Piano With Jonny - A Comprehensive Review (2024)

Thinking about taking online piano lessons with Jonny May? Read our in-depth review of Piano with Jonny to see if it's the right fit for your musical goals and learning style.

So, you've got a keyboard collecting dust in the corner, and a feeling that you're missing out on a whole world of musical fun. Maybe you've dabbled in piano lessons before, but those dusty scales and metronome-induced boredom just weren't your jam. Or perhaps you're a total beginner, staring at those 88 keys with a mix of excitement and intimidation.

Enter Piano with Jonny (PWJ), the online course that promises to inject a healthy dose of fun and personality into your piano practice.

But does it live up to the hype? As a professional pianist who's been around the musical block (and tinkered with my fair share of gadgets), I decided to put PWJ through its paces.

In this review, we'll take a deep dive into what makes this course tick, exploring its unique features, teaching style, and overall effectiveness. We’ll also compare it against one of the most popular piano course online.

We'll uncover its strengths and weaknesses, compare it to other popular options, and ultimately help you decide if PWJ is the right fit to transform you from a keyboard fumbler into a bonafide piano maestro.

So, buckle up, music lovers, and get ready to discover if Piano with Jonny can truly hit all the right notes.

Who is Jonny May?

Jonny May is a highly skilled pianist and piano educator hailing from Southern California.

With a lineage deeply rooted in the world of music, being the grandson of the renowned concert composer/educator Walter May and Juilliard-trained cellist Mary Eleanor May, Jonny's destiny to pursue a career in music performance and education was evident from an early age.

Growing up in a musically diverse environment as one of eight children, Jonny's journey began with classical piano lessons at the tender age of 4. His parents exposed him to a wide range of musical genres including jazz, blues, pop, and rock, creating a rich tapestry of influences.

As Jonny fondly recalls, "During my childhood, the melodies of Bach, the brilliance of Bill Evans, and the timeless charm of the Beatles resonated equally through our household radio."

Even as a young boy, Jonny's passion for music was nurtured by his father, David May, a music entertainment attorney and accomplished jazz bassist. Jonny's father would often bring him along to his jazz gigs, igniting a deep love and appreciation for jazz standards within Jonny's heart.

By the age of 8, Jonny began composing his own melodies at the piano, showcasing his innate talent and creativity. Remarkably, by the age of 14, he was already performing as part of the local college big band, impressing audiences with his remarkable skills.

During his formative years, Jonny had the privilege of training under the guidance of two esteemed mentors: the legendary Disneyland Ragtime Pianist Johnny Hodges and jazz pianist Larry Flahive.

Their expertise and tutelage propelled Jonny's musical prowess to new heights. By the time he turned 16, Jonny was already captivating audiences as a professional pianist at local restaurants and private events.

At the remarkable age of 18, he achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the youngest-ever Disneyland Ragtime Pianist, solidifying his reputation as a prodigious talent.

In 2013, Jonny embarked on a new venture, launching his own YouTube channel. Since then, his piano performances have garnered an astounding 25 million views, thanks to his infectious enthusiasm, clear explanations, and playful approach to music education.

It's this same infectious energy that Jonny brings to Piano with Jonny, his online learning platform. He's like the cool music teacher you wish you had in school – the one who made you actually want to practice. His lessons are packed with humor, real-world examples, and a genuine passion for helping students discover the joy of playing.

Jonny, along with his co-founder Yannick Lambrecht, established the piano education platform PianoWithJonny.com. This remarkable online community boasts over 9,000 piano students from across the globe who have signed up to learn from Jonny's expert instruction.

Jonny's exceptional talent has graced prestigious venues such as Universal Studios, The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., and even Comedy Central.

He has had the honor of collaborating with esteemed artists including Tony Winner Lin-Manuel Miranda, Grammy Winner Lari White, Latin American Idol winner Mayré Martínez, versatile actor/comedian Tom Wilson, and the acclaimed band Postmodern Jukebox.

Jonny's versatility and ability to seamlessly blend into various musical genres make him a sought-after collaborator and a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.

Jonny May's passion for music, his dedication to education, and his remarkable talent as a pianist have solidified his position as an influential figure in the world of piano performance and instruction.

Whether you're a fan of his viral videos or a newcomer to the PWJ community, Jonny's personality and expertise shine through in every lesson.

He's the kind of guy who makes you feel like you're jamming with a friend, not just following a rigid curriculum. And that, my fellow pianists, is a rare and valuable gift.

PWJ's Digital Playground

Let's be real, practicing scales and arpeggios can feel like a chore. But Piano with Jonny (PWJ) isn't your average piano lesson grind. It's more like a musical playground packed with tools and resources that make learning feel like, well, playing.

