Have you ever dreamed of sitting down at a piano and just… playing? Not just stumbling through “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” but playing popular songs, soulful ballads, or groovy blues riffs that make people turn their heads. The journey from novice to confident pianist can feel long and daunting, often filled with tedious scales and classical theory. But what if there was a shortcut? This is the promise of Pianoforall, an online piano course that has gained a massive following. In this comprehensive Pianoforall review, we’ll dive deep into its method, structure, pros, and cons to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
What Exactly is Pianoforall?
Pianoforall is an online piano course created by Robin Hall. Unlike traditional piano lessons that start with sight-reading complex sheet music, Pianoforall takes a different approach. It’s built on the idea of learning chords and rhythms first. The core philosophy is to get you sounding like a professional pianist as quickly as possible. You learn to play by ear and improvise, focusing on the styles of popular musicians like Billy Joel, Elton John, Norah Jones, and Coldplay. The course is delivered through a series of interactive e-books, which contain embedded video and audio lessons.
Who is This Course For?
One of the most critical parts of any Pianoforall review is identifying its target audience. Pianoforall is exceptionally well-suited for:
- Absolute Beginners: If the thought of sheet music intimidates you, this chord-first method is a fantastic starting point.
- Aspiring Songwriters: Understanding chords is the foundation of songwriting. This course gives you the tools to create your own music.
- Players Who Quit Traditional Lessons: If you got bored with rigid classical training, Pianoforall’s fun, modern approach might reignite your passion.
- Adult Learners: The self-paced, straightforward method is perfect for adults who want to learn efficiently without the pressure of a live tutor.
Pianoforall’s genius lies in its simplicity. It teaches you the building blocks of ALL popular music—chords—so you can play hundreds of songs, not just memorize one.
Pianoforall Course Content: A Look Inside
The course is massive, containing over 200 video lessons and 10 in-depth e-books. Here’s a breakdown of what you get:
Book 1: Party Time / Play By Ear / Rhythm Piano
This is where it all begins. You’ll learn a simple set of chords and amazing rhythm patterns to make you sound incredible from your very first lesson.
Book 2: Blues & Rock ‘n’ Roll
Instantly apply your rhythm skills to classic blues and rock ‘n’ roll riffs. It’s incredibly fun and motivating.
Book 3: Chord Magic
This book dives deeper into the magic of chords, teaching you inversions and tricks to make your playing sound more professional and polished.
Book 4: Advanced Chords Made Easy
You’ll learn advanced concepts and chords, but in the classic, easy-to-understand Pianoforall style. This book unlocks a whole new level of musical expression.
Book 5: Ballad Style
Learn to create beautiful, soulful melodies and harmonies in the style of ballad legends. This section also teaches you how to improvise your own ballads.
Book 6: All That Jazz & Blues
Take a trip to the cool world of Jazz. This book breaks down jazzy rhythms, progressions, and gives you a great foundation in this sophisticated genre.
Books 7-9: Advanced Topics & Taming the Classics
These books cover advanced blues, stride piano, and even a unique approach to learning classical pieces by composers like Beethoven and Bach, focusing on the patterns and chords within their music.
Book 10: The Art of Improvisation
This bonus book ties everything together, solidifying your ability to improvise and truly make the piano your own instrument.
Pianoforall Review: The Pros and Cons
What I Liked (The Pros) ✅
- Incredible Value: It’s a one-time payment for lifetime access. No recurring subscriptions. This is a huge plus compared to many competitors.
- Fast Results: The method is designed to build confidence quickly. You sound good from day one, which is a powerful motivator.
- Comprehensive & Versatile: It covers a wide range of popular styles, from pop and ballads to blues and jazz.
- Downloadable Content: You can download everything and learn offline, anytime, anywhere. You don’t need a constant internet connection.
- Teaches Practical Skills: Learning to play by ear, improvise, and create your own music are invaluable skills not always taught in traditional lessons.
What Could Be Better (The Cons) ❌
- Dated Video/UI: The videos are clear and effective, but they don’t have the high-production shine of some newer apps. The e-book interface is functional but not ultra-modern.
- Weak on Sight-Reading: The course intentionally de-emphasizes traditional sight-reading. If your goal is to become a classical concert pianist who can read any sheet music on sight, this is not the most direct path.
- Requires Self-Discipline: Unlike an app that sends you reminders, Pianoforall requires you to be self-motivated to sit down and work through the e-books.
Final Verdict: Is Pianoforall Worth It?
After a thorough Pianoforall review, the answer is a resounding yes, for the right person. If your dream is to play popular music, understand how songs are constructed, improvise freely, and impress your friends and family, Pianoforall is arguably one of the best and most cost-effective ways to achieve that.
While it may not be the top choice for aspiring classical musicians, its practical, chord-based approach is revolutionary for the modern learner. The one-time fee for lifetime access makes it an unbeatable value proposition in a market saturated with expensive subscriptions. For a small investment, Pianoforall delivers a massive library of knowledge that can genuinely take you from a complete beginner to a confident, capable pianist.