This is a very simple application, but for its intended audience, it is terrific. Easy Piano teaches you basic music theory, starting from notation, to tempo, to rhythm, and so on. Unfortunately, it stops at making harmonic chord, so you'll have to learn it on your own. The program does allow you to make a 3 note harmonic chord, so this isn't a big problem.
In addition to music lessons along with mini-games, you also gets to practice songs. There are 4 categories. Good selection of songs there. You have to unlock the songs, but fortunately, the game provides 2 levels of difficulties. I still hate it that you have to unlock them, though. Why can't they just provide all the songs immediately. I'm rather surprised by some of the Pop songs provided. Madonna's Material Girl is in there!
The last section is writing your own song, and it is here that the program shines. Although there are good music programs out there, such as Korg DS plus, and WarioWare DIY, this one allows you to just jam the notes using the keyboard. It also includes Metronome sound, so you can play the music according to tempo. There are minimal editing function, but what's there is enough to create your own music.
The difference of interface between this and others is that with Easy Piano, you just play in real time (you can drop notes on screen as well, not necessarily in real time) and that makes it very easy to compose songs. No need to learn what a "phrase" is. No need to jump to different screens to organize such phrases. Just jam on the keyboard provided! You can also use the on-screen keyboard, although if you go that route, you lose the ability to put harmonic notes. Yes, you can do harmonic with the keyboard, up to 3 notes. There's also the option to display the notes traditionally, instead of using bars. I like that.
The physical keyboard is well made. Sturdy yet felt cheap. The keys are too small for my hands, so don't expect for adults to be able to play this toy piano well. Small children, however, should find it a great toy, better than traditional toy piano. There is no MIDI interface possible, which is disappointing. Especially, since the program can be used mostly without it. You lack real time harmonic input without it, but that's it.
Nintendo DSi owners who wants to get a piano program to record their own music shouldn't stay away from it. I think even small children, say age 3 or over, can use this program well. It's really simple and easy to use. There is a limit of 32 measures for the song, so you certainly can't compose a long and involved song. It's perfect for simple pick up and jam sessions, though. If you have DS, or DS Lite, then this is one of those "must-have" program. Even too small for my hands, I miss the physical keyboard feature when I play it on my DSi.
Get more detail about Easy Piano DS.
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