Comparing 9 best piano learning apps

The main difference between each of these apps is the different learning preferences, from gamified experiences and personalized feedback to fast-track methods and comprehensive music education. 

In this guide, we’ll compare some of the top piano apps available in 2024, each bringing its unique approach to teaching piano.

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Quick look at top picks of piano learning apps 

Here’s an overview of the piano learning apps we found most effective, user-friendly, and packed with features to help you improve your skills at your own pace.

1. 1. Skoove – master the piano with songs you recognize and love
   2. Simply Piano – harmonize your play with singer duets
   3. Yousician – fine-tuning skills with tailored music workouts
   4. Piano Academy – great encouragement for kids
   5. Musora (Pianote) – improving piano skills with expert-led video lessons
   6. Online Pianist – a focus on great song selection
   7. Playground Sessions – structured piano lessons with well-known instructors
   8. Hoffman Academy – a great way for kids to learn online
   9. Piano in 21 Days – unlock the piano in 21 days

Ready? Good. Let’s rock and roll!

Skoove – great for helping beginners get started and learn a complete set of piano skills

Skoove  is a popular piano learning app designed to make mastering the piano accessible and enjoyable for players of all levels. Known for its interactive lessons and real-time feedback, Skoove offers a mix of classical pieces, pop songs, and structured exercises that help users develop their skills step-by-step. With its intuitive interface and AI-driven guidance, Skoove provides a personalized learning experience, making it easy for beginners to start playing right away while offering more advanced players valuable tips to refine their technique.

• Price: $12.49/month – $29.99/month
• Song selection: Over 500 songs with a great balance of modern and classic songs.
• Lesson format: In-app videos
• Platforms available: iOS and Android
• Levels: Beginner – Intermediate

Skoove offers you the opportunity to play along with a band at the end of a set of lessons. However, they don’t just throw you into it. First, they demonstrate the song. Then you practice it. Then you play with the band. This simple progression eliminates that surprise of having to suddenly adapt to playing a song at full speed. Something budding online pianists will appreciate.

Skoove does a nice job of introducing beginners to the piano, starting with middle C. Skoove is really geared towards beginners as the app doesn’t just show you the notes and an animated keyboard, it shows you an actual piano player playing along from above. Using video lessons is a great teaching style for visual learners to see when to play the notes as they develop their own internal sense of timing.

“A great way to learn to play quickly. The catalogue is large and varied, and the step-by-step methodology means you can learn quickly. The interface is intuitive and the features, such as false note detection, are very effective. And as a bonus, the support is top notch :)”

Trustpilot.com

Simply Piano – very popular and gives a solid foundation

Simply Piano is a highly-rated piano learning app that caters to beginners and intermediate players with a fun, step-by-step approach. Developed by JoyTunes, the app offers a wide range of lessons, from basic note recognition to more advanced techniques, allowing users to progress at their own pace. 

With its user-friendly interface, real-time feedback, and an extensive library of popular songs, Simply Piano makes learning both accessible and engaging. Whether you’re starting from scratch or brushing up on your skills, Simply Piano provides a structured yet enjoyable path to mastering the keys.

• Price: $119.99/year or $9.99/month
• Song selection: Over 5,000 songs with a mix of modern and classic
• Lesson format: In-app videos
• Platforms available: iOS and Android
• Levels: Beginner – Intermediate

For most users, or anyone serious about using the app, the MIDI cable is the best option, as the microphone can be less reliable at accurate note detection. Simply Piano allows you to select the level that you’re at as a piano player (“beginner”, “took some lessons as a kid”, or “know how to play, but want to get better”) and you can access content specifically designed to help you at that level?

At the beginner level, things are nice and simple. You get an overview of the first notes you’ll need to learn (middle C, D, E) and it progresses nicely up through to F and G. It feels very much like a piano game. Once you have completed the lessons, you get to the Singer Duet feature. This is an excellent feature that helps you get used to playing with other musicians using backing tracks.

‘’I signed up for Simply Piano 18 months ago and couldn’t be happier with the app. It has taken me from an absolute novice who couldn’t read music to someone who confidently reads music and plays with both hands. It is a very simple, interactive and intuitive app and everything can be done at your own pace. There are hundreds of tunes to play and you can adjust the difficulty level to suit your ability. I had a 30 day free trial to start with and am hooked. Top marks and for me well worth paying the subscription when the trial was over.

Trustpilot.com

Yousician – where the emphasis is on fun!

