Piano Wizard Premier (Windows)

With PIANO WIZARD PREMIER, kids (and adults) learn how to play the piano by playing a video game on the computer and using an attached keyboard as the controller. The Piano Wizard approach is very different from traditional music programs, which usually start by teaching kids how to read music. In this game, kids play music first and then learn musical notation.

Players start by hooking the included digital piano keyboard (Midi) to the computer using an USB port. Next, they select one of 200 available songs, including kids' favorites, classical, folk, and pop tunes; players can also download favorite Midi songs from the Internet. As they listen to the music, they practice hitting the correct note -- or notes. As players progress through the game's four steps, they learn to read music while playing.

Players may find that trying to improve their score is very motivating -- and as a result practice more. Tweens and teens will love that they can learn to play piano by practicing music that they've downloaded into game. While this product is fascinating to play, it would be better if it offered a suggested path of gameplay for the beginner. It has an "Easy Mode," but many of these songs are too challenging for kids new to the piano.