Because of the tremendous popularity of iOS-powered devices, the market is flooded with accessory hardware designed for the Apple iPad, iPad 2, iPhone 4/4S, or iPod touch. One of the more interesting items, particularly if you've ever wanted to learn to play the piano, is Piano Apprentice by ION Audio.
Piano Apprentice is a portable, lighted-keyboard learning system that transforms any of the aforementioned iOS devices into a personal piano instructor, based on a free download from the App Store. The system is designed to create a multimedia music-learning experience taught by Emmy award-winning piano instructor, Scott Houston (a.k.a.,“The Piano Guy”).
Houston appears on the screen demonstrating how to play while the keys on the device light up in time with the music. Also helpful is the fact that Houston's hands are on-screen right above the keyboard, showing you where to place your digits.
The system can even teach you how to read sheet music. The keyboard itself can play in any octave and is touch-sensitive, meaning it responds to gentle or firm depression with appropriate loudness.
The device is lightweight, battery-powered (4-AAs, included), but if you get tired of buying batteries, there's also a jack for a 6VDC 1A adapter (surprisingly, not included).
The unit has built-in stereo speakers and a volume control, but oddly, no headphone jack is provided to avoid disturbing others.
Like the total app-control toys from Brookstone, shown on the Fox 8 Morning News a couple of weeks ago, the Piano Apprentice only works if an iOS-powered device is connected. Otherwise, pressing the keys only causes them to illuminate, but there is no sound.
Furthermore, I was disappointed with the video instruction. You can't adjust how quickly the keys are depressed, and having to use the iOS device's touchscreen to re-play/pause the video, particularly when used with an iPhone or iPod touch, impairs your concentration. If the keyboard put video playback controls close at hand, it would be a vast improvement.
Also, the Piano Apprentice app only comes with four tunes, "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," "The Birthday Song," "Ode to Joy," and "Greensleeves." A 3-packs of additional tunes can be purchased from the App Store for 99 cents each, so be advised that building a impressive repertoire could be expensive.
On the plus side, the ION Piano Apprentice is durably-constructed and nice-looking. The unit lists for $99.99, but substantial discounts are widely available. For more information, visit IONAudio.com.
Senators postponed a vote Tuesday on a controversial bill that would prohibit enforcement in Louisiana of any federal bans on assault weapons, after opponents called the measure unconstitutional.more>>
Senators postponed a vote Tuesday on a controversial bill that would prohibit enforcement in Louisiana of any federal bans on assault weapons, after opponents called the measure unconstitutional.more>>
Lawmakers are looking for ways to create roadblocks for Planned Parenthood's construction of a new facility in New Orleans that would provide abortions in addition to other health care services for women.more>>
Lawmakers are looking for ways to create roadblocks for Planned Parenthood's construction of a new facility in New Orleans that would provide abortions in addition to other health care services for women.more>>
A 41-year-old man is living and breathing with a heart made of plastic. Alfred Williams received the first Total Artificial Heart transplant in the Gulf South three months ago at Ochsner. more>>
A 41-year-old man is living and breathing with a heart made of plastic. Alfred Williams received the first Total Artificial Heart transplant in the Gulf South three months ago at Ochsner. more>>
Three years after the Gulf oil disaster, areas of the South Louisiana marsh fall silent. more>>
Three years after the Gulf oil disaster, areas of the South Louisiana marsh fall silent. Researchers expected the wildlife population to be impacted by oil in the first year and then bounce back. In some areas, that has yet to happen.more>>
While the New Orleans area isn't spared of tornadoes, it rarely sees storms as powerful as the one that hit near Oklahoma City. But five months ago, people in nearby McNeill felt the brunt of an EF-3 tornado. more>>
While the New Orleans area isn't spared of tornadoes, it rarely sees storms as powerful as the one that hit near Oklahoma City. But five months ago, people in nearby McNeill felt the brunt of an EF-3 tornado. more>>
State Police continue their investigation into a deadly accident involving a 15-year-old girl who was driving without a license and transporting three younger siblings, most of whom did not have on seat belts. more>>
State Police continue their investigation into a deadly accident involving a 15-year-old girl who was driving without a license and transporting three younger siblings, most of whom did not have on seat belts. more>>
Two Louisiana congressman find common ground across the aisle when it comes to the hugely-expensive bonuses and incentives, handed out in recent years by federal agencies.more>>
Two Louisiana congressman find common ground across the aisle when it comes to the hugely-expensive bonuses and incentives, handed out in recent years by federal agencies including FEMA and the Veterans Health Administration. The White House has demanded cuts amid the nation's fiscal crises, but some agencies are bucking the trend. We'll examine the sky-high bonuses in our special investigation, "Out of Bounds."more>>
When Jodi Arias addresses the jury in her murder trial, the big question will be whether she pleads for mercy or repeats what she told a TV reporter minutes after her conviction: She would rather be executed than...more>>
Jodi Arias begged jurors Tuesday to give her life in prison, saying she "lacked perspective" when she told a local reporter in an interview that she preferred execution to spending the rest of her days in jail.more>>
Ever had that fear of falling asleep after take-off and waking up to realize you are on the wrong flight? Well, due to an airline mix-up, Sandy Valdivieso and her husband Triet Vo had exactly that nightmare experience.more>>
Ever had that fear of falling asleep after take-off and waking up to realize you are on the wrong flight? Well, due to an airline mix-up, Sandy Valdivieso and her husband Triet Vo had exactly that nightmare experience.more>>
Jefferson Parish sheriff's detectives are seeking information about the deaths of a man found in a Harvey field and another man shot once in the chest inside his garage two miles away.more>>
Jefferson Parish sheriff's detectives are seeking information about the deaths of a man found in a Harvey field and another man shot once in the chest inside his garage two miles away.more>>