Yousician is a versatile music learning app designed to teach piano, guitar, bass, ukulele, and even vocals through interactive lessons and real-time feedback. With its game-like interface, Yousician makes learning fun by offering a wide range of exercises, popular songs, and challenges that cater to all skill levels. 

The app listens to your playing and provides instant feedback, helping you improve as you progress through structured lessons. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, Yousician’s engaging approach and broad song library make it a great tool for honing your musical skills.

• Price: $7.49/month or $17.49/month
• Song selection: Over 1,500 songs from classical to modern, and everything in between
• Lesson format: In-app videos
• Platforms available: iOS and Android
• Levels: Beginner – Intermediate

Yousician is available for Android or iOS tablet or phone. They also give you the option of logging in through a computer using either the mic or a MIDI cable. Similar to the other apps, you can select what level you’re at as a piano player.

One nice feature that they offer is Workouts. These let you focus on certain skills that you feel are either important or need work. In some ways Yousician feels a bit like playing Guitar Hero in the way it runs you through the lessons and teaches you how to “hit notes” in an engaging way, making it fun for beginners.

“I love the Yousician app, customer support is excellent. Into my second year of membership and practice just about every day. I have little time to spare in learning guitar after giving it up as a child. Yousician is a timesaver as it brings it all to me including tuning, songs, practice levels, feedback, progress tracking etc. I’m not all over the internet or youtube looking for help. Thank you Yousician!”

Trustpilot.com

Piano Academy – great encouragement for kids

Piano Academy is a user-friendly piano learning app designed to help beginners and intermediate players develop their skills in a fun and engaging way. The app offers step-by-step lessons, covering everything from basic note reading to more advanced techniques, while combining video tutorials with interactive practice sessions. 

Piano Academy also features a range of songs and exercises, offering real-time feedback as you play, making it ideal for users looking for a structured, self-paced learning experience. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills, Piano Academy provides a comprehensive and enjoyable path to learning the piano.

• Price: $14.99/month or 6.99/week
• Song selection: Hundreds of songs of popular music and classical music.
• Lesson format: In-app videos
• Platforms available: iOS and Android
• Levels: Beginner – Intermediate

You can work with both a real piano or use an on-screen keyboard while you’re learning, which is perfect for someone who wants to see if the piano is right for them. Unlike some apps, it starts off using songs that are familiar but not contemporary.

Starting with popular songs like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and If You’re Happy and You Know it. These are standard songs for beginning players. Piano Academy is an app geared towards kids that covers the fundamentals well and gives a solid foundation of piano basics.

I really like this app, I started a week ago and I’m taking it very seriously and I can feel that I’m learning. I have a couple of suggestions that would make playing easier. 1) zoom in or enlarging sizeso the notes are easily read, 2) I think numbers of the notes can sometimes be confusing when it comes to playing with both hands, I think it would be good if there was an option to turn them on/off. Also, although I’m very happy that I subscribed, I was expecting to have a trial version first.

Google Play

Musora (Pianote)  – all-in-one platform

The Musora app has rapidly become a standout choice for aspiring musicians of all skill levels. With its user-friendly interface, diverse range of instruments, and extensive song library, it’s a comprehensive solution for those looking to learn or improve their musical abilities. 

Musora brings together various music education brands under one platform, making it an all-in-one resource for piano, guitar, drums, and more. A key highlight is the integration of Pianote, a comprehensive online piano learning platform designed to provide in-depth lessons for players of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced. 

• Price: $30/month or $240/year
• Song selection: Over 500 songs of all styles
• Lesson format: In-app videos
• Platforms available: iOS, Android, and web browser
• Levels: Beginner – Intermediate

Musora’s platform includes a variety of practice tools, such as metronomes, progress tracking, and video tutorials that can be slowed down or looped for better practice efficiency. Pianote enhances this by offering features like play-along tracks, detailed sheet music, and chord charts to aid in learning.

One of Musora’s strengths is its high-quality instructors. With Pianote, the lessons are led by Lisa Witt, a skilled and personable piano teacher. Her teaching style is approachable, breaking down complex concepts into easy-to-understand lessons. Her presence in the lessons makes learning the piano fun and engaging.

“Have gone from beginner in September 2022 to being able to play some simple popular songs such as Hallelujah, Let It Be, and am working on Harvest Moon. Still a beginner but am learning to play other songs by ear. Lisa is my favorite piano teacher and a great one!”

