You’ve got questions.  Here’s the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Piano Wizard

What exactly is the Piano Wizard Academy?

It’s a complete piano learning system designed to simply and intuitively teach you and your children how to play the piano. It requires no previous experience and it makes the process fun. At the core is an engaging computer game that slowly and naturally progresses toward basic and advanced piano learning concepts. You also get unique tools to help you become your child’s music coach … even if you’re not particularly musical yourself.

What separates Piano Wizard from all the other software method out there?

Piano Wizard is the only method that teaches piano the way we naturally learn. But first, Piano Wizard is a video game.  Right off the bat, this makes learning fun for all ages.  The game incorporates sensory learning with the use of visuals and sounds.

But the secret recipe is our revolutionary 4 step system which reverses the process of tradional music learning.  When we first learned our own native language, we spoke first before going to school to learn how to read. Well, music is a language too, so with Piano Wizard, we play before we learn to read music.  We shield the player from the heiroglyphics of music notation and incomprehensible music theory and then cleverly introduce it to them subconsciously.  The entire process is done  while playing the game – that’s our hidden agenda.  Practice and repitition is key in piano learning…yet the player doesn’t feel like it’s practice.  It’s NOT playing piano – it’s playing a GAME – which with Piano Wizard actually translates to playing piano! Pretty cool, huh?

When combined with the Academy, it becomes much more than a video game – it is a complete music learning system
that teaches piano the way we traditionally learn our own spoken language.

What do I get in this package?

You get a complete system that lets you teach your children how to play the piano. The Piano Wizard Academy exclusive package includes:

1. Professional USB Keyboard with USB cable (plugs right into your computer)
2. Award-Winning Piano Wizard software (a revolutionary 4-step game to get your kids playing and reading music naturally)
3. Piano Wizard Academy QuickStart DVD (to help you get setup and started)
4. 200 ready-to-play songs loaded into your software with the ability to easily add any of your favorite songs and load them into the software as well
5. 50 video lessons in 10 DVDs that: Guide you through every phase; Are geared toward parents, non-musical educators and piano teachers; Teach you to be your children’s “music coach”
6. Contain the equivalent of a full year of college curriculum (but are created for kids and adults of all ages)
7. 50 songs in sheet music (5 books of 10 each) that coordinate with the software and video lessons
8. 50 additional self-taught lessons
9. Star stickers to help you celebrate every time your children learn a new song!
10. Stickers (washable and removable) to color-coordinate the keys of your keyboard with the computer game

Does Piano Wizard Have Ear Training

I’ve seen this question asked  a number of times so I though I should address it. The secret to ear training is repetition and there are a number of ways that Piano Wizard facilitates this. First of all the connection between a particular key on the piano and a particular sound is reinforced constantly and naturally with the gameplay. The singing of the note names (when enabled) while in steps 3 and 4 also reinforce this association.

What many people associate with ear training is identification of musical intervals and chords. Piano Wizard does not address this directly, but games can be created by piano teachers or musically literate parents with the Free Play mode where they can both hear and see the notes and intervals and chords they create, making a very abstract drill a little more fun.

I already have a digital MIDI keyboard or am planning on getting one

No problem – you can buy Piano Wizard Academy bundle with or without a keyboard. If you use your own keyboard you will need either a USB or MIDI-To-USB cable to connect it to your computer. If you already have such a cable you are all set. If not, then you will need to purchase an appropriate cable. You may also need to install the hardware drivers, usually available from the manufacturer’s web site.

What digital keyboards work with Piano Wizard?

Actually, any digital MIDI keyboard will work with the software. Issues may arise with the keyboard communicating with your computer. These issues are usually resolved by downloading the proper drivers from the manufacturer’s web site. Other issues may involve adjusting computer settings.

MIDI is short for Musical Instrument Digital Interface and is an electronic musical instrument industry specification that enables a wide variety of digital musical instruments, computers and other related devices to connect and communicate with one another. Most digital keyboards today have MIDI capibility. To ensure that it is, on the back of the keyboard will be 1 or 2 black plugs that say MIDI Out and possibly also MIDI In.

There are two kinds of digital keyboards to choose from. Some are called “MIDI Controllers” and are usually powered by a simple USB cord attached to your computer. These keyboards do not make any sound on their own and connect with another device to play the sounds. For example, we bundle the M-Audio KeyRig 49 with Piano Wizard Academy. This keyboard is a 4 octave USB powered MIDI controller. It is affordable, practical, lightweight, easily storable, great for beginners and for music professionals. For it to play sounds it needs to connect to another device. For most of our users, that device will be their computer and the sounds will be triggered from a software program such as Piano Wizard or other software included with that keyboard.

A musician may use the MIDI controller keyboard connected to a “sound module” to play professional digital sampled sounds. So, while certainly not a toy, it will be reliant on other devices to make music. For some examples, take a look at wwwusiciansfriend.com/keyboards-midi/m-audio-keyrig-49?src=3WWRWXGP or www.musicradar.com/gear/tech/computers-software/peripherals/input-devices/midi-controllers/keyboards/masterkey-49-508370/review. You may also find these in your local Walmart, Target, or Apple Stores.

