Simply Piano
A self-paced piano app from Simply (formerly JoyTunes) that listens to your real piano or keyboard and gives instant feedback. Kids and adults follow step-by-step courses and play from a large song library; full access needs a paid subscription.
What is Simply Piano?
Simply Piano is a piano learning app from Simply, the company formerly known as JoyTunes. You put a phone or tablet on the music stand, and the app listens to what you play on a real piano or keyboard. It tells you right away whether you hit the right notes and moves you forward when you're ready.
Simply designs its kids experience for ages 6 to 12, but adults use it too. The company highlights a partnership with Trinity College London and lists more than 5,000 songs on its kids page.
How it works
Lessons are short and game-like:
- Courses: Step-by-step lessons take you from finding notes to reading sheet music and playing with both hands. After the basics, you choose a Soloist path (melodies) or a Chords path (accompaniment).
- Song library: Pop hits, classical pieces and Disney songs, with adjustable tempo.
- Workouts: Personalized 5-minute practice sessions.
- Touch courses: An on-screen keyboard for kids who don't have a piano yet.
A typical day is 5 to 20 minutes. Most kids can work alone once the app is set up. Parents may still want to watch hand position now and then, since the app hears notes but can't see fingers.
What it covers
The courses focus on note reading, rhythm, both-hands coordination, chords and playing songs. That's a strong beginner foundation. Simply Piano goes less deep on music theory, ear training and technique than a teacher-led method such as Hoffman Academy.
Who it's best for
It fits beginners who want quick wins with songs they know, busy families, and homeschoolers adding a no-prep music elective. Families with several learners get the most value from the Family Plan's 5 profiles. If your child needs technique coaching, plan on a teacher too. Browse more options in arts and music programs.
Pricing at a glance
The first course is free with no time limit. Premium is sold monthly or yearly, and Simply says prices vary by country, platform and offer. As of October 2026, the US App Store lists 12 months at $119.99 and a Family Plan at $179.99. The 7-day free trial applies only to yearly plans.
Can a scholarship or ESA pay for it?
Possibly. Simply says Simply Piano is available to eligible ESA families in Texas, Louisiana, Utah, Wyoming, South Carolina, Arizona and Florida. Depending on the state, you buy through a program marketplace, send an invoice, or pay and then ask for reimbursement. Each program decides what qualifies. Check Arizona, Florida or Texas, or start at our scholarships hub. Save Simply Piano to your wishlist and apply once on Edulist.
How it compares
- flowkey uses real pianist videos and a Wait Mode, and its US prices are published openly.
- Yousician covers piano plus guitar, bass, ukulele and singing on one plan.
- Hoffman Academy is a full kids' piano method with ear training and theory, built around video lessons.
- Piano Marvel suits students who want serious sight-reading practice.
For the youngest kids, try Music Together classes before formal piano. Browse more early learning programs.
Who Simply Piano is for (and who it isn’t)
Best for
- Beginners ages 6 and up who want to play familiar songs quickly
- Families with several learners, using the 5-profile Family Plan
- Kids who need short, motivating daily practice
- Homeschoolers adding a low-prep music elective
Look elsewhere if
- Students who need feedback on hand position and posture
- Families wanting a deep music theory or ear-training sequence
- Anyone without a piano or keyboard at home
Simply Piano pros and cons
Pros
- Works with any acoustic or digital piano using just the device microphone
- Instant feedback keeps beginners on track without a parent at the bench
- Large song library kids recognize, with adjustable tempo
- Family Plan covers 5 profiles and Simply's other apps
- Ad-free kids environment with song-hiding controls
Cons
- Full access requires a subscription, and prices vary by offer and platform
- Free trial only on yearly plans; auto-renews unless canceled 24 hours ahead
- Microphone note detection can't judge technique or posture
- Less depth in theory and sight reading than a teacher-led method
What’s included
- Listens through the device microphone or MIDI and gives real-time feedback on any acoustic or digital piano
- Step-by-step courses from reading notes to playing with both hands, plus Soloist and Chords paths
- Song library with pop, classical and Disney songs that can be slowed down
- Personalized 5-minute workouts and practice sheet music
- Family Plan with up to 5 profiles and access to Simply's other apps
- Ad-free, with no contact with strangers; parents can hide songs
How much does Simply Piano cost?
