Best
Overall Digital Piano
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Overall: Has a Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keyboard with matte keytops
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Best Feature: With a Yamaha CFX concert grand piano sound as a built-in voice
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TedScore™: 10/10
Best
Upright Piano
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Overall: Specially designed hammers and crafted bass strings
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Best Feature: Has a special rib configuration that strengthens the soundboard
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TedScore™: 10/10
Best
Digital Piano for Home
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Overall: Provides an authentic playing experience that closely simulates playing a grand piano
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Best Feature: Has an RH3 (Real Weighted Hammer Action 3) keyboard technology
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TedScore™: 8/10
Well, you’re in luck because we’re about to explore the ins and outs of Flowkey – the online piano learning app that’s taking the music world by storm!
We know what you’re thinking – “Another boring introduction to the piano app?”
Wait! Before you make up your mind about it, we’ll give you an in-depth look at all the features, pros, and cons in our Flowkey review.
We’ll even share real user experiences and reviews.
By the end of this article, you’ll be a Flowkey expert and ready to take your piano skills to the next level.
So, grab your favourite drink, sit back, and get ready to discover the exciting world of Flowkey!
What is Flowkey and How Does It Work?
Flowkey is an app-based subscription service that caters to all levels of piano players, from beginners to advanced. You all need a device and a piano, and you’re good to go! The app works with almost any device and piano, whether digital or acoustic piano. The best part is, Flowkey offers instant feedback on your playing, making learning easy, fun, and interactive.
You’ll also get access to video lessons focusing on the learning process of songs so you can play your favourite tunes in no time! The app has a slick, modern, and user-friendly interface, making browsing for songs and courses easy. With Flowkey, you can learn songs at your own pace, on your own schedule, and from the comfort of your home.
Features of the Flowkey App
Flowkey is an online piano learning platform that offers a range of features to help you learn to play the piano. Here are some of its key features:
Courses and Song Library
Flowkey offers a range of courses for beginners and intermediate players. The music theory courses offered here are designed to help you learn the basics of piano playing and progress to more advanced techniques. The courses are well-structured and easy to follow, with clear instructions and demonstrations.
Flowkey has a vast library of music sheets with over 1,500 songs, ranging from classical to pop music. The songs are arranged by difficulty level, so you can find songs that match your skill level. Each song comes with a tutorial that shows you how to play the song step by step.
Technique Trainer and Sheet Music
The piano technique trainer is a feature that helps you improve your piano playing technique. It includes exercises for finger strength, dexterity, and agility. The exercises are designed to help you develop good playing habits and improve your overall playing ability.
Flowkey provides sheet music for all the songs in its music sheet library. The sheet music for specific songs is available in both standard notation and tablature. You can download them in PDF format and print it out for practice.
Looping
The looping feature allows you to loop a section of a song and practice it repeatedly. It’s very helpful for practising difficult sections or for memorizing a song.
Slow and Fast Mode
The slow mode feature allows you to slow down a song comfortably. In reverse, the fast mode lets you speed up a song to a challenging speed. Slowing down helps you practise difficult sections or for learning a new song while speeding up is very helpful for practising timing and improving your playing speed.
Fingering and Playing with Both Hands
The fingering feature shows you the correct finger placement for playing each note. It lets you develop good playing habits and improve your playing accuracy.
Flowkey also offers tutorials for playing with both hands. This feature lets you improve your coordination and play more complex pieces.
Difficulty Levels
If you’re new to piano playing, you probably wonder where to start. Flowkey has an impressive library of eight free songs and four difficulty levels: beginner, intermediate, advanced, and pro. Each level is colour-coded, so you can easily see which songs are appropriate for your skill level.
If you’re starting out, the beginner level is perfect for you. This level is designed for those who have never played the piano or are just starting to learn. The songs at this level are simple and easy to play, with basic chords and melodies. You’ll learn the basics of playing the piano, such as hand positioning and reading sheet music.
At this level online piano course, you’ll learn songs like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Happy Birthday, and London Bridge.
The intermediate level is where you should be if you’ve played piano for a while and mastered the basics to read sheet music. The songs at this level are a bit more challenging than when you play songs at the beginner level, with more complex chords and melodies. You’ll learn how to play with both hands and read more advanced sheet music.
Some songs you’ll learn at this level are Für Elise by Beethoven, Chopsticks, and Can You Feel the Love Tonight by Elton John.
If you’re an experienced piano player looking for a challenge, the advanced-level piano course is for you. The songs at this level are very challenging, with complex chords and fast-paced melodies. You’ll learn to play more advanced techniques like arpeggios and trills to play specific songs.
Some of the favourite songs you’ll learn at this level are Clair de Lune by Debussy, Rhapsody in Blue by Gershwin, and Piano Sonata No. 14 by Beethoven
Flowkey Pros
Here are some of the top pros of using Flowkey:
Perfect for All Playing Levels
One of the main advantages of Flowkey is that it’s suitable for both beginners and advanced players. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, Flowkey has something to offer.