1. Video Course Library

PWJ's crown jewel is its massive library of over 1,200 HD video lessons. This isn't just a collection of random tutorials; it's a carefully curated curriculum that covers everything from beginner basics to advanced improvisation techniques.

Whether you're into jazz, blues, funk, gospel, rock, or pop, there's a lesson (or ten) waiting to tickle your musical fancy.

The library is constantly growing, with new content added each month. And the best part? It's all organized by style and learning focus, so you can easily find the lessons that resonate with your interests.

2. Smart Sheet Music

Remember those frustrating hours spent deciphering sheet music? PWJ's Smart Sheet Music aims to change that. It's a revolutionary feature that combines traditional notation with video tutorials and a light-up keyboard.

As you play along, the notes illuminate on the screen and the virtual keyboard, giving you real-time feedback and making it easier to learn new pieces. It's like having a patient and knowledgeable tutor right there with you, guiding you through every note.

3. Downloadable Resources

Beyond the video lessons and Smart Sheet Music, PWJ offers a treasure trove of downloadable resources:

• Unlimited Sheet Music: Practice the pieces you're learning with professional-quality sheet music.

• Backing Tracks: Jam along with backing tracks to develop your timing and groove.

• Practice Logs: Track your progress and stay motivated.

• Premium Arrangements: Get exclusive discounts on professionally arranged sheet music for popular songs.

4. Weekly Q&A's and Monthly Workshops

Interaction and engagement are vital components of the PWJ Membership. Every week, you have the opportunity to join the live-streamed Office Hours with Jonny and guest teachers.

During these Q&A sessions, you can seek personalized feedback, clarification on concepts, and answers to your burning questions. This direct interaction with experienced instructors fosters a supportive and encouraging learning environment.

The monthly workshops take your learning experience to the next level. Led by Jonny himself, these workshops provide an immersive deep-dive into specific topics that are chosen by the PWJ community through voting. It's an opportunity to enhance your skills, gain valuable insights, and explore the intricacies of music theory and technique.

5. Weekly #PWJChallenges

Injecting fun and camaraderie into your piano practice, the weekly #PWJChallenges provide a unique way to engage with fellow members from around the world.

These challenges encourage you to practice specific techniques, explore new styles, or work on improvisation skills. By participating, you not only enhance your own playing abilities but also connect with a vibrant community of like-minded individuals.

At the end of each month, all participants of the #PWJChallenges are recognized for their dedication and progress.

This celebration of members' achievements further cultivates a sense of accomplishment and motivation within the community.

6. Amazing Community Support

Piano With Jonny boasts an incredible community that spans across platforms like Facebook and the PWJ Forums. Engaging with fellow members, sharing experiences, and seeking guidance from peers create a supportive network of piano enthusiasts.

The community aspect of the PWJ Membership fosters inspiration, motivation, and a sense of belonging, making your piano journey even more enjoyable.

The PWJ Membership offers an unparalleled piano learning experience. With its extensive Video Course Library, Smart Sheet Music technology, downloadable resources, interactive Q&A sessions, challenging weekly activities, and a vibrant community, the membership caters to pianists of all levels.

Guided Learning Tracks

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of content, PWJ offers Guided Learning Tracks to help you stay on course.

These tracks provide a structured curriculum for different levels and musical styles, so you can progress at your own pace and focus on the areas that interest you most.

PWJ Guided Learning Tracks

So, whether you're a beginner looking for a fun and easy way to start your piano journey, or a seasoned pro seeking new challenges and inspiration, PWJ's got you covered. It's a digital playground where learning is anything but boring.

Tailored Curriculum

Each Guided Learning Track is carefully curated to cater to specific skill levels and musical interests. Whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player, there's a track that aligns with your current abilities and desired areas of growth.

The curriculum within each track is thoughtfully organized to ensure a gradual and comprehensive development of your piano skills.

Progression and Mastery

The Guided Learning Tracks are designed to guide you through a progressive journey of learning. You'll start with foundational concepts and gradually move towards more advanced techniques and repertoire.

This step-by-step approach allows you to build a solid foundation while continually challenging yourself and expanding your musical abilities.

The tracks also focus on mastery, ensuring that you gain a deep understanding of the concepts and techniques covered.

Through consistent practice and application, you'll develop a strong command of the material and be able to incorporate it into your playing with confidence.

Diverse Musical Styles

One of the advantages of the Guided Learning Tracks is the exposure to a variety of musical styles.

