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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

#91

Post by keycon »

praash wrote: post #53
keycon wrote: post #16

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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.

Ah, great point--I'm adding that to my to-do as another setup option for users. Thank you!

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

#92

Post by keycon »

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…

Excellent suggestions, these ideas ring true to me. I'm going to start exploring this direction for growing the platform. Thank you very much!

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

#93

Post by jacquesm »

keycon wrote: post #82
jacquesm wrote: post #66

Very cool! I will definitely try this out, thank you for making it.

Hey, thanks! I'm a big fan of pianojacq!

I'm always amazed by how many people use it, parents that mail me about their kids 'pianojacq time' :)

There is no tracking on the site so I quite literally have no clue how many people use it and because it also works as a download there are plenty of offline users as well.

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

#94

Post by keycon »

Bewelge wrote: post #61

This is such a cool concept, congrats on shipping! I've been developing a webMIDI app myself for the past couple of years [0] and adding a multiplayer feature is something I've been eyeing for a while. May I ask how good the latency is? Some feedback on the landing page: - As others already pointed out, a video example showing the app would be really helpful. - I think allowing visitors to try out the piano and only…

I really appreciate the feedback, Bewelge, these ideas are all very helpful to me! I'll be making changes based on each one.

I haven't measured the latency directly. But, I did try this with my sister who lives across the US while also on a phone call with her. When she speaks or plays a note, I hear it through the app sooner than over the phone. So it's at least better than that!

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

#95

Post by hhyndman »

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.)

My Roland piano, with weighted keys, has MIDI.

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

#96

Post by bruce343434 »

The browser (firefox) says that allowing MIDI can have security implications - what's that all about?

ETA: I didn't see this on your website because I didn't create an account or anything. But I imagine it would pop up at some point during usage, and maybe you know more about this general popup. I've seen it before on other sites that want to use MIDI devices.

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

#97

Post by secabeen »

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…

That already exists, and is a relatively robust market, with multiple providers. I used https://pianomarvel.com/ for a while during COVID with some success.

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

#98

Post by yayitswei »

Anyone have recommendations for a good midi software instruments? I'd pay for a good piano or electric sound, and I haven't been happy with the GarageBand sounds I'm currently using. What are some good affordable options, and what's the best that money can buy?

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

#99

Post by brudgers »

ghostpepper wrote: post #41
brudgers wrote: post #22

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Most people don't have a place to put a Steinway, but you can put an MPK Mini MKIII and a laptop in a backpack. And what comes out of the speakers is the only thing that matters. Playing the piano means different things to different people.

Playing the piano and playing music with a 25-key mini keyboard controller are both laudable goals but that doesn't mean they're the same thing.

It doesn’t mean that people don’t mean, playing a 25 key mini keyboard when they want to learn to play the piano, either.

It just demonstrates the way in which people gatekeep music.

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

#100

Post by fakedang »

vidarh wrote: post #73
semi-extrinsic wrote: post #54

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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…

But it's a space where more expensive older hardware might still be worth it. E.g. my full piano size 24 year old Yamaha w/velocity sensitive keys and pedals still works flawlessly and the current version of it is still expensive new (at least from the point of view of a casual user...) It's now connected via a cheap USB adapter to my Chromebook (biggest issue: latency of the - mostly Android - apps) planning to conn…

Honest question, is there any possibility of easily installing Linux on a Chromebook?
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