Traditionally, the best way to learn how to play the piano is through private lessons with a teacher. However, not everyone can afford such a long-term investment.
In this case, there are two options: give up the dream of playing the piano or explore alternative methods.
One of these methods is the opportunity to learn piano through an app. This approach is not only more economical than private lessons but also allows students to stay in the comfort of their own home. What’s more, some apps enable learning and practice even without owning a piano! For dedicated learners, lessons or music school can be supplemented with an app as an additional study resource.
Here’s a list of the best apps for learning to play the piano.

Simply Piano

This app can be used on your smartphone or tablet.
One of the features of Simply Piano is the option to connect your piano or electronic keyboard to your device or play using the simulated keyboard on your tablet or smartphone.
This app is straightforward and user-friendly, although it lacks an option for the Italian language.

In the free basic course, users are shown notes on a staff, which they must replicate on the keyboard. If there are any mistakes, the app will prompt a repetition of the exercise, highlighting errors. This process continues with increasingly complex chords to help users advance in their piano learning journey.

The basic course alone enables beginners to grasp fundamental techniques and basic music theory concepts. If users find the app effective, they can transition to the more advanced, comprehensive course, available through a paid subscription.

It’s important to note that Simply Piano uses English notation. Instead of the familiar DO, RE, MI, users will encounter letters A, B, C, D, E, F, G. Once accustomed to this system, it’s easier to follow along, keeping in mind that the Anglo-Saxon system starts from A (LA) rather than C (DO).

Piano by Yousician

This app is also available for smartphones or tablets. To get the most out of Yousician, it’s preferable to have your own piano or electronic keyboard.

One of the app’s standout features is its versatility. Lessons and interactive exercises designed by professional pianists and teachers are useful for both beginners and those with a solid theoretical and practical foundation. Beginners can set their own pace, slowing down exercises and practicing as much as needed on each lesson.

It’s crucial for new learners not to be overwhelmed by the volume of lessons. Tools like Piano by Yousician are designed specifically for those who don’t know where the notes are located. Thanks to color-coded keys, users can identify notes on the keyboard and get guidance on finger placement for simple chords.

The free trial offered by Yousician helps beginners master basic piano techniques and foundational music theory. For those looking to progress further, a Premium subscription is available, granting unlimited access to lessons and content created by top musicians and teachers, starting at €4.99 per month for the basic package.
This app also supports learning bass, ukulele, and guitar.

OnlinePianist

OnlinePianist offers excellent services for those interested in learning piano.
A particularly appealing feature is the songbook.

Users can add songs by famous artists (Michael Jackson, Robbie Williams, and many more) to their songbook. When selecting a song, the ‘virtual piano’ of OnlinePianist displays color-coded keys to press and fingers to use. This virtual piano can also be opened separately for practice, with additional tools like a metronome.

For those already proficient, the main menu includes a ‘piano sheet music‘ section, offering numerous sheets of famous songs in various genres.
All features of OnlinePianist are available during a 7-day free trial. Subscription plans include quarterly, semi-annual, or annual packages, with the annual plan costing just over €5 per month.

Virtual Piano

Virtual Piano is one of the best apps for those who want to learn piano without owning one. After registration, users can transform their tablet or PC keyboard into a virtual piano for free.
The Virtual Piano teaching method is designed to immediately immerse beginners in playing, without prior knowledge. Even without knowing any notes, users can start playing by following lettered notes corresponding to the virtual piano keys.

Virtual Piano offers numerous tools to refine piano skills. An engaging feature is the ‘piano challenge,’ where two users compete to play the same song. This challenge allows beginners to practice with simple scales before tackling the main piece.

Virtual Piano also allows users to import the sounds of other instruments, such as violin or electric guitar, into the virtual keyboard.
While many features are free, a premium version (Virtual Piano Plus) is available, offering additional functionality for $48 per year.