Fisher-Price I Can Play Piano System
by Fisher Price
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List Price: Our Price: $44.99 You Save: $45.00 (50%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Toy See more product details |
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Toys and Games Reviews of Fisher-Price I Can Play Piano System
Customer Review: Glorified Video Game
Summary: 2 Stars
My 5 year old received this toy as a gift, because she had shown some interest in playing piano. I thought that this toy would at least have some very basic instructional value, but it doesn't. It does not teach proper hand postion and it does not teach notes or how to read music. You plug it in to the TV and watch the colors go across the screen and hit the corresponding color key on the piano. That's it. A few different versions of this game, but it's basically all the same game. I was very disappointed that it didn't even come with a book or sheet music showing how to play the songs with the color coded keys. This means you have to plug it into the TV to get anything out of it, unless you are interested in trying to figure songs out by ear. If you already have some basic piano instruction, or if you are much older than the recommended 4-8 years, you might find this toy to be educational. But if you are looking for something to teach basic piano or music skills, look elsewhere. If you are looking for a video game, well, you could do a lot better than this for the price. As for fun, my child does enjoy playing with it occasionally, but again, this product was purchased with the idea that it would teach a child how to play the piano, and it absolutely does not.Customer Review: Overall a good choice
Summary: 5 Stars
I am a piano teacher and I think this is a good (but not perfect) way for kids to quickly learn to play a few songs on the piano. It's not a substitute for formal piano lessons, but to get a child interested, this is a fun choice. Consider it a "quick start".
It starts out with the video game feel, but it really is teaching them note placement and gets them used to playing. It does progress in 4 levels and ends up with note reading on a staff. I especially like the use of colors on the keys to match up with the notes on the screen.
It took me a minute to get used to this method, but it's not hard.
I had to show my son how to use his fingers instead of hunt and peck method. Once he got the hang of it, he loved it. He is very proud of himself for being able to play a few songs already and he's only had it 24 hours. We're planning on getting another cartridge for more songs.
The only thing I was a bit concerned about was that it never says anywhere that you should use all 5 fingers, nor does not talk about hand position or finger numbers. Other than that, I feel like it is a good learning tool overall, and a fun stepping stone to the next step, which is formal piano lessons.
Customer Review: Misrepresented
Summary: 2 Stars
I have to agree with most of the previous reviewers on this product. We purchased the system for our 3.5 year old and tried it out on Christmas day after she opened it.
The keyboard alone has a nice sound, but not enough play-alone flexibility for the price! Also, the cartridge has to be completely plugged in for the power to work. We also thought the keyboard was broken until I tried plugging the cartridge back in. The TV cables are permanently attached to the keyboard, which is a bit of a hassle as well.
As for the TV capability, even the simple mode was way too challenging, even for an older child, IMO. The keys are color-coded, but some of the colors are hard to distinguish (two shades of blue, green, and violet). A beginning program should use less colors, while this one attempts to use all of the colors (keys). It is more of a glorified video game, rather than teaching useful piano concepts. Perhaps a child might learn to read music with repeated use, but I am also doubtful of that.
We are putting this toy away for awhile, and may even return it.
Customer Review: A general reply to the complaints combined with my review of this fine product
Summary: 5 Stars
Ummm... You have to HOLD THE POWER BUTTON DOWN when turning it on till it glows, takes about 2 seconds. Then to turn it off you HOLD IT DOWN till the screen gives you an add for the Wizard's website. Seriously, this product is awesome. I give it 5 stars.
I'm 25 years old and couldn't read music to save my life. After 2 weeks with this product I can play numerious songs and am on mode 3 with most of them (haven't kicked the color habbit yet, but I'm getting there). Wife (age 23) loves this thing too. Our son is only 5 months so he doesn't really "play" with it yet. He hits the keys in freestyle mode and giggles a lot. He also likes watching the musical notes go across the screen when we play it. The only complaint I have is the lack luster instructions the thing came with. But once you figure out the quirks with the system's setup (mode swtichs the temp buttons, the power button, ect.) the thing WORKS and is FUN. It's pretty much Gaitar Hero with 8bit graphics, a piano and the added bonus that you are actually LEARNING TO READ MUSIC.
Customer Review: Excellant encouragment ! Great for the price.
Summary: 4 Stars
My kids love ican play. It starts off with color and moves into notes. The pro to this is the kids have sucessful and fun experiences first, before having to be loaded with technicals. Why spend thousands on lessons, if they are not taking it seriously. If they truly love this game, they will be self motivated to continue learning the piano. The CON - It does not seem to be the quality you normally get from fisher price ( I WOULD HAVE GIVEN IT 5 STARS). Age level- this is debatable. there are games to get the three-four year old used to using the keybord.There are also tempo modes that set the songs to a very slow pace for a rookie.I would (not) buy it for a three year old.
Takes C batteries (NOT included )or ac adapter(included)
My elementry aged children have had no experience with a piano and they learned several songs in 2 hours. They can play songs without the software already. After 2 DAYS(I enjoyed it too!)$60-$80 one time or every week? I choose I can play and If they want take it to the next level we'll move on to lessons.