Then you have other full featured digital keyboards that have thier own built in sounds – such as Yamaha, Casio, Korg, etc. While the professional musician may use the MIDI controller above for certain aspects of music playing and recording, he/she will be using one of these for performance purposes. You may find these anywhere from local Walmarts to large music stores such as Sam Ash or Guitar Center. Depending on the model, they can run from a couple of hundred dollars to thousands. Many of these keyboards may also attach to computer via USB. Some may require a MIDI-To-USB cable. If you need this particular cable, we recommend you contact the keyboard manufacturer for information on obtaining a compatible cable for that keyboard.

Will learning with the color-coded system impede my child’s transition to a piano?

Not at all – and quite the opposite. There’s a reason we call Piano Wizard “training wheels for the piano”. When you learned how to ride a bike, you had training wheels. Then your parents took them off and held you until finally you rode the two-wheeler on your own. The same process takes place with Piano Wizard (and the same excitement!). The transition is so natural through sensory learning and repetition that the color take-away is hardly noticeable.

How old should my child be to use the system?

We recommend age 3 and older. However, we have seen children as young as 2 using it. That will depend on how well the child knows their colors, how intelligent and disciplined they are, and how big their fingers are to reach the different keys. But on average, age 3 and older.

Is this just for kids?

Not all. People of all ages have enjoyed Piano Wizard – from kids to teens to seniors. The “background themes” may give the game the look of a child’s game, but they can be changed or removed to suit your taste. In fact, many adults love using the colorful themes.

Can I use Piano Wizard Academy for homeschooling music?

Yes! And many parents do just that and have made it an integral part of their children’s home school curriculum.

Is there a guarantee?

Yes, the Piano Wizard Academy comes with a solid money-back guarantee. Once you open and register your product, take up to 30 days to try it out with your family. If you don’t like it for any reason, simply return it. Music Wizard Group will refund your entire purchase price (all you’ll have to pay for is shipping). As Chris (the founder) from Music Wizard Group says; “you’d be hard pressed to find a piano teacher with that kind of guarantee.”

Please note that this policy does not apply to digital download products as once order is received, no refunds can be granted. There are no digital downloads associated with Piano Wizard Academy though.

Will I (or my child) really learn to play piano?

We get that question a lot, because it just seems too good to be true. But in fact, the game was designed primarily to teach people to easily play and read music, not just to entertain, but using play and interactive feedback as a guide and motivator. That being said, once the game came out we saw that the kids tended to stay within the game if not invited to the piano, but that when they did get invited to play on a real piano, they loved picking out the songs they had learned.

Our whole Academy is designed specifically to systematically bring the kids off the game onto the piano, playing real music they learned in the game, but it requires a facilitator such as a parent, a non-music educator or piano teacher to reinforce that behavior, habit and goal. That outside facilitator and coach could get incredible results if they just knew how to walk their students or children through the sequence. Kids want to please, and want to be rewarded, and they want attention and interaction with their parents. That is the food they seek, and by structuring our Academy to be a great musical facilitator of that precious time spent together, we found this had a natural and wonderful bonding effect and motivating force on both parents and children that led naturally to showing off at the piano…really quickly.

The visual, aural and kinesthetic feedback and interaction cross train the mind to master the little universe that is the song in amazing ways. Once a song is mastered, the music notation is merely a reminder and guide of a path well traveled. Then they can explore the pedal, the phrasing, the nuance that makes music so personal and so special. Endless variations and little experiments in sound ensue, both in and out of the game.

Do we think the Piano Wizard Academy is the only program or instruction you will ever need? We hope not, there are wonderful teachers out there ready to take you into the next levels of technique, phrasing, interpretation, improvisation and the deeper arts of music, but this game can take you surprisingly far, mainly because it lets you practice almost any song or passage, and master that, and then go to the next level. The real gift and secret is that this is a joyful way to practice, and the music making just comes.

I am not musically oriented – how can I help my child with the program?

We call the Piano Wizard method “learning for the rest of us”. You don’t need to be musically inclined or educated to learn to play, or to help your children learn to play. Simply watch the DVDs and follow the steps.

When it comes to any educational program, it’ up to the parents to “guide” the child through. Kids are easily able to adapt to a schedule, so we recommend you set a routine of 1 to 2 lessons per weeks and stick to it. If the parent loses interest or suddenly finds he or she no longer has the time for it, the child may lose interest too.

How soon can it take it to the sheet music?

At trade shows we regularly can take an absolute novice from zero to playing a simple song with both hands from levels 1 to 5 (reading the sheet music) in 10 to 20 minutes, depending on their inhibitions. (Some people have so much musical trauma from past bad experiences, half the battle is getting them to stop criticizing themselves and talking themselves down, and actually try. Those are the most amazed, because they didn’t start at zero, they started at negative 50 in their minds.) Afterwards they are stunned at how much they learned, and the sheet music they just read. The mind is an incredible sponge, you just can’t fill it up with an eyedropper, you need to immerse it in action and interplay, then it absorbs.