Trustpilot.com

 Online Pianist – a focus on great song selection

OnlinePianist is a popular platform for learning and playing piano music through interactive tutorials. It offers a vast library of songs across various genres, allowing users to learn at their own pace with step-by-step instructions. 

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pianist, OnlinePianist provides customizable features like tempo control, adjustable difficulty levels, and animated piano keys to enhance your learning experience. It’s a great tool for anyone looking to practice or improve their piano skills from the comfort of their home.

• Price: $4.99/month – $9.99/month
• Song selection: Over 2,500 songs from popular hits to cartoon theme songs.
• Lesson format: In-app videos 
• Platforms available: iOS, Android, and web browser
• Levels: Beginner – Intermediate

It can be used on iOS and Android devices, as well as a computer with a mic. The program provides a dashboard that allows you to control settings like tempo. It gives you the ability to break the song down by individual hands, so you can first learn what the left hand is doing, then the right, and combine them in the end.

OnlinePianist has an excellent selection of songs to choose from, ranging from popular artists like Taylor Swift to anime theme songs. It is nice that you get the same selection of your favorite songs on the free tier as you do on the paid plans. However, the paid plan gives you access to songs across all your devices and you never lose access to the songs. The key takeaway? Great for learning new songs if you already have the fundamentals.

I’ve been using this app for a while and it’s by far my favorite one amongst the rest. I’ve downloaded others but always end up uninstalling them right away. This is the only one I keep and have on all my devices. Even their support team is great. I had a bug that caused me to not have any access to the songs in my book even though I have a subscription. Yoav Tenenbaum was incredible and fast to find and resolve the issue I had. Great songs and great service!

Google Play

Playground Sessions – structured piano lessons with well-known instructors

Playground Sessions is an innovative piano learning platform co-created by legendary musician Quincy Jones. It combines interactive lessons, real-time feedback, and a vast library of songs to make learning the piano fun and engaging. 

Designed for all skill levels, Playground Sessions uses a mix of video tutorials, sheet music, and guided practice sessions to help users improve their technique. With features like progress tracking and the ability to connect your own keyboard, it’s a comprehensive tool for anyone looking to learn or enhance their piano skills from home.

• Price:$12.49/month – $24.99/month
• Song selection: Over 2,000 songs from Christian gospel to rock music
• Lesson format: In-app videos 
• Platforms available: Windows, Mac, and iOS
• Levels: Beginner – Advanced

This gives you the ability to explore in-depth before committing. Most classes in Playground Sessions are provided by instructor David Sides who walks you through each piano lesson before you try things for yourself. Video lessons are a nice touch compared to other alternatives, which rely on the app itself to walk you through the content. The beginner section includes an impressive 84 lessons, so plenty to choose from when you start.

“Excellent for those who want to learn piano on their own time. I’ve been having a great time learning the piano and every day I’m motivated to get back to it. The best part is it feels like I’m playing some sort of game, yet in reality I’m learning piano and building motor skills! This is helping me to fulfill my goal of being able to play clair de lune on piano and I’m incredibly content with my purchase 10/10.”

Trustpilot.com

Hoffman Academy – a great way for kids to learn online

Hoffman Academy is an online piano learning platform designed especially for beginners and children, offering a structured and engaging approach to piano education. Created by experienced music educator Joseph Hoffman, the academy features a series of step-by-step video lessons that teach piano fundamentals through a fun and interactive format. 

Alongside the lessons, Hoffman Academy provides practice materials, sheet music, and progress tracking tools to support students in their learning journey. It’s a great resource for anyone seeking a comprehensive, kid-friendly, and affordable way to learn piano at home.

• Price: $15/month – $18/month
• Song selection: Around 200 songs, mostly geared towards children, with songs like Hot Cross Buns and Mary Had a Little Lamb
• Lesson format: In-app videos 
• Platforms available: Web browser
• Levels: Beginner – Intermediate

This method of teaching piano doesn’t just rely on memorization, rather, it provides a complete online musical education. It also introduces technical concepts and music theory when kids are ready, not when the teacher says it’s time to learn arpeggios. Hoffman Academy is a great platform for people who like to have human interaction. Not only is the video content taught by Mr. Hoffman, but you can also interact with the Hoffman Academy right as you go through the lessons — they seem to be online most of the time, as they respond pretty fast.

