Teach Me Piano Deluxe

Rating:
Summary: Copy protection schemes
Review: This software has software protection schemes requiring one to use a number inside the box to install the program onto the computer. If the box gets thrownaway, the program cannot be installed and the CD becomes useless. Voyetra requires an additional charge to obtain a new number. In addition, the CD has to be inserted into the computer each time when running the program. Overall a cumbersome process in the name of copy protection.

Rating:
Summary: Disappointing!!
Review: We thought this would be an affordable way to learn piano, but it is just too difficult to run. We spent more time fiddling with the software than we did playing. Sound quality is poor, too. Definitely not for kids, or for people who aren't techno experts.

Rating:
Summary: the good, bad, and ugly
Review: Well, as far as the other reviews let me clear some things up.. The program only runs at one size.. if you want full screen you need to adjust your monitor in the control panel to 640*480, then its full screen... You do have to physically run the disc to access the program so MAKE COPIES!! it is completely legal to make a backup and write the numbers down for your own private use.. now onto the program.. the video is useless and is there for the "Human factor".. I dont really need to see a video of a guy sitting in front of a piano telling me whats coming up, but maybe some of you will like it. Now, before I ordered this, i was taking some VERY beginner lessons.. heres my major gripe about the "teach me piano" lessons.. In my book (not this program) they were extremely diligent about training you to use your hand in certain positions, so you will know which finger belongs to which key.. for example, in the "middle C position" I know that no matter what, my pointer finger is for "d" my middle finger is for "e" etc, etc..and thats how i learn the keys.. by having an absolute point of refernce. the "teach me piano" lessons seem to just have you put your fingers wherever is convenient for that particular song, which frustrates the hell outta me becuase once I pull my finger from the root key im lost! thats the point of having a rooted position, so youll always have a point of refernce.. like i said, im a beginner and I feel this is a crucial point for those who dont have the "blind feel" of the keyboard.. I mean, in these lessons (Teach me piano) They have some songs start you with your "first"finger (thumb) on the "d" key next to middle C.. what position is that? I mean, these are just random numberings, and the worst part is, theres no system for their numberings, they all seem to be conveniently built around what notes are needed for that particular song.. weird, especially since they DO tell you about the "middle C" position, bu then go on to totally abandon the rule.. and another thing.. theyll introduce something new, like a flat, and instead of giving you ample time to really work it in, theyll move onto a new subject "upbeats" for example, then flood you with flats, eight note ties and the like all at once.. WHOA, im going crazy here.. yeah this program is cool in that you can play along and here if you make a mistake you can hear it(which is GREAT!! I mean how can you tell if your making a mistake with a book in front of you) but all in all, its a bit frustrating.. and the program is a little outdated.. all in all its cool if you can afford it, worth having.. but like I said, im in chapter 4 and im beginning to get really frustrated at how they just suddenly expect you to be able to move all over the board with crazy fingerings, without ever giving you proper methods for moving about in those extremes.. oh and by the way, I have windows 2000 service pack, audiphile 2496 midi card and i didnt have a single problem installing or using this program.. it was EXTREMELY simple.. I think the people here who have all these major problems dont know what theyre doing.. and the regular teach me piano (not deluxe) is so old that it WILL NOT WORK on anything higher than windows 98.. it does say that on their site.

Rating:
Summary: I have looked at others but this is simply the best...
Review: What they don't tell you is that, you can add midi songs from the internet to the trainer, so that you can learn thousands of songs.
In the lessons, you can change the tempo, if it goes to fast. You can ask it to label the notes with the corresponding letters, as well as, the fingers to use. You can pick a range of measures to go over, instead of the entire song. The most important part of learning music is the timing and this program teaches it from the beginning.
The sequence that the material is presented and studied is thoroughly professional and challenges you every step of the way. This program with a midi keyboard connected to a computer is an ... alternative to traditional music lessons for children and adults.

Rating:
Summary: Try this one...
Review: With all these bad reviews, I'd like to make a suggestion...Adventus Piano Suite Premier...Lots of songs, rock solid stability (run the patch from the website if you have any problems) and easy transition from one lesson to the next...

Rating:
Summary: Not too bad...
Review: Worked out a lot better than expected. Requires a lot of perseverance and self-determination, but the program itself is very intuitive and easy to use. Highly recommended.