisation.
- Reading music, introduced gradually rather than at the start.
- A student community area called The Piano Lounge, and email help from the teacher.
- A one-time payment with lifetime access, according to the vendor.
The vendor also sells related courses, such as Classics By Ear, separately, so check which one you are buying.
What you need to start
The vendor says you do not need an expensive piano. It suggests a keyboard with at least 61 full-size, touch-sensitive keys and a sustain pedal, and says an 88-key weighted digital piano is even better.
Who it might suit
- Adult beginners who want to play real music early.
- Returning players who want to rebuild their skills.
- People who like learning from videos and ebooks at their own pace.
Who may want something else
- Anyone who wants live feedback on their playing. The vendor says the course is more like learning with a teacher, but it does not listen to what you play.
- Anyone who wants a game-style app with scores and streaks. The vendor says Pianoforall does not work that way.
- Anyone focused only on classical music. The vendor points those learners to its separate Classics By Ear course.
What to check before you pay
- The current price and what is included in the version you pick.
- The refund terms. The vendor's site mentions a 60-day money-back guarantee through ClickBank; read the order page for the exact terms.
- Whether you have, or will buy, a keyboard that meets the vendor's suggested minimum.
- The free sample material the vendor offers, if any, so you can judge the teaching style first.
My take
Based only on the vendor's own information, this looks like a reasonable option for adult beginners who want a self-paced piano course. It is a weaker fit if you want a live teacher or a game-style app. If you want to see the details yourself, here is the vendor's page (affiliate link).
Disclosure again: I earn a commission if you buy through that link, at no extra cost to you.