Affordability
You’re going to love how affordable Flowkey’s subscription plans are! For just 19.99 USD/EUR per month, you gain access to all the wonderful benefits of the app, including unlimited piano lessons and courses.
You can opt for the six-month plan at just 83.94 USD/EUR to save even more money. Want to commit to a full year of learning? You can pay 119.88 USD/EUR upfront (just 9.99 USD/EUR monthly) and access Flowkey all year.
Plus, there’s always the free account option with limited access to dip your toes in the water. No matter which plan you choose, Flowkey’s affordable pricing can be a more cost-effective option than hiring a piano teacher.
Ease of Use and User-friendly Interface
Flowkey’s interface is brought to you in a slick, modern, and simplistic design, which means once you’re set up, you can get started with learning or watching some basic music videos.
One of the best features of flowkey is its user-friendly interface, making it easy to browse songs and courses to find precisely what you’re looking for. Another cool feature is the ability to split hands and learn with one hand at a time, perfect if you’re struggling with complex pieces. Plus, the clean interface is well-designed and highly functional for ease of use.
Variety of Songs Available
Flowkey has a large library of songs that you can learn to play. Whether you are interested in classical music, pop hits, or something in between, you will surely find something you enjoy. It also offers game music in various genres, so you can explore different styles of music and find what works best for you.
Different Learning Modes
With flowkey, you’ll have two different learning modes to help you become a master pianist! In the “Play” mode, you can play along with the pianist playing the sheet music and see the correct notes highlighted as you go. This mode is perfect for those who understand the piano and want to improve their playing accuracy.
On the other hand, the “Wait” mode is a fantastic feature for beginner learners. It listens to your playing and waits for you to play the right notes before moving on. So, if you’re not confident with reading sheet music yet, the “Wait” mode is an excellent option. Plus, it uses the microphone on your device, so you won’t need any special equipment.
Flowkey Cons
Flowkey is a great online piano learning platform, but like any other product, it has its downsides. Here are some of the disadvantages of Flowkey:
Disadvantages of Flowkey
One of the biggest disadvantages of Flowkey is that it’s an online-only platform. While this makes it convenient for many students, it can disadvantage those who prefer to learn from a physical teacher. Additionally, some students may not have a reliable internet connection, making it difficult to use Flowkey consistently.
Limitations of the Free Version
Flowkey offers a free trial, but the free version has some limitations. For example, you can only access a limited number of free songs and lessons and not all of the features available in the premium version. This can be frustrating for students who are not ready to commit to a paid subscription.
Cost of Subscription
While Flowkey is reasonably priced compared to other online piano lessons and learning platforms, some students may find the subscription cost prohibitive. Some students may not feel they get enough value from the platform to justify the cost.
Lack of Feedback on Playing Technique
One of the most significant disadvantages of online learning platforms like Flowkey is that they cannot provide the same level of feedback on playing technique as a physical teacher. While Flowkey software does offer some feedback on your playing, it cannot replace the personalized feedback that a teacher can provide. This can be a disadvantage for students who are struggling with a particular aspect of their playing.
Flowkey vs Other Piano Learning Apps
Comparison with Other Apps
When it comes to learning piano online, there are many options. Flowkey is one of the most popular, but how does it compare to other piano apps here? Let’s take a look.
One of the biggest competitors of Flowkey is Playground Sessions. Both apps offer interactive music lessons, but Playground Sessions focuses more on popular music, while Flowkey offers a wider range of genres. Another competitor is Simply Piano, which is also suitable for beginners and offers a more gamified approach to learning.
Similarities and Differences with Other Apps
Flowkey shares similarities with other piano learning apps, such as interactive music theory lessons and a subscription-based model. However, what sets it apart is its focus on flexibility and versatility. It offers a wide range of content, including video tutorials and play-along interactive score-based lessons, making it suitable for all levels of pianists.
Flowkey’s app-based learning and practice program is also unique in that it listens for the sound your piano makes and follows along with you, giving instant feedback on your progress.
User Experience and Reviews
Common User Reviews and Complaints
Some users have reported technical issues with the app, such as difficulty syncing their accounts across devices. Others have noted that some lessons can be challenging for beginners and that more detailed explanations of certain concepts would be helpful. Some users have also expressed frustration with the limited song selection in the app’s free version.
Positive Reviews and Experiences
Many users have praised Flowkey for its engaging and interactive approach to piano learning. The app’s video lessons, music reading training and interactive sheet music, provide a more immersive learning experience than traditional methods.
Users have also appreciated the ability to track their progress playing songs and receive instant feedback on their playing. Many have noted that the app’s song library constantly expands, adding new songs regularly.
