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Show HN: A platform for remote piano lessons based on the Web MIDI API

keyboardconnect.com

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Re: Show HN: A platform for remote piano lessons based on the Web MIDI API

#51

Post by jerkstate »

crazygringo wrote: post #38
jerkstate wrote: post #32

Earlier quoted context omitted.

my opinion (as a dad with kids learning piano, who learned piano as a kid) playing with 88 weighted keys is like learning to write cursive with a fountain pen - maybe artistically interesting, but doesn't matter for the core skills. My kids are learning on 61 key unweighted boards and they're learning melody, rhythm, notation, theory, and all of the things that are about music, not about the particular physiological…

Weighted keys aren't about requirements from the 1600s, they're about being able to achieve an extremely wide and sensitive dynamic range. Unweighted is fine if you're making synth sounds. And of course for understanding the things you've listed. But you can't actually play emotionally expressive piano music on them -- not in the style of classical or jazz. If you tried to play the Moonlight Sonata first movement, it…

I can play the first movement and it sounds pretty good to my ear, with a pedal. I can't play the third movement though.

Re: Show HN: A platform for remote piano lessons based on the Web MIDI API

#52

Post by praash »

robbrown451 wrote: post #31
Ferret7446 wrote: post #17

From what I've heard MIDI controllers are not good for learning piano. You really want weighted keys and a full 88 keys otherwise you won't learn the right habits or build finger strength. (I learned on a physical piano in person, so I can't speak personally about learning on a MIDI controller, but it sounds plausible to me.)

Any digital piano functions as a midi controller, and many of them have weighted keys. And there are a few "pure" midi controllers that have 88 weighted keys, such as the M-Audio Hammer 88 or StudioLogic SL88.

The fact that weighted digital pianos are cheaper than equivalent plain MIDI keyboards is my pet peeve.

Re: Show HN: A platform for remote piano lessons based on the Web MIDI API

#53

Post by praash »

keycon wrote: post #16
yedava wrote: post #6

Do you have any recordings of how a digital piano sounds to the other side - like if a teacher wants to demonstrate how to play dynamics?

I'll get to work on a video demo! The app has a sort of piano VSTI running in the browser, so what you hear will be reliably reproduced on the peer side.

Most (if not all) digital keyboards also support receiving MIDI which will be played by the piano's own sound engine!

This will probably require assigning the received MIDI to a different channel than 0 to allow simultaneous play without conflicting note offs and sustains.

Re: Show HN: A platform for remote piano lessons based on the Web MIDI API

#54

Post by semi-extrinsic »

JoshTriplett wrote: post #40

This sounds incredible, and I'd love to try it! A few immediate thoughts: As a student, I don't care about a two-sided platform (which is what it looks like you're trying to build). I want to sign up for vetted piano lessons through your site, and purchase a USB midi adapter that you recommend. As a short-term MVP, perhaps point people to a known-working adapter on a site with an affiliate program. Long-term you migh…

Regarding "USB MIDI adapter": Actually USB MIDI is the lowest common denominator for MIDI keyboards. If you pick up any used MIDI keyboard less than 10 years old, it will have USB. Something in the $40-$60 range on Craigslist is perfect.

The big choice for the beginner (or anyone) is how many keys do you want, and have space for? It goes all the way from 25 keys up to 88.

Then going up in price, models will start to include (in random order) old 5-pin MIDI in and out, velocity sensitive keys, (semi-)weighted keys, aftertouch, inputs for foot controllers, pads/knobs/faders for controlling a DAW, built-in sequencers, external sync in/out, CV and gate outputs for interfacing with modular gear, etc..

Re: Show HN: A platform for remote piano lessons based on the Web MIDI API

#55

Post by weinzierl »

When the pandemic hit we needed a quick solution for my daughter's piano lessons. I built a setup with OBS, Synthesia and an old Logitec web cam I had lying around (these were impossible to get new at the time).

I transmitted a frontal video of the player from the laptop cam, a top-down view of the center section of the keyboard (the cam angle was not wide enough for the whole), and the virtual keyboard from Synthesia. I had three different layouts of these elements in OBS, that could be switched by pressing the space bar. On the audio side I sent a mix from the laptop mic for voice plus the direct audio from the e-piano.

Served us well for the time.

One constraint that improved solutions probably don't have now was that teachers could not decide on a video conferencing software, so my setup-up needed to be independent. This almost made OBS a no-brainer, because of the virtual cam support.

Re: Show HN: A platform for remote piano lessons based on the Web MIDI API

#57

Post by phireal »

There's also https://plugandplink.com/, which includes a hardware component to help the person learning (lights on the snake).

The app also includes preprepared videos and lessons (scales, arpeggios etc.) which interact with the hardware component.

My son's been using it with a tutor remotely and it's been working great! Not only that, but he can use the app and the snake to self-guide his practise during the rest of the week.

Re: Show HN: A platform for remote piano lessons based on the Web MIDI API

#58

Post by vnorilo »

Ferret7446 wrote: post #17

From what I've heard MIDI controllers are not good for learning piano. You really want weighted keys and a full 88 keys otherwise you won't learn the right habits or build finger strength. (I learned on a physical piano in person, so I can't speak personally about learning on a MIDI controller, but it sounds plausible to me.)

It will be quite a while before anything else besides the student just engaging with playing and sticking with it matters at all. IMO.

To that end, I think a crappy plastic MIDI keyboard can do a better job than a steinway if it is easier to acquire and accommodate. Being at hand is more important than being just right at this stage.

I say this as a music major, but it is not in any way a universal opinion to be sure.

Re: Show HN: A platform for remote piano lessons based on the Web MIDI API

#59

Post by sss111 »

phireal wrote: post #57

There's also https://plugandplink.com/ , which includes a hardware component to help the person learning (lights on the snake). The app also includes preprepared videos and lessons (scales, arpeggios etc.) which interact with the hardware component. My son's been using it with a tutor remotely and it's been working great! Not only that, but he can use the app and the snake to self-guide his practise during the rest o…

this is cool and all but doesn't have a full sized piano version..? And $125?! (although probably because its 1st gen)

Re: Show HN: A platform for remote piano lessons based on the Web MIDI API

#60

Post by phireal »

sss111 wrote: post #59
phireal wrote: post #57

There's also https://plugandplink.com/ , which includes a hardware component to help the person learning (lights on the snake). The app also includes preprepared videos and lessons (scales, arpeggios etc.) which interact with the hardware component. My son's been using it with a tutor remotely and it's been working great! Not only that, but he can use the app and the snake to self-guide his practise during the rest o…

this is cool and all but doesn't have a full sized piano version..? And $125?! (although probably because its 1st gen)

Yeah, I think for learning, the 4(?) octaves is probably sufficient.

And cost is probably due to first gen, yeah. Plus, hardware development is pricey, I think.

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