Unlike the other platforms we have looked at, this is the only one that does not have an app that comes with it. It is done entirely on the computer and is the closest to having an actual piano teacher. Hoffman Academy teaches by providing an instructional video (led by Mr. Hoffman) that is followed up by a guided activity. If you like having that human element, Hoffman Academy might be for you.

“My daughter loves Mr Hoffman’s piano lessons. He teaches in a unique way that makes learning piano fun! Recently she taught herself to play “Ode to joy”on the piano from a tablet game; we posted the video on the Hoffman Academy Facebook page, and she was absolutely delighted to receive a lovely response from Mr Hoffman encouraging her to continue to make music. Thank you!”

Trustpilot.com

Piano in 21 Days – accelerated learning for the modern pianist

Piano in 21 Days is a streamlined, online piano learning program designed to help beginners play popular songs quickly without getting bogged down in traditional music theory. Created by Jacques Hopkins, the course focuses on teaching chords, patterns, and practical techniques that allow students to start playing real music from day one. 

With easy-to-follow video lessons, downloadable resources, and a focus on simplicity, Piano in 21 Days is perfect for adults who want to enjoy playing the piano without years of formal training. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking a fun and fast approach to piano.

• Price: $97/month
• Song selection: Pop and Rock
• Lesson format: In-app videos with live Q&A sessions
• Platforms available: Web browser
• Levels: Beginner – Intermediate

All in all, Piano in 21 Days stands out as an excellent choice for those with limited time who wish to quickly learn to play songs on the piano. Its modern, interactive approach to piano education makes it an ideal platform for the contemporary learner.

The unique approach of Piano in 21 Days is centered around popular music and chord-based learning, deviating from the more traditional, classical training methods. It caters to the modern learner who seeks to quickly learn to play familiar tunes rather than focusing on mastering musical notation or complex classical pieces.

The platform provides an array of video lessons that guide learners from the basics of piano chords to more complex techniques. This progressive format allows students to grasp concepts quickly and apply them immediately to songs they know and love.

The course’s interactive nature further enhances the learning experience. Its creator, Jacques Hopkins, provides personal support through regular live Q&A sessions, ensuring that learners receive answers to their questions and continually progress in their learning journey.

“After much contemplation, I enrolled in Jacques Hopkins’ “Piano in 21 Days”. I am so happy that I made that decision! I am thoroughly enjoying the lessons at my own pace and have already seen a big difference in my learning and understanding of the piano.”

Trustpilot.com

Key takeaways: best piano apps for learning in 2024

• Skoove offers personalized, AI-driven lessons that adapt to your progress, making it a great choice for learners who want to focus on both playing and music theory at their own pace.
• Simply Piano stands out for its ease of use and quick results, offering guided lessons that help users start playing songs almost immediately, making it ideal for beginners and casual learners.
• Yousician brings a gamified approach to learning piano, providing instant feedback and fun challenges that keep learners motivated, especially for those interested in exploring multiple instruments.
• Piano Academy combines video tutorials with interactive play, offering a well-rounded approach that includes sight-reading, ear training, and theory, making it ideal for a comprehensive music education.
• Musora (Pianote) is an interactive piano learning app that offers step-by-step video lessons, personalized feedback, and a supportive community to help users of all skill levels improve their piano playing.
• Online Pianist is perfect for those focused on learning specific songs, with customizable tutorials that allow users to practice at their own speed.
• Playground Sessions blends popular song-based learning with interactive lessons and real-time feedback, making it great for those who want structured, performance-focused learning.
• Hoffman Academy offers a traditional, method-based learning approach with a strong emphasis on theory and technique, ideal for younger learners or those seeking classical piano instruction.
• Piano in 21 Days is perfect for adults who want fast results, focusing on simple lessons that teach you to play songs without diving deeply into music theory, ideal for those with limited time or a desire for quick progress.

Each of these apps brings something unique to the table, so your choice should depend on whether you’re looking for personalized feedback, fast results, classical training, or a fun, interactive experience.

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Author of this blog post:
Susana Pérez Posada

With over seven years in piano education and a deep passion for music therapy, Susana brings a unique blend of expertise to Skoove. A graduate in Music Therapy from SRH Hochschule Heidelberg and an experienced classical pianist from Universidad EAFIT, she infuses her teaching with a holistic approach that transcends traditional piano lessons. In her writings for Skoove, Susana combines her rich musical knowledge with engaging storytelling, enriching the learning experience for pianists of all levels. Away from the piano, she loves exploring new places and immersing herself in a good book, believing these diverse experiences enhance her creative teaching style.