This virtual piano is available in two modes that focus on ear training and note recognition. You can click the keys with your mouse or use your computer keyboard if you prefers a quicker, more tactile experience.
Two octaves is presented side by side on interface which shows your progress in real time and gives you a clear idea of how it is laid out. This mapping place the white keys on the home row and the row directly beneath them. To play a key, press ‘A’ to trigger ‘C’, ‘S’ to hit ‘D’, ‘D’ to play ‘E’, ‘F’ to play ‘F’, ‘G’ to play ‘G’, ‘H’ to play ‘A’ and finally ‘J’ to play ‘B’. For the black keys, these are placed in the upper row where ‘W’ is C sharp, ‘E’ is D sharp, ‘T’ is F sharp, ‘Y’ is G sharp and ‘U’ is A sharp. If you want to change which octave you’re focusing on, then just press 4 or 5 on the number row to toggle back and forth between two. This means that you won’t have to remove your hands from center of keyboard to reach across into other octave.
How to Use the Virtual Piano
There is an option under the prompt style selector that allow you to select type of practice required. The named mode shows you what note and octave you are supposed to identify (this can help with visual recall). The pitch class mode request a particular note, but it lets you choose any octave you want to reinforce idea of repeating pitch classes. The ear-only mode presents you with a sound but does not show you the note so that you has to listen out for the correct one.
There’s also a volume slider for the piano tones so you can set this to match your preferred level of hearing and surrounding environment.
By pressing the deal the next piano key button, you initiate another round with a randomly chosen target. By pressing the “drill a black-key landmark” button, you can narrow prompts to only include the black keys that is trickier to locate (i.e., sharps and flats). If you forget which note is being played or you missed it altogether, press the replay mystery keystroke button and it will play back the current target note’s sound. Lastly, if you want to see how semitones are spaced out visually, press the two-octave light chase button to plays a chromatic scale through both octaves.
Watch out for run counter in the top right corner of the screen which keeps track of your current run. That is how many notes you’ve correctly chosen in sequence so far and will reset back to zero when you gets it wrong. Below the keys, you’ll see the feedback area. It tells you instantly if you chose correctly or if you should of go back and check your key grouping or octave. At any point, you can hit the close arcade round button to close the round and reset your score.
For practicing try using both of these modes for hearing and seeing pitches. The first is called the named mode which you can use to get more confident in familiar areas. Then use the pitch class mode that covers more octaves to increase recognition. Finally when you feel secure, try the ear only mode that links sound back to actual keys on the piano. Get used to the layout by turning on the light chase function prior to playing through.
It’s also made with accessibility and responsiveness in mind. Switching into fullscreen mode gets rid of any distractions so that you can realy focus on prompts and your hands on the keys. If you need a quick reminder of what each key does or how to use it, there’s also help panel for easy reference.
Practice in small but regular intervals. Long, irregular practices aren’t as good then consistent ones. To get started, deal a prompt and allow yourself time to locate the right note in the correct key. Don’t fret if you gets it wrong! The system will provide feedback to show the way. As you continue using it, you’ll see your accuracy improve and your reaction time get faster.
It’s a secure platform to learn and test your piano knowledge. You can use it to study for an exam, learn how the piano works or get help reading music. Press the button below to begin your initial round of Deal The Next Piano Key.