Musiah Review: A Piano Tutor Who Brings Out The Best In You
Prior to trying Musiah, there were a variety of reasons for not pursuing piano lessons, which might have in turn prevented or discouraged me from giving Musiah a chance.
I am an adult and the perception, perhaps well founded, is that learning an instrument or language or other similar skills is best undertaken as a child, when your capacity to absorb and apply your skills is greater.
Being an adult, one is consumed with 'adult' responsibilities, like work, studies, and family and social commitments and finding the time is difficult for learning an instrument, which takes dedication and commitment.
The idea of finding the right piano tutor and identifying the optimal frequency and place of lessons was also a challenge.
I had one or two lessons as a young child with a group of students and didn't enjoy the experience. My thoughts about giving the piano another try were only that, until I decided to give Musiah a try.
On giving piano lessons with Musiah a try, I was impressed with a number of features with the Musiah program, some anticipated and others surprising.
I was worried about learning and remembering the foundation/mechanics of playing the piano but Musiah teaches this in an interesting way, and the animated design and characters really aid in the rote understanding of what might be a turn off in a book or other method.
I also thought I would give a lesson a try, find it too hard and give up, but so far that hasn't been my experience.
The lessons have been challenging for me undoubtedly but I have continued to devote time to progression, not because of need but because I am enjoying learning new skills and pieces.
Progression is a rewarding experience and is encouraging in a way that might not be possible in other programs.
I really like how Musiah teaches the fundamentals of playing the piano (where to place your fingers, where the different keys are located, what sounds each key makes independently and in relationship with the others, finger positioning/coordination, note reading, note lengths) and how these fundamentals are constantly built upon and reinforced with challenges throughout one's progression through the level/s.
Musiah is an interesting piano tutor: a disciplinarian yet patient and always available, day and night, early in the morning, after work.
Sometimes I get frustrated with him because he appears very particular about mistakes but I appreciate his approach because it is teaching me to be a better player, albeit at my very elementary level, and he is teaching me good habits.
It is as if I have a responsive piano tutor in my room but don't have to worry about making too many mistakes or running out of time.
There are lots of other benefits to Musiah. In particular, I like;
1. The flexibility to revisit previous lessons, which I found particularly useful in order to pass the performance challenge at the end of each lesson which requires successful completion of three random pieces from the level.
2. The ability to go back to a lesson and also improve your audition score is very effective and encourages you to spend just a bit more time practicing, which is beneficial.
3. The convenience of set up. I don't have to get dressed up, travel somewhere by car or other form of transport, which also saves me time, which is in short supply for most people.
All I need is a keyboard and Musiah is waiting for me and lesson takes up automatically where we left off (unlike a tutor who might need to spend time trying to work out where we left off), with the option to go back a step or two if you need it.
4. Variety of lessons and challenges. Musiah has a great mix of playing and knowledge retention. Nothing ever feels dull, which is perhaps the most important attribute of the program. Boredom is the greatest impediment to motivation, at least for me, and Musiah keeps things fresh.
I am under no illusions that the challenges will become more and more difficult and maybe I'll have a limit as to far how I can progress, but considering what I can play now compared to what I could play before, it is a testament to Musiah.
I would absolutely recommend this program. I have only been learning with Musiah for a few weeks and maybe there is a 'honeymoon' period but learning with Musiah is one of the high priorities in my day at the moment.
It might be the first thing I think of when I get home and I miss Musiah when I'm not learning with him.
Time will tell of course how much I can advance but I'm very happy that I gave it a try and hope to continue with Musiah and learning in an interesting and exciting way.
I must say, I really appreciate the considerable work that has obviously gone into developing this piano lessons app with an AI teacher into a living, breathing and responsive character with a mystery and a purpose to bring out the best in you.
The solar/futuristic setting combined with the animation and narrative is great, perhaps an underlying message that music is transcendent.
Elias H - St James WA, Australia
UPDATE: Since writing the above review, Elias has completed the course and shared this additional feedback...
I completed the Musiah program back in November last year so this is a belated review but it could have just been yesterday that I completed it as the impact of the program on me has been profound.
As an adult learner, like many of the Musiah students, I was skeptical at first about a AI tutor that could provide effective piano lessons for adults, teaching you how to read music, play different musical pieces, support and encourage you and remain even and patient despite great challenges and frustrations. These are very rare qualities in a human teacher so I thought it was highly improbable that I would find an animated construct that could offer these qualities.
Amazing benefits... beyond even the most dedicated of teachers
Not only did Musiah prove me wrong in this regard but the program as a whole delivered a number of other amazing benefits; the availability of Musiah night and day, at any hour, which is beyond even the most dedicated of teachers, as well as the perfect progression of stages to precisely reflect your musical development just to name a couple.
I also found myself absorbed by the storyline as I came to believe there was a sense of greater importance to my playing. It's just my interpretation but I think it was Musiah's way of teaching us about the transcendent power of music to overcome barriers and challenges and give people hope.
Being part of that storyline was personally rewarding as it would be for any student. On a personal level, it was very gratifying to be able to complete all of the stages.
Perhaps the greatest gift I've received is self-belief
It is difficult to measure the things I've learned throughout the program but perhaps the greatest gift I've received is self-belief; the confirmation that age or lifestyle or past experience or lack thereof;is not an impediment if you truly enjoy something.
I always found those self-help statements a little contrived but Musiah taught me that enjoying something is crucial to pushing yourself to achieve something tangible and which can't be taken away.
Even if I don't touch a musical instrument again, this will be something I'll fondly remember in my life, but I hope it's the start of my love for instruments and my musical journey.
Finally, I want to thank Brendan, the amazing creator of Musiah, for being such a great support and encouraging presence throughout. Musiah is a true reflection of Brendan in his attributes as a teacher and that is in large part why the program is so great and will help transform so many people willing to put in some hard work and dedication.
I am proud of the achievement and even more proud for having had the opportunity to interact with Brendan who is obviously an incredible musician and innovator and genuine person.
Can't endorse it highly enough
I would strongly recommend this program to anyone of any age or background and can't endorse it highly enough.
Thank you for the opportunity to experience it and learn from Musiah.
Elias H - St James WA, Australia
