You don’t need any previous experience to learn to play the piano with Skoove—nor do you need an upright piano. A USB/MIDI keyboard is perfectly fine for starting lessons with the online piano school. Of course, you can also use an acoustic piano to learn piano with Skoove.
Skoove was one of the first platforms to specialize in online piano lessons. Although some initially dismissed the idea of learning the piano online, the Berlin-based startup has since become one of the most well-known providers in this field. Skoove offers a wide repertoire of piano pieces, exercises, and lessons for various skill levels.
Learn to play the piano online: For more information, see our “eLearning Piano Lessons” guide on PIANOO.com.
In our initial review, we identified a few areas of Skoove that needed improvement. Many of these issues have been addressed in the latest update. This update primarily focuses on mobile devices, with the biggest change being the release of the Skoove app for Android devices.
We reviewed the new features and improvements in the iOS version of the app. One of the most notable changes is the addition of video explanations and voice-overs to the lessons, which makes it easier to focus on learning and playing. Previously, you had to read a lot before you could get started. These improvements should benefit beginners in particular.
After signing up for my Skoove account, I started receiving daily emails. These were not annoying spam but helpful and motivating tips for learning, practicing, and getting started. One suggestion was to practice for at least 15 minutes a day, which seems very reasonable. The only question is, what should you practice in those 15 minutes? Let’s take a look at the first beginner lesson.
Skoove places a strong emphasis on the practical aspect of piano playing: actually playing the piano. However, essential music theory is also covered and taught in context.
No prior knowledge is necessary to begin learning with Skoove. First, you’ll be guided through a setup dialogue where you can specify whether you’re using an acoustic piano, a MIDI keyboard, or your computer keyboard. Since your preferences are conveniently saved in your personal profile, everything will work right away the next time you log in.
No, the introductory lessons focus on the basics, such as identifying notes on the piano, playing them with simple fingerings, and maintaining proper hand positioning. Although this may sound theoretical, Skoove quickly moves on to practical examples and encourages you to play along in a variety of ways.
From the beginning, Skoove teaches you to read music with notes visualized alongside graphics of hands playing the keyboard. Each lesson begins with a brief introduction to an exercise or piece, allowing you to listen and observe where your fingers should go. You’ll pick up your first notes almost effortlessly, striking a great balance between learning and playing.
Skoove is available in both a browser-based version and an app. As mentioned above, there are currently some differences due to the recent update. While the Skoove app already has the new features, the web browser version has yet to be updated (as of June 2021).
Note that Skoove recommends using Google Chrome to set up a MIDI keyboard in the web version. Although this is a minor limitation that other platforms may not have, it ensures that MIDI and audio applications work seamlessly. For users, this means plug and play.
One of Skoove’s key advantages is its free iOS app, which is now available for Android devices as well following the 2021 update. The app’s built-in microphone is a practical feature that makes it easy to connect a digital piano to an iPad or iPhone via USB using a Camera Connection Kit or OTG adapter. If your digital piano supports Bluetooth MIDI, you can connect it to Skoove wirelessly.
iOS: Download the app from the Apple App Store.
Android: Download the app from Google Play.
With Skoove, you can learn to play the piano using a digital piano, MIDI keyboard, or acoustic piano. This last option sets Skoove apart from other online piano lessons. Skoove listens to your playing during lessons and confirms that you have played each exercise correctly.
The only requirement is that your device has a microphone, which is typically built into laptops, tablets, and smartphones. For desktop PCs, you may need to connect and configure a USB microphone or webcam. If you’re using a MIDI keyboard or digital piano, simply connect it via USB. On my MacBook, it was plug-and-play.
Skoove offers a wide range of courses for beginners and advanced learners, divided into three levels. There is also a section with piano songs adapted to different levels of difficulty. Most of the pieces are pop songs, including chart-topping hits by artists such as Ed Sheeran, as well as classics like Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple and Tainted Love by Soft Cell. You will also find iconic classical pieces from composers such as Beethoven, Mozart, and Bach.
Skoove includes sections on film music, the Beatles, blues and boogie piano, pop piano, and classical piano. Whether you’re learning Let It Be or “Clair de Lune, the selection is impressive. For those interested in music production more than piano performance, the “Keyboard for Producers” course focuses on elements such as chord progressions and hook lines. This is particularly helpful if you’re working with DAWs and synthesizers.
There’s even a film score course with 27 lessons covering tunes from popular films and TV shows. These include themes from Monty Python’s Life of Brian, Game of Thrones, Beauty and the Beast, Doctor Zhivago, Miami Vice, and timeless classics such as Chim Chim Cher-ee, the James Bond theme, and Jurassic Park.
The lessons are well presented, with a modern design and a selection of pieces that lean more towards contemporary pop music. This could be particularly appealing to adult returnees who may not want to revisit the classical piano repertoire from their earlier years.
One clear advantage of Skoove is its app for iOS and Android devices. The app is thoughtfully designed, user-friendly, and the tool for anyone learning on an acoustic piano. It uses the device’s built-in microphone to listen to the notes you play during lessons and provides instant feedback on whether you’re playing them correctly. During testing, the app occasionally had difficulty with notes that were in tune but slightly out of rhythm. Overall, however, it’s an excellent wireless feature.
Compared to other platforms, Skoove is more straightforward, which actually works to the advantage of many learners. The material is generally easy to grasp, especially for beginners. However, unlike some systems, Skoove does not use a Synthesia-style piano roll display.
Skoove offers a free trial to get you started, with the first 25 lessons available once you create a free account. Some digital piano manufacturers, such as Korg, also include free trial subscriptions with new instrument purchases. You can purchase subscription plans at music stores as well.
The paid version grants you unlimited access to over 400 lessons, regardless of the payment plan you choose. Skoove costs $29.99 (£24.99/€29.99) per month, but the price decreases with longer commitments: For example, $19.99 (£16.66/€19.99) per month for a three-month subscription, and just $12.49 (£10.41/ €12.49) per month with an annual subscription.
Paid plans also include monthly updates and personal support from trained piano teachers.
Like most eLearning systems, Skoove cannot fully replace traditional piano lessons, but it serves as a great supplement. Skoove is an excellent alternative for those who want to learn the piano at their own pace and on their own schedule. With the latest update (as of June 2021), Skoove has significantly improved the learning experience: An improved sheet music display, videos, and voice-over explanations make learning with Skoove more enjoyable than ever. The variety of lessons remains impressive, with courses tailored to three levels of difficulty.
A key advantage is Skoove’s ability to detect whether you are playing the correct notes. This feature works through both MIDI and a microphone, allowing you to take lessons with an acoustic piano, which sets Skoove apart from many other platforms. Skoove also works seamlessly with digital pianos and MIDI keyboards.
Another valuable feature is the app for iOS and Android devices. It’s user-friendly and makes learning to play the piano with Skoove even more convenient.
Click here to visit the Skoove website (affiliate)
Jörg Sunderkötter
One important feature that sets Skoove apart is that the app can "listen" to and work with an acoustic piano. While it cannot fully replace traditional piano lessons, Skoove serves as an excellent supplement, like most eLearning systems. It is ideal for those who want to take piano lessons at their own pace and on their own schedule. The latest update enhances the learning experience, making the Skoove app for iOS and Android even more appealing.
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