Tiny Piano
Easy piano player, but watch out for ads and YouTube links.
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Tiny Piano
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this app.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Tiny Piano is a piano simulator that offers a fun but limited introduction to playing the piano. The free version of the app is peppered with ads and requires in-app purchase for additional songs or to upgrade to an ad-free version. An info screen for each song includes a brief history of the tune as well as links to iTunes to purchase an audio version and to YouTube to see the top videos for the title, some of which could have iffy content.
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What’s It About?
Players choose free-play mode or a specific song. The iPhone screen shows a two-octave piano keyboard, and the iPad fits just over four octaves. To play a song, kids can tap anywhere on the screen; though the keys for each note light up, players don't have to hit them. An info button takes players to a screen with a little history about each song as well as a link to YouTube for video performances of the song. Free-play mode requires more accuracy since players must tap on a specific key to hear it sound.
Is It Any Good?
TINY PIANO joins legions of other piano apps and offers only slight variation from what we've already seen. For one, the app is very simple and requires no piano skills. It sounds better if you know the melody and can hit the rhythm correctly, but overall, it's pretty difficult to mess up. For players looking for a more authentic piano player or for a way to learn to play, the free-play mode is a basic piano simulator. Also, the app offers a decent selection of free songs, including pop, folk, and classical.
On the down side, the scrolling banner ads are tiresome -- though for a few bucks, that can be remedied. And despite the range of genres represented, the song list is a little weak in cultural diversity. Songs from a broader range of cultures and faiths would be a nice addition.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Use the in-app YouTube link to find an appropriate example video to show your kids.
Support your kids' interest in music by taking them to live performances; check for special family events at your local symphony or performing arts center, or even local high schools and colleges.
App Details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
- Subjects: Arts: music, rhythm
- Skills: Health & Fitness: fine motor skills
- Pricing structure: Free
- Release date: June 29, 2012
- Category: Music
- Topics: Music and Sing-Along
- Publisher: squarepoet, inc.
- Version: 1.4
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 4.2 or later
- Last updated: August 19, 2016
Our Editors Recommend
-
Piano Free with Songs
While not perfect, it's a free and feature-rich simulator.
For kids who love music and creativity
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