The short answer is YES. So fast you won’t believe it, even after you did it. And because it is open source converting any MIDI into a new game, any new song can be imported at will, there is no upper limit what you can do. It is really a self-contained music learning system for life. Enjoy.

I was just looking to purchase the software and can’t find it on your site

We’ve asked customers this question: “Would you rather spend $100-$200 on a video game, or would you be willing to pay more to get a complete music learning system?” Most choose the latter. While the software alone is fun, engaging a quite effective, it provides no feedback, no discussion of technique, and no direction. With the Academy package, you get your own personal teachers (The Beatties) who lead you every step of the way. There is simply no comparison with the results you will achieve with the entire system v. the software alone.

I just purchased Piano Wizard Academy used and can’t register the software

Our software – as is all software – is distributed under a non tranferrable end-user license.  Our standard license allows for up to 3 installations per household. If someone sold you Piano Wizard software used, they have done so illegally.  You have two options: try to get your money back and purchase Piano Wizard Academy from directly from our web site or from one of our certified resellers.  Or, you can purchase a new license from us for $99.95.  We will send you a new registration code.  Please submit a ticket for instructions.

I’d like to try it first to see if it’s right for us

You have 30 days to try it in your home as it is covered by our no-risk money back guarantee.  If it doesn’t work for you, just send it back.

Is there a Trial or FREE version of Piano Wizard available?

Not at this time. Remember, our money-back guarantee offers you a no-risk opportunity to try Piano Wizard Academy in your home for a full 30 days.

I like this bit doesn’t it seem a bit pricey?

At first look, some may initially think that it seems expensive. However, if you consider the fact that piano lessons can run into the thousands of dollars (per child!), Piano Wizard Academy is in fact an excellent value. If you break down the price, one can determine the cost is less than $6.00 per lesson. (and you get a keyboard too!) And that value only increases with each child you have using it.

At first glance, one may wish to “comparison shop”.  Are we priced higher than some other options out there?  Sure, but most people understand that you “get what you pay for”.  Piano Wizard Academy is simply more effective than the other methods out there…and certainly more fun.

Plus, we’ve made it simple for families to try it without risk in their own homes for 30 days. If you find it’s not for you, simply return it for a full refund. It’s been proven to be equivalent to 1-2 years of piano lessons with a hands on instructor!

Do you offer a payment plan?

If you check out using Paypal, you may be eligible for the Bill Me Later option and enjoy no payments/no interest for 6 months. You may apply after checking out and being transferred to Paypal.

It sounds just too good to be true

We get that a lot – always from folks that haven’t actually tried it. But our system has been proven and we know it works. If you are still skeptical, we invite you to try it for yourself. Remember, we back it with our rock-solid money-back guarantee so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

What’s the difference between Piano Wizard 2.0 Next Gen and 1.x (Premier software)?

2.0 (Next Gen) is our new game engine which features enhanced graphics and sound. Our Premier software sound output used the MIDI sounds on your computer – and in many cases, didn’t sound too good. Next Gen uses Soundfont technology – digital samples of real instruments. Now the game sounds exactly the same on any computer system. Next Gen doesn’t introduce new features to the game – yet. But the new engine will allow for ease of future development as we plan to implement new features in future upgrades.

The first product containing the new engine was our Holiday Starter Version. A few months later, we released Cymphonique Piano Wizard. The 2.0 game engine has now been implemented in our Next Gen software (replacing Premier), and currently available with Piano Wizard Academy.

Is Piano Wizard compatible with Windows 7 / 8?

Our Software is compatible with any Windows version. Issues arise with the keyboard. If you have Windows 8, we strongly reccomend buying WITHOUT keyboard and obtaining a certified Windows 8 keyboard. M-Audio has been slow in providing the proper drivers

Our Next Gen SOFTWARE (2.0) is FULLY compatible with Windows 7 32 and 64 bit systems.

In regard to our discontinued Premier Software, there is an issue with Vista upgraded to 7, a non-fresh install can cause issues but has been resolved by using Windows XP Compatibility Mode when running the Piano Wizard Premier software.
The M-Audio KeyRig 49’s native software (LiveLite?) is NOT compatible with Windows 7. This has no effect on usage with our game. The M-Audio KeyRig 49 also has issues with plug-and-play in some instances of Windows 7, however, that issue can be EASILY remedied by following a few simple steps on the M-Audio website.

Were’nt you guys working on a version for guitar called Guitar Wizard?

Yes we were. Unfortunately, that project has been put on hold for now, although we still hope to have that fully developed in the future.

Do you accept Purchase Orders?

Absolutely. Please fax your P.O. to 1-303-530-4217

Still have questions? Please contact us.