If you are looking for the easiest and most fun way to learn how to play the piano, Casio CTK-3500 61-key touch-sensitive portable keyboard is your best choice. Don't worry about getting frustrated halfway while you learn. You'll pretend incredibly without realizing it. In addition, it has a free Chordana Play app, a fun feature that helps you in your learning to make it more fun and didactic.
You can practice playing wherever you go by using it on your tablet or mobile device's app screen, creating your songs or using your favorite songs. The Casio CTK-3500 61-key touch-sensitive portable keyboard is full of unique features and built-in songs. As a result, it's an advanced keyboard accessible for all ages. In addition, it comes with its respective power supply.
The Casio CTK-3500 61-key touch-sensitive portable keyboard is designed to be that first student or family keyboard. The features it brings make it very interesting and easy to use. Beginners will love it. They will discover that learning to play is fun and exciting. It has included a lot of voices and rhythms of built-in instruments to accompany you in your touches.
The touch-sensitive keyboard keys increase the volume depending on how hard you play the key, achieving a more realistic expression. On top of that, you can load various downloaded MIDI file songs into the piano's built-in memory with the free Chordana Play app to accompany you when you practice playing for great results.
It is a more advanced keyboard that even shows you the musical notation of your songs to read the music while you practice playing. The Casio brand is world-renowned. Its easy-to-play keyboard's excellent quality and durability are essential for any musician. A true keyboardist is incomplete without a good Casio keyboard.
In addition, they are much cheaper than their competitors, which gives them a great advantage. Therefore, they are preferred by any piano teacher so that students learn correctly, naturally and easily. Furthermore, they provide the student with all the notions of playing a genuine classical piano-style keyboard while using current modern technologies. A good example is a touch preset automatically sets the music. Thus, the student is left with proper musical education.
The Casio CTK-3500 61-key touch-sensitive portable keyboard comes with a power supply, although it also works with batteries. So you can use it for a good while without having it plugged into an outlet. This product also features Casio's built-in Step-Up piano lesson system, which is compatible with the Chordana Play app.
Contents
Is the CTK-3500 Suitable for Beginners?
The CTK-3500 61-key touch-sensitive portable keyboard is meant to be the first piano for your children or the family, with exciting playing dynamics and learning items thought for starters. It incorporates demo instrument sounds and rhythms and a keyboard sensitive to how much pressure you play with. In addition, it sounds louder or quieter according to the strength of your playing, expanding the musical instrument tones range for a more expressive creation of music.
The downloaded Chordana Play App makes the CTK-3500 different from any other digital keyboard. It allows you to load MIDI music into the piano's memory and play at the same time you play your music. It also displays the chords of your songs, so you will learn to read music simultaneously as you learn to play.
Casio keyboards are economical, easy to play, and long-lasting musical instruments. It is ideal for beginners since students get acquainted with playing an instrument and updated digital tools for making music. It's a clever method of initiation on music learning before leveling up to a more professional, major league piano.
Is the Casio CTK-3500 a Good Buy?
Do you desire a fantastic, fully functional