Pianoforall promises to teach you piano quickly, starting with chords. But does it work? I review its methods, pros, cons, and who it’s truly for.
Let’s be honest: traditional piano lessons have a reputation for being a slog. Weeks of finger exercises and simplistic tunes can leave even the most eager student feeling like they’re practicing for a recital in a nursing home, not the next Coachella.
Enter Pianoforall, the online course promising to fast-track you to playing real music, starting with chords, not sheet music.
As a professional pianist who’s paid my dues in conservatories and smoky jazz clubs alike, I was intrigued, but skeptical.
Could a chord-based method really deliver on its promises? Or is this just another case of overhyped e-learning?
To find out, I dove into Pianoforall’s ten ebooks and 24+ hours of video lessons.
This isn’t your average review full of affiliate links and empty praise. This is a pro pianist’s assessment of whether Pianoforall’s unconventional methods actually work, who they work for, and if they can truly hold a candle to the rigor of traditional training.
If you’re itching to tickle the ivories but dreading the slow burn, this is the review you need to read.
What is Pianoforall?
Pianoforall is an online piano course that takes a radical departure from the traditional method of learning. Instead of starting with sheet music and scales, Pianoforall prioritizes chords and rhythm.
It’s a “play first, ask questions later” approach, promising to get you jamming to popular tunes within days, not months or years.
The course is delivered through ten ebooks, each packed with embedded video lessons and audio examples. There are no live classes or instructors, but the self-paced format allows you to learn at your own speed and convenience.
The ebooks cover a wide range of styles, from pop ballads and blues to jazz and even a taste of classical music.
Pianoforall’s target audience is broad: complete beginners, returning players, and even those with some musical experience looking to expand their skills.
The course particularly appeals to adult learners who want to play popular music and aren’t necessarily interested in the rigor of classical training.
The chord-first philosophy is the backbone of Pianoforall. It’s based on the idea that understanding chords and rhythm is the foundation for musical expression.
By mastering chords, you can quickly play many popular songs and improvise your own melodies. This approach is a breath of fresh air for those who find traditional methods tedious or intimidating.
However, as a professional pianist, I see both the strengths and the potential drawbacks of this approach. While it’s undeniable that chords are essential for playing most popular music, starting with them exclusively can lead to gaps in theoretical understanding and difficulty transitioning to sight-reading later on.