Simply says prices depend on your country, platform (App Store, Google Play or web) and plan, and it runs limited-time offers, so two families can pay different amounts. As of October 2026, the US App Store in-app purchase list shows 12 months of Premium at $119.99 (with other yearly offers from $95.99 to $149.99), 3 months at $74.99, and a Family Plan at $179.99. Check the price in the app under Menu, then Join Simply, before you buy.
| Plan | Price | Billed | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 months Premium (US App Store list price) | $119.99/yr | Yearly | $10/mo |
| 3 months Premium (US App Store list price) | $74.99 | One-time | — |
Free trial: A 7-day free trial is offered on the yearly plan only, one trial per account or Apple ID. Cancel at least 24 hours before it ends to avoid being charged.
Prices from the provider, checked 2026-10-13. Always confirm on the official site.
Future opening updates
Applications are not open on Edulist. Saving a product does not subscribe you or establish eligibility. Visit your wishlist to opt in for updates.
View wishlistWhat parents say
A summary of public parent feedback we read on forums, app stores and review sites. It is not a set of Edulist family reviews.
On the US App Store, Simply Piano holds a 4.7-star average from more than 850,000 ratings, and it is an Editors' Choice. A small set of Trustpilot reviews (8 as of October 2026, on an unclaimed profile) skews negative, almost entirely about billing: charges during or right after a free trial, auto-renewal and hard-to-find cancellation. Several of those same reviewers still praised the app as a good way to learn.
Common praise
- Very high average rating from a very large number of app users
- Seen as an easy, motivating way for beginners to start
- Support sometimes resolves renewals and refunds quickly
Common complaints
- Unexpected charges around free trials and renewals
- Cancellation and refunds confusing, especially across platforms
- Yearly price feels high to some families
Sources: apps.apple.com · id1019442026 · trustpilot.com · hellosimply.com
Simply Piano family reviews
Be the first to review
Loading…
Simply Piano FAQs
How much does Simply Piano cost?
Prices vary by country, platform and current offer. As of October 2026, the US App Store lists 12 months of Premium at $119.99, 3 months at $74.99 and a Family Plan at $179.99. Open the app and tap Menu, then Join Simply, to see your exact price.
Is Simply Piano free?
Partly. The first course, Piano Basics, and the on-screen Touch Intro course are free with no time limit. Advanced courses and the full song library need a Premium subscription.
Does Simply Piano have a free trial?
Yes, a 7-day free trial on the yearly plan only, limited to one per account or Apple ID. Cancel at least 24 hours before it ends if you don't want to be billed.
How do I cancel Simply Piano?
Deleting the app does not cancel your plan. Cancel through Apple Subscriptions, Google Play subscriptions, or, for web and Stripe purchases, in the app under Menu, Settings, My Account, Manage. Your access continues until the paid period ends.
What age is Simply Piano for?
Simply designs its kids experience for ages 6 to 12, and the App Store rates it 4+. Teens and adults use the same app with adult-focused courses.
Can the whole family share one Simply Piano subscription?
Yes, with the Family Plan. It includes up to 5 premium profiles plus Simply's other apps, and each person can log in on their own device with the account email.
Can I use ESA funds for Simply Piano?
Simply says ESA families in several states, including Arizona, Florida, Texas and Utah, can buy it through program marketplaces or reimbursement. Each program sets its own rules, so check yours and save Simply Piano to your Edulist wishlist.
Is Simply Piano better than piano lessons?
It is cheaper and more flexible, and it is great for getting started. A teacher can correct posture and technique and push musicianship further, so many families use the app for practice and add lessons later.
Sources and last checked
Checked 2026-10-13 against these sources:
- hellosimply.com · simply piano
- hellosimply.com · simply piano homeschooling
- hellosimply.com · piano for kids
- hellosimply.com · esa
- apps.apple.com · id1019442026
- piano-help.hellosimply.com · 11056528 what can i access for free in simply piano
- piano-help.hellosimply.com · 2728030 subscribe to simply piano
- piano-help.hellosimply.com · 2636337 turn off the subscription renewal for simply piano
- piano-help.hellosimply.com · 2639396 request a refund for simply piano
- piano-help.hellosimply.com · 2749747 learn with your family multiple profiles
- piano-help.hellosimply.com · 7851550 understanding simply discounts
- trustpilot.com · hellosimply.com