Side by side
Piano Marvel vs Kawai ES120
Piano Marvel
21 positive (88%) · 3 mixed (13%) · 0 negative (0%)
Trust + time weighted: +89%
AI summary — not a quote
Piano Marvel is a highly recommended app on r/piano, particularly praised for its structured approach to learning and its robust sight-reading tools. It is frequently cited as a top choice for adult learners due to its immediate MIDI feedback, which tracks accuracy and rhythm, and its extensive library of graded pieces. While the sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, users note that the app prioritizes functionality over visual polish and may have limitations in teaching absolute beginners how to read music from scratch.
Pros
- Strong focus on sight-reading through the SASR (Standard Assessment of Sight Reading) tool
- Immediate MIDI feedback on note accuracy and rhythm
- Extensive library of thousands of graded pieces across various genres
- Structured method and technique sections that provide a clear progression path
Cons
- Sheet music engravings are frequently described as being of poor quality
- May lack sufficient introductory material for absolute beginners who cannot yet read music
- Note detection can occasionally be unreliable according to some users
- Some users find the sight-reading material insufficient for overcoming advanced plateaus
Top excerpts
I think piano marvel is your best bet
If you want to try out an app, Piano Marvel and Playground Sessions are two of the better ones, and I believe both have pretty active user communities and free trials so you can see how much you really use them.
I found Playground Sessions and Piano Marvel to be two of the better ones
I use piano marvel a lot, although you need to use it judiciously. ... It works best for sight reading, but pretty well for everything else. I think it is worth the price.
I’m enjoying Piano Marvel at the moment.
Kawai ES120
12 positive (75%) · 4 mixed (25%) · 0 negative (0%)
Trust + time weighted: +72%
Top excerpts
You might also find the likes of a used Roland FP30X, Kawai ES120, or Yamaha P125 for around $500.
Kawai ES120, ES520, ES920
Kawai for the action.
Try Kawai Es120, es520, Roland FP30x, FPe50, Yamaha P225, DGX670 (ghs, so normal length keys).
Here’s suggestions, Roland FP10 ($499 new), Roland FRP-NUVOLA ($599 new on sale at Costco with pedals, stand and I think a bench!), Roland FP-30X (on sale for $599.99 right now), Kawai ES60 ($499), Kawai ES120 ($949), Kawai KDP75 ($999). All of these are great beginner keyboards