Piano wizard Academy, Is any One Using this Method to Teach Children Music

[Micklereed]

Hi everyone,
  I really want to teach my son and daughter music. My son has expressed extreme intrest in my yamaha keyword ever since he was an infant. It is no surprise that my little man has express interest in music, he is born into a heavy musical family. My mom was part of the New Orleans' 50s and 60s music Group the Dixie Cups, (The Original Members are  my aunts) and my grandparents and Great Grandmother have been in gospel music groups. My great cousin through marriage is Mahalia Jackson. My husband plays saxaphone, I can sing and write music and my mother in law use to play piano.  I have been looking around for programs for him. I happed to come across Piano by colors by when I download the free lesson, my yamaha didn't match the Two paino teach option they had. Piano by numbers  just uses colored circle dots on different keys of the paino or keyboard. They have two key option charters. The colors are suppose to help the child tell the difference between each teach and learn how to play different songs on the piano.  I also Piano wizard academy. It is like piano by colors but it has more depth to it plus you get a keybord with colored keys. The price it a bit pricey, The complete package is like a bit over 500 dollars and their is a 200 as well.  http://www.pianowizard.com/ any one using this and if so, How is it?

[Kappasweet]

I am in the same boat as you, I want to find a good program for my son so that he can learn piano.  Karma to you for finding pianowizard, also check out Soft Mozart.  It is a similar program but doesn't rely so heavily on color coding.

[Micklereed]

ok,  I will do. I will check soft mozart but  I think I will get the pianowizard, though. I thought that Briill Kids was coming out with the little musician but I am uncertain now. Good luck with your music journey. cheers

[ChrisSalter]

We shared the free report on "Is Music a Birthright?"(http://www.brillkids.com/ext/partners/ebook-free-download-2.php) that gives some perspective the challenges of learning music, and their roots, some of which was brought out in our discussions. SoftMozart has some similar, more in depth articles on the origins and challenges of traditional music notation as well, the summary of which you can see in this thread

(http://forum.brillkids.com/teaching-your-child-music/information-about-music-history-and-theory-every-parent-should-know/new/#new).

What I also added, in a different section, to try and give some perspective of the range of approaches and choices, is a series of posts about the four common approaches to learning piano (up to now). I believe that our methods, both Hellene of SoftMozart and Piano Wizard Academy, begin to shape a "fifth way". What is important to appreciate is they were both developed in response to something that was not really working, in the context of the limitations of the other approaches, trying to compensate for those gaps and yet leverage their strengths. Though each method has its advocates and champions, including Hellene and I for our own, and those advocates can be as we have seen quite passionate and compelling, NONE OF THESE APPROACHES IS PERFECT. We do strive to honestly "perfect" our process every day, with more and more knowledge, and this forum has been I think very fruitful in its exploration of the options. Here is my latest contribution to that conversation.

http://forum.brillkids.com/teaching-your-child-music/four-common-approaches-to-learning-piano-some-pros-and-cons/msg60967/#msg60967

I don't know how many parents are following all this, but I can tell you if you are, you are now MUCH more knowledgeable about both the challenges of music education, and the pallet of options available, and I hope it helps you all find your own unique solution to your children's needs, and leads to a less dogmatic, more practical, efficient and fun way to bring music into their lives.

[ChrisSalter]

For those of you following some of the discussions on Piano Wizard, there is an update to Brillkids Piano Wizard Academy Offer, posted here for your convenience.

http://forum.brillkids.com/teaching-your-child-music/how-can-music-dramatically-affect-your-child's-development-and-lifetime-success/msg63964/#msg63964

[ShenLi]

Hi Chris,

I have been thinking about getting Piano Wizard. I like the program and what I've seen on Youtube but I do have some concerns regarding shipping.

Firstly, I live in Malaysia so I'm wondering what the cost of shipping would be like. Secondly, I am also concerned about having such a large package sent here (since I was planning to get the package with the keyboard). I have lost parcels in the mail before and get a little worried about receiving large deliveries through the mail. Thirdly, if I get the piano, the power cord will be the US power cord so I will need a converter for my country, won't I? Might it be better for me to get the package without the keyboard and buy my own keyboard here? What model would you recommend in the market that would be compatible with your program? I was looking at the music shop today and found one by Casio which has a USB connection. Yamaha keyboards also come with USB but the price is rather prohibitive. Honestly, the US$100 for the keyboard you offer is really a great deal but I worry I will have trouble with customs.

Anyway, I would love some advice. To summarise, I would like to know:

1. What are the shipping costs for both packages (with and without the keyboard)?
2. Will the power cord need a converter?
3. Have you ever sent Piano Wizard to Malaysia before? Were there any problems with delivery?
4. What keyboards would you recommend in the market that would be compatible with Piano Wizard?

Sorry, I didn't know where else to find this information. I  hope you can help.

Thanks and regards,
Shen-Li.

[ChrisSalter]

Shen-Li

First of all, Apa khabar? I have fond memories of playing soccer in college with a Malaysian team, very warm people. If you are Chinese Malay, then Ni hao? I will try and answer your questions below.

1. What are the shipping costs for both packages (with and without the keyboard)?
For Brillkids customers, we have a special bundle for $497, saving over $100 with the keyboard included. If you prefer without the keyboard, it is $397. These are available at the bottom of the Brillkids offer above.

2. Will the power cord need a converter?
Our keyboards are powered by USB, and so will work from the power of your computer, no separate power supply needed.

3. Have you ever sent Piano Wizard to Malaysia before? Were there any problems with delivery?
We have, and without problems, that does not mean it is not an attractive target for thieves. Perhaps delivery to a business would be safest.

4. What keyboards would you recommend in the market that would be compatible with Piano Wizard?
M-Audio keyboards were chosen by us because the are simple, professional quality, lightweight, inexpensive and USB powered. They have no built in sound, the game and computer supply the sound. Both Casio and Yamaha provide high quality keyboards, but they have many other options that if invoked during gameplay will confuse the game. You can simply turn the keyboard off and restart it to reset the keyboard to game play mode, but it can be more confusing to people. Also they are heavier and often require a separate power supply, and so can be more inconvenient when the computer is needed for other tasks.


I hope these answered your questions, I believe if you have Apple stores in your area or go online you can find M-Audio keyboards, or perhaps in music stores, they are also known as MIDI controllers. The shipping with keyboard adds to the expense, and at customs they sometimes charge more for keyboards that software or educational materials, so when feasible we recommend you purchase it locally.

Order soon so you can take part in the first bonus call with Don and Delayna Beattie this coming Wednesday!

Thanks (terima kasih) (xie-xie)

Chris

[ShenLi]

Hi Chris,

Thank you for your speedy reply! Yes, I'm Chinese, but I grew up in Australia so my Malay and Chinese is hopeless :-(

Right, I get it now - the $497 is inclusive of shipping. I thought there was an additional shipping cost on top of it. So it would be better for me to order the package without the keyboard and have it shipped to my husband's office.

I have found a local store selling M-Audio. I am a bit confused about the keyboard. Am I looking for a keyboard or a keyboard controller? For instance, are the M-Audio KeyRig 49 or the M-Audio Keystation 61es compatible? What model is the keyboard that comes with the Piano Wizard Academy? Both of these models are still more expensive than the Piano Wizard Keyboard, but I guess if I have to pay a customs duty on the Piano Wizard Keyboard, then it won't make much difference. I don't suppose you would be able to tell me if they charged a customs duty on your deliveries to Malaysia and how much? :-p  Seems to me it would be a lot easier just buying the whole package from you but if I'll run into problems at customs, then it's probably better for me to get the keyboard locally.

Sorry about being so pedantic about this. I had so much trouble the last time I ordered a series of Sign Language DVDs from the States that the memory of it still makes me nervous about purchasing large items online. By the time I was done with customs, with the amount I paid I could have bought two Piano Wizard Academy packages. Until today, my husband hasn't let me forget about it. Anyway, I'm rattling on. I hope you can help with with any info that you have.  Thanks so much!

Shen-Li.

[ChrisSalter]

Hi Chris,

Thank you for your speedy reply! Yes, I'm Chinese, but I grew up in Australia so my Malay and Chinese is hopeless :-(

Right, I get it now - the $497 is inclusive of shipping. I thought there was an additional shipping cost on top of it. So it would be better for me to order the package without the keyboard and have it shipped to my husband's office.

I have found a local store selling M-Audio. I am a bit confused about the keyboard. Am I looking for a keyboard or a keyboard controller? For instance, are the M-Audio KeyRig 49 or the M-Audio Keystation 61es compatible? What model is the keyboard that comes with the Piano Wizard Academy? Both of these models are still more expensive than the Piano Wizard Keyboard, but I guess if I have to pay a customs duty on the Piano Wizard Keyboard, then it won't make much difference. I don't suppose you would be able to tell me if they charged a customs duty on your deliveries to Malaysia and how much? :-p  Seems to me it would be a lot easier just buying the whole package from you but if I'll run into problems at customs, then it's probably better for me to get the keyboard locally.

Sorry about being so pedantic about this. I had so much trouble the last time I ordered a series of Sign Language DVDs from the States that the memory of it still makes me nervous about purchasing large items online. By the time I was done with customs, with the amount I paid I could have bought two Piano Wizard Academy packages. Until today, my husband hasn't let me forget about it. Anyway, I'm rattling on. I hope you can help with with any info that you have.  Thanks so much!

Shen-Li.

Shen-Li,

Right, I get it now - the $497 is inclusive of shipping. I thought there was an additional shipping cost on top of it. So it would be better for me to order the package without the keyboard and have it shipped to my husband's office.

This is not accurate. It is $397 without keyboard and WITHOUT shipping. I don't know what the shipping comes out to, enter the order and once you have the correct address in, hit refresh so you know it is updated in the shopping cart. You can also email Mary Menger our office manager at [email protected].

Am I looking for a keyboard or a keyboard controller? For instance, are the M-Audio KeyRig 49 or the M-Audio Keystation 61es compatible? What model is the keyboard that comes with the Piano Wizard Academy?

These terms are used interchangeably. Either of those will work, one is 4 octave, one is 5 octave, I believe both are USB powered but double check. We are now using the M-Audio KeyRig 49, their latest version, so getting it locally will probably save you some shipping and customs (which they paid and built in to the local price).

As for your past experience, I understand, in some ways the customs procedures are still medieval and predatory in most countries, and while the internet has blurred boundaries, the bureaucrats still want their pound of blood. I would order it without keyboard and get the keyboard locally, so they don't assume the whole $497 value is the keyboard and charge you wrong customs. As for your husband not letting you forget it, well, customs is complicated, and as I tell my wife, . . . Pobody's Nerfect!

Thanks

Chris

[ShenLi]

Thanks so much for your help and advice Chris!

[ShenLi]

Hello again Chris,

Our local supplier does not have stock of M-Audio and can tell me when the next shipment will arrive. She suggested the Alesis Q49. Would that be ok too?

Thanks again,

Shen-Li.

[ShenLi]

Oops typo - cannot. She cannot tell me when they are getting new stock. So I don't know how long I will have to wait. I just ordered the Piano Wizard so I can wait until it arrives but she expects delays becuase of the new year so I thought I'd just check with you whether the alternative she suggested would work, too.  Thanks!

[ChrisSalter]

Shen-Li,

Either will work, I suspect the Alesis is more complex and perhaps more expensive, but the game will work with any MIDI compatible keyboard. Check to see if it is powered by the USB cable. That is a major convenience if it is.

Have fun!

Thanks

Chris

[ShenLi]

Great. I'll check with them.  Yes, it's a little more expensive but I may not have a choice if they don't have stock of M-Audio. 

Thanks again, Chris.

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