Musiah Review: What Happens 6 Months After You Complete the Course?
Can a piano app provide a foundation strong enough to last a lifetime? Steve R., a busy student and athlete from New Jersey, didn't want to write a review the moment he finished. He waited six months to see if the skills he learned—reading sheet music, rhythm, and finger positions—would actually stick. His conclusion? Musiah is a 10/10 foundation for anyone wanting to learn piano as an adult.
Editor's Note: What makes Steve’s perspective unique is that he completed the entire Musiah course and then waited more than 6 months before writing this review. He wanted to test if the "Musiah method" actually worked in the real world.
"If you have a dream to play and be great at the piano then I highly recommend you build your foundation with Musiah."
I wanted to give the most honest review I could and so I realized I needed to see what I was capable of post Musiah completion so that I could share that with others. Here is my review:
The Reality of the Journey: Balancing Piano with a Busy Schedule
I started Musiah on a free trial and then subscribed for 6 months when the trial ended. With my schedule as a full time student, athlete and working part time, I believed at the time I could still complete the program in 6 months. I was naive and had made it to about level 6 at that time.
I then signed up for the one-year subscription in which I completed Musiah on May 31 this year. So overall it took me about a year and a half on a busy schedule to complete Musiah.
That being said, if you have a dream to play and be great at the piano then I highly recommend you build your foundation with Musiah. I had looked everywhere at the time to find a way to learn the piano online and I felt, and still do, that Musiah is the best place to start.
The progression and challenges evolve smoothly although there will be times during your journey where you will have to make a 'leap' so to speak, in skill. As difficult as these 'leaps' may be at times, in my opinion it's the perfect push to take you from one level to the next.
Zero Private Lessons: Reading Sheet Music and Playing Inspiring Pieces
I have taken zero piano lessons with a live teacher and today I am reading sheet music and playing pieces that inspired me to start learning piano in the first place. it's proof that a piano lessons app with a true AI teacher can provide everything you need to become self-sufficient.
This program is ideal for adults and children alike. The story line is fun (even as an older student, I still enjoyed it) and definitely something kids would enjoy. Although adults may not be too fond of the story line, I used it as a trash talking outlet and tool for motivation.
With your consistent effort, Musiah will assist you in laying the foundation you need to become great at the piano.
The 'Whale' Mentality: Why Completing Levels 11-13 is Worth the Effort
Don't misunderstand this review though. Beating Musiah, learning to read sheet music and play the piano is not easy (even though Musiah makes it as smooth as possible). If this task were easy, everyone would do it.
Don't kid yourself into believing you won't have to work hard to complete this.
Even if you don't complete Musiah, you'll still get a lot out of it. However, from my personal experience you will be robbing yourself of what you're capable of achieving and reaching higher ‘levels' if you don't finish Musiah. My skills and talent grew exponentially from completing levels 11-13. Those are the toughest ones but they are doable.
Honestly, I nearly quit a few times during my journey but it's always been my dream to be able to read sheet music and play the piano, as I'm sure it is for most of you reading this. If I could do it, as much as I was frustrated and struggled at times, you can do it as well.
How do you eat a whale? One bite at a time. That's the mentality that got me through to the end of Musiah. Some days all I could put in was 15 minutes but 15 minutes a day is far better than 0. It's progress. It's steps forward and that count for something.
Post-Graduation Test: Teaching Myself New Songs Using Sheet Music
Brendan Hogan and the Musiah team have created an exciting and well-designed platform to learn to play the piano, read sheet music, proper hand/finger positions, play with and understand rhythm, learn to truly listen to each note (play by ear, to a degree) and have the ability to teach myself most pieces after beating the program.
I waited a few months to write this review because I wanted to test the aftermath. What happens after you beat Musiah?
Well, I've continued on learning to play the piano with pieces I love the most and I learned those songs with the same style of progression that I learned from Musiah. It has not failed me yet.
I find sheet music to songs I like all over the Internet. Even on YouTube, people post videos showing you how to play a song. I have found those to also be far easier to complete after finishing Musiah, however I prefer to play with sheet music only if possible. That's one of my favorite results so far.
I highly recommend going for it all if you're truly willing to put in what it takes to complete this. I advise against making the same mistake I made by saving your money with a longer subscription. 6 months is possible but if you have a busy schedule and no prior experience like I did, it's best to give yourself more time.
Every level in Musiah gets you better and takes you to the 'next level' of ability and talent. It's an excellent progression and in my opinion a 10/10. Good luck on your journey everyone!
Steve R - New Jersey, USA.