5 Recommended
Student Pianos
PERFECT FOR: beginner players
FEATURES: Has a duet mode, which allows two players to perform the same notes at the same time
OTHER INFO: With 88 weighted keys with 64 polyphony features for playing multiple buttons together
DP-6 Digital Piano by Gear4music
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- With a user-friendly interface and easy-to-navigate design
- Has the right size and unique, high-quality sound and musical possibilities
- Offers excellent and reasonable pricing
- No piano bench included
- The headphones included are not high-quality
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
PERFECT FOR: Beginners to professional players
FEATURES: With defined sound production elements
OTHER INFO: Has a special rib configuration that strengthens the soundboard
YAMAHA U1
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- The back post enhances rigidity and structural stability
- Specially designed hammers and crafted bass strings
- Superior sound quality
- Durable and long-lasting
- Higher price range (Too pricey for students on a budget)
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
PERFECT FOR: beginners and advanced pianists
FEATURES: Has an RH3 (Real Weighted Hammer Action 3) keyboard technology
OTHER INFO: Boasts 29 sounds, including three grand pianos
Korg G1 Air Digital Piano
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Comes with Bluetooth audio playback
- Provides an authentic playing experience that closely simulates playing a grand piano
- High-quality sound and versatile features
- With only three reverb types
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
PERFECT FOR: beginners to intermediate players
FEATURES: Has a Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keyboard with matte keytops
OTHER INFO: With a Yamaha CFX concert grand piano sound as a built-in voice
Yamaha YDP 145 Digital Piano
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Comes with 88 weighted keys for an expressive playing feel
- Offers authentic sound and playing experience
- User-friendly interface and easy-to-navigate design
- No available Bluetooth connection
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
PERFECT FOR: beginner pianists
FEATURES: Boasts a Natural Wood X (NWX) keyboard technology
OTHER INFO: Comes with Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM) for realistic sound
Yamaha P515 Digital Piano
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- With 256-note polyphony for complex arrangements
- Provides high-quality sound and versatile features
- With a sleek and stylish design with wooden accents
- The included sustain pedal is not the best
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Flowkey Review
Summary
After diving into Flowkey, this app proves that it’s a total game-changer for anyone looking to learn how to play the piano! With over 1,000 songs, you’ll never have options for practising and perfecting your skills.
And the best part? Flowkey won’t break the bank! With affordable monthly, six-monthly, and annual subscription options, you can access all the app’s features without a sweat.
If you’re looking to focus on improvisation and playing by ear, Flowkey might not be the best fit for you. While the app does have basic music theory courses and offers modules for these skills, they’re not the main focus of the courses or app.
But if you’re ready to take your piano skills to the next level with a comprehensive and easy-to-use platform, Flowkey is worth checking out!
Before you go…
If you don’t feel like learning through an app, we got another option for you! Look no further than this article on the Best Youtube Channel to Learn Piano for Beginners! Get ready to unleash your inner virtuoso, learn piano online and impress your friends and family with your newfound skills!
Oh great, another app promising to make you Mozart overnight. Because, you know, why spend years mastering an instrument the traditional way when you can just download an app, right?
Well, Simon, I think the point is to make learning more accessible and fun. Not everyone wants to be Mozart. Some just want to enjoy playing.
As a parent looking into various options for my child to learn piano, this article about Flowkey provides some insightful information. However, I’m curious about the extent to which the app can keep a young learner engaged. The features sound promising, but do you think it matches the engagement level of face-to-face lessons?
Great article! Been using Flowkey on a friend’s recommendation and it’s fantastic. The variety of songs and the way you can slow down the pace really helps. Not everyone can afford a private teacher, so this feels like a good alternative at least for the basics. Plus, being able to see the sheet music while playing is a game-changer for me. Always fun to learn something new.
While Flowkey seems like a robust platform for learning piano according to your outline, Robert Emery, I’m a bit skeptical about how learning an instrument through an app can really compare to traditional learning methods. There’s something to be said about the hands-on approach and personalized feedback that an in-person teacher provides. I wonder how Flowkey addresses this aspect, particularly for advanced learners striving for perfection.
Neil makes a solid point. Been playing for years and nothing beats real-time feedback. But apps like Flowkey can be a good starting point for newbies.
i just started with piano and found flowkey bc of this article. it’s really easy to start and i can play some songs now. thanks for sharing, gonna stick with it and see how far i can get.
Interesting read about Flowkey. It seems like a cool tool for beginners and even those a bit more advanced. I like the features listed, especially the looping and different speeds. Makes me wonder how it stacks up against traditional methods though. Gotta say, technology is really changing how we learn music.
Fabulous article, Robert Emery. I’ve been dabbling with Flowkey for a couple of months now, integrating it into my daily creative routine. The app’s user interface indeed strikes a chord with ease of use. However, do you think the technique trainer sufficiently compensates for the lack of direct feedback which one would get from a traditional piano teacher? I’m keen to understand how advanced users can ensure they’re not fostering bad habits.
I get what EliotTheWriter is saying. I’ve been wondering the same. Sometimes, it feels like you’re missing out on those crucial corrections a real teacher would make.