Whether you're interested in jazz, blues, pop, rock, gospel, or other genres, there are tracks that specialize in each style. This diversity allows you to explore different musical expressions and broaden your repertoire.

Each track incorporates signature elements and techniques associated with the specific style, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the genre.

Guidance and Support

Throughout your journey on the Guided Learning Tracks, you'll receive expert guidance and support from the Piano With Jonny team. The curriculum is designed by Jonny himself, ensuring that you're learning from a knowledgeable source.

The video lessons within the tracks provide clear explanations, demonstrations, and practice tips to aid your understanding and progress.

Additionally, you'll have access to the PWJ community, where you can interact with fellow members who are also following the Guided Learning Tracks.

This supportive community offers a space for sharing experiences, asking questions, and receiving feedback, creating a motivating and collaborative environment.

Flexibility and Personalization

While the Guided Learning Tracks provide a structured curriculum, they also offer flexibility and room for personalization.

You have the freedom to choose the track that aligns with your interests and goals. Within each track, you can adjust the pace of your learning to suit your individual needs and schedule.

Smart Sheet Music: Learning Made Easy

Learning to read sheet music is an essential skill for any pianist, but it can be a daunting task for beginners. That's where Smart Sheet Music comes in.

At Piano With Jonny, they have revolutionized the learning experience by introducing Smart Sheet Music, a groundbreaking technology that makes learning to read music easier and more enjoyable than ever before.

What is Smart Sheet Music?

Smart Sheet Music combines traditional sheet music with innovative technology to create a dynamic and interactive learning experience. It integrates sheet music, video tutorials, and a light-up keyboard feature to guide you through the process of reading and playing music.

How does it work?

When you access a Smart Sheet Music piece, you'll see the standard musical notation displayed on your screen, just like a traditional sheet music score. However, what sets it apart is the accompanying video tutorial that plays alongside the sheet music.

As the video tutorial progresses, the corresponding notes on the sheet music are highlighted in real-time. This synchronized highlighting helps you associate the notes on the page with the actual keys on the piano, making it easier to understand and play the music accurately.

Furthermore, the light-up keyboard feature takes the learning experience a step further. As the notes are highlighted on the sheet music, the corresponding keys on a virtual keyboard or a compatible light-up keyboard actually light up, showing you exactly which keys to play.

This visual feedback reinforces your understanding of note placement and finger positioning, ensuring that you learn and practice with precision.

The Benefits of Smart Sheet Music

Smart Sheet Music offers numerous benefits that enhance the learning process:

1. Visual Guidance: The synchronized highlighting of notes and the light-up keyboard feature provide clear visual guidance, eliminating confusion and helping you understand the connection between the sheet music and the piano keys.

2. Step-by-Step Instruction: The accompanying video tutorial breaks down the piece into manageable sections, guiding you through each part, and providing demonstrations and explanations along the way. This step-by-step approach ensures that you can learn at your own pace and gradually build your skills.

3. Immediate Feedback: With Smart Sheet Music, you receive instant feedback on your playing. As you follow along with the sheet music and video tutorial, you can assess your progress and make adjustments as needed. This real-time feedback accelerates your learning and helps you develop good playing habits.

4. Engaging and Interactive Learning: Smart Sheet Music transforms the learning experience into an interactive and engaging process. The combination of sheet music, video, and the light-up keyboard feature keeps you actively involved, making the learning process more enjoyable and rewarding.

5. Versatile Repertoire: Smart Sheet Music is available for a wide variety of musical styles and genres, catering to pianists of all interests. Whether you're passionate about jazz, classical, pop, or any other style, you can find Smart Sheet Music pieces that suit your preferences.

Who Should Join PWJ? (Target Audience)

Piano with Jonny (PWJ) isn't a one-size-fits-all kind of course. It's designed with a specific type of learner in mind. So, who's the ideal PWJ student?

• Beginners Eager to Have Fun: If you're a newbie who wants to skip the boring drills and dive straight into playing music you love, PWJ is a great place to start. Jonny's beginner lessons focus on building a solid foundation while keeping things fun and engaging.

• Intermediate Players Stuck in a Rut: Hit a plateau with your playing? PWJ's intermediate courses are designed to shake things up and introduce you to new techniques and styles. You'll learn how to improvise, add flair to your playing, and break free from those repetitive practice routines.

• Experienced Pianists Craving Inspiration: Even seasoned pros can benefit from Jonny's unique insights and fresh perspectives. His arrangements of popular songs and deep dives into various genres can spark new ideas and reignite your passion for the instrument.

• Non-Classical Lovers: If you're drawn to jazz, blues, pop, rock, or any other genre besides classical, PWJ is your musical haven. Jonny's passion for these styles shines through in every lesson, and you'll find a wealth of resources to help you master your favorite genres.

Who might not be the best fit for PWJ?

• Classical Purists: If you're strictly focused on classical technique and repertoire, PWJ might not be the most comprehensive resource. While Jonny does touch on classical concepts, his emphasis is on contemporary styles and improvisation.

• Students Seeking a Rigorous, Structured Approach: PWJ's lessons are fun and engaging, but they're not as structured as some other courses. If you prefer a more traditional, step-by-step approach, you might want to explore other options.

Ultimately, the best way to know if PWJ is right for you is to try it out. They offer a free trial, so you can dip your toes in the water and see if it's a good fit for your learning style and musical goals.

The PWJ Experience: Pros & Cons

Alright, let's cut to the chase: is Piano with Jonny worth your hard-earned cash? Like any online course, it's a mixed bag. Let's break down the highs and lows:

Pros

• Jonny's Infectious Enthusiasm: This guy could make practicing scales feel like a party. His passion for music is contagious, and it makes learning a blast.

• Wide Range of Styles: PWJ is a genre-hopping adventure. Whether you're into jazz, blues, pop, rock, or something else entirely, you'll find lessons and resources to satisfy your musical cravings.

• Emphasis on Fun and Creativity: PWJ is all about playing by ear, improvisation, and finding your own unique voice on the piano. It's a refreshing change of pace from the rigid, theory-heavy approach of some traditional lessons.

• Supportive Community: The PWJ community is a welcoming space to connect with fellow pianists, ask questions, share your progress, and get inspired. It's like having a virtual jam session with friends.

• Always Evolving: Jonny and his team are constantly adding new content, so you'll never run out of lessons to explore.

Cons

• Not for Classical Purists: If you're strictly focused on classical repertoire and technique, PWJ might not be the most comprehensive resource. The curriculum leans heavily towards contemporary styles and improvisation.

• Structure Could Be Tighter: While the Guided Learning Tracks provide some structure, the sheer amount of content can feel overwhelming. Some learners might prefer a more linear, step-by-step approach.

• Lack of Live Feedback: While Jonny does answer questions in the weekly Q&A sessions, you won't get the same level of personalized feedback as you would with a private teacher.

• Cost: While PWJ offers a lot of value, it's not the cheapest online piano course out there. If you're on a tight budget, you might want to explore more affordable options.

Is PWJ the Right Tune for You?

Piano with Jonny is a fantastic resource for beginners who want to have fun while learning, intermediate players who want to break out of a rut, and experienced pianists who crave inspiration and want to explore new genres.

If you're a self-motivated learner who enjoys a relaxed, community-oriented approach, PWJ could be your musical match made in heaven.

However, if you're strictly focused on classical music or prefer a more structured, traditional learning environment, PWJ might not be the best fit. But hey, don't take my word for it.

The best way to know if PWJ is right for you is to try it out. They offer a free trial, so you can explore the platform and see if it strikes a chord with your inner musician.

PWJ vs. The Competition

While Piano with Jonny undoubtedly has its strengths, the online piano lesson landscape is vast and varied. It's worth comparing PWJ to other options to see how it stacks up. One notable competitor is PianoForAll.

PianoForAll: A Different Kind of Groove

PianoForAll takes a refreshingly different approach to piano instruction. Instead of a unstructured library of lessons like PWJ, PianoForAll offers a streamlined, step-by-step method focused on playing by ear and chord-based learning.

It's a more structured, less overwhelming approach that might appeal to beginners who want a clear path to follow.

Here's where PianoForAll excels:

• Simplicity and Ease of Use: PianoForAll is incredibly user-friendly, with a clear progression of lessons that build upon each other. It's a great option for those who might feel overwhelmed by PWJ's massive library of content.

• Strong Emphasis on Chords: PianoForAll's focus on chords and chord progressions gives you the tools to play a wide range of songs quickly, even if you can't read sheet music.

• Affordability: Compared to PWJ, PianoForAll is significantly more affordable, making it a great option for those on a budget.

The Verdict: Which One's Right for You?

Choosing between Piano with Jonny and PianoForAll comes down to your learning style and goals. If you're a beginner who wants a simple, affordable, and structured approach with a focus on chords, PianoForAll might be the better choice.

However, if you're looking for a more techy, engaging, and community-oriented learning experience with a wider range of genres and styles, Piano with Jonny is likely a better fit. Its vast library of video lessons, interactive features like Smart Sheet Music, and active community make it a powerful tool for musical growth.