APPLEGATE MUSIC LESSONS
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Playground Sessions for Windows, Mac, iPad

co-created by music legend Quincy Jones

Learn music theory from your favorite songs
To showcase the magic & relevance of music theory, Playground Sessions deconstructs popular songs and extracts their musical concepts to teach you everything you need, from rhythm, playing with both hands, reading music, and playing by ear, to more advanced topics.

Real-time feedback, progress charts, scores & levels
Playground makes learning fun and easy with real-time feedback, progress tracking, and fun games. Play a note right it turns green, play it wrong it turns red. Get scores, badges, easy to read progress charts, and level up.

Fun and easy-to-follow video lessons from world-class musicians
Learn from Harry Connick, Jr., YouTube star David Sides, and get live sessions from me. We'll all guide you from one lesson to another so you can discover the joy of music for yourself.
I would recommend Playground because I think the concept is genius. The concept of this software, the visual teaching, the real-time feedback and the gradient approach to learning with Left Hand, then Right Hand, basic, intermediate, advanced, etc. is brilliant and is really going to change the ability to make piano lessons fun, interesting and less expensive. 
-Dan Brown, Kentucky
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Setting Up

Piano Marvel is an astounding learning system, but it does require a few things to get started. I’ll be glad to answer any questions you may have about the information here.

​What You Need
You probably have most of what you need to take piano lessons online.
  • Piano Keyboard: Use any kind of electronic or non-electronic piano or keyboard. Keep in mind that with non-electronic pianos, you can use Piano Marvel, but you will not get all of the benefits.
  • Computer/Device: Use any computer (desktop, notebook, Windows or Apple). You can also connect with a tablet or smart-phone device.
  • Computer/Device Connection: A MIDI connection is required to use Piano Marvel in assessment mode which provides player feedback, scores, and progress tracking. Newer electronic keyboards only need a regular USB cable. Older ones may need a MIDI to USB transfer cable (these are keyboards with 2 connections (IN/OUT) on the back). These can be ordered from Amazon or a musical instrument store ($5-$35). iPads also need a Camera Connector. 
  • Webcam/Microphone: Most computers and other devices have a built-in webcam and microphone. The webcam can be optional.

Create Your Account
Music students can link their account to a teacher, which allows me to view practice minutes and scores. For security reasons, a teacher cannot link to a student account, but a student can link to a teacher account.

Please follow these steps:
  1. Go to https://pianomarvel.com/create-account/applegate and create your account.
  2. Once logged in, click on the profile tab in the upper right corner where it shows your name, and select My Teacher.
  3. Click on the edit button at the right end of the teacher space and then enter your teacher’s email address or referral code (applegate) in the box and click Assign Teacher button.

Your Lesson
Since the music will be displayed on your computer/device screen, place it close to you. When we start the lesson, I will probably show you how to share your desktop screen with me, so we are both seeing the same music. I may also request to control your screen, so I can show you how the app works and guide you through the lesson more efficiently. 
​​Piano Marvel now offers all Level 1 exercises and songs for free. Use my promotional code, "applegate" to get a 20% discount on a premium subscription.
Create Free Account

    want to register? Got a question?

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​As a piano teacher myself, I was anxious to find a teacher that would make learning music an enjoyable experience for my children. I am totally and completely happy with my children's lessons with Terry. He is patient and encouraging. He draws from a variety of resources to provide music that teaches, challenges, and is pleasant to play (and listen to). I highly recommend him!  ​- Anna H.

​Terry Smith is an excellent piano teacher. He is very knowledgeable in technique and the history of music. He was always on time and ended on time for his next student. He ​always made lessons enjoyable.   ​-Terri B.
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