The Piano Wizard Method combines the way in which people naturally learn, with the basic components of piano playing, to create a stress free, fun experience that consistently proves successful for both children and adults.  This game based method teaches Tempo, Timing, Fingering, Note Names and Reading of Notation while practicing with either right, left or both hands.  The 4 Step Method advances the student from playing a video game to reading music.

Step 1 is oriented vertically to make initial learning easiest.  The game objects rise from the bottom to the top along a corresponding colored line that matches the color code of the key being used.  The key is pressed when the game object reaches the matching key of the piano graphic at the top of the page and the game object changes as the note is played.

Step 2 changes to a horizontal orientation, to correspond with how sheet music is written and read.  This allows the player to quickly adapt to the horizontal nature of music notation and assists in coordination by keeping the right hand corresponding to the game objects on the top of the screen and the left on the bottom.

Step 3 keeps the horizontal orientation but changes the game objects to matching colored musical notes on a musical staff.  This transition allows the player to keep the same key matching color scheme while learning musical notation.

Step 4 changes the colored notes to black on a musical staff.  The player is now playing piano and reading music.

 
As a bonus, we added Step 5. This is playing from the sheet music while in Jam Mode in the Piano Wizard game or playing from the sheet music at the piano.

The Tempo of the game is adjustable and can be set to the player’s skill level. 

Timing is learned by pressing keys at the appropriate time while the symbols are between the green and red lines on the piano key graphic at the top of the page.  This is also adjustable to the player’s skill level.

There is a fingering option that places the number of the finger of each hand on the game object (or note) as it moves toward the piano keys graphic. This allows the player to learn proper fingering for each key as they learn new songs.

There is Note Name option that places the name of the note being played next to the game object (or note symbol) as it moves towards the piano keys graphic.  This allows the player to learn the name of the note as they press the corresponding key.

The most important aspect of the Piano Wizard Method is that the player is rewarded with applause at the completion of each level regardless of score.  This makes learning a positive, fun experience.