The eMedia Intermediate Piano and Keyboard Method Review

Product Overview

eMedia Intermediate Piano and Keyboard Method is a full software suite to help the intermediate level pianist advance. It covers all intermediate techniques in depth and with style.

Eight full lessons include many videos as well as in-play audio tips and tricks. An animated keyboard demonstrates correct fingering techniques and interactive feedback screens at the end of each lesson allow you to fully assess your progress.

Topics covered in eMedia Intermediate Piano and Keyboard Method include:

• Intervals
• Advanced hand positions
• Building dexterity
• Advanced rhythms and transitions
• Expression marks and voicing
• Ensemble piano playing

The software is available in an Educational Edition for school or studio use, and a consumer version for home use.

The Educational Edition is the same as the consumer version, with the added feature of progress tracking for up to 250 users and a printed Teacher's Guide.

Whether you learned to play using the first eMedia Piano and Keyboard Method, took traditional lessons, or are completely self taught, you can master the simple program interface in a matter of minutes.

The eight lessons are aimed at taking you from intermediate level to advanced play, guided by your "virtual maestro", Vadim Ghin. In the 50 full motion videos, he guides you step by step through each concept, with the help of the interactive, animated keyboard and digital tools.

There are over 50 songs, ranging from Classical to Blues: Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, Mozart's 21st Piano Concerto, and works by Irving Berlin and Jelly Roll Morton. Also, songs for ensemble play are included with full orchestral accompaniment.

The only drawback is that the virtual maestro's attempts at chumminess detract slightly from the professionalism of the presentation.

Also, there is not an option to purchase the software with a MIDI keyboard, but as this is an intermediate course, you will most likely have something to practice on already.

eMedia Intermediate Piano and Keyboard Method includes:

• Over 50 songs, some with orchestral accompaniment
• 50 full motion videos
• Song highlighting and looping
• 150 lessons
• Digital Metronome
• Digital Recorder
• Interactive Ear Training Exercises
• Keyboard Feedback

This course is suitable for the intermediate and advanced player and older children.

The software is available for the following operating systems:

• Windows 95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / Me / XP
• Mac OS 7.5.3+
• Mac OS X 10.2+

• Educational version - $99.95
• Consumer version - $59.95

• Interactive feedback reinforces lessons
• Lessons are easy to understand
• Full motion video enhances learning

• Costs extra for multiple user tracking.

This is a high quality piece of software, created by an excellent teacher, and it comes at a reasonable price.

Although the maestro's attitude may make you smirk at times, it doesn't lower the quality of the lessons. As long as you don't need to fully concentrate all of the time, you will not be bothered.

If you are looking to take your playing to the next level, you'd be hard put to find a more complete, enjoyable program like eMedia Intermediate Piano and Keyboard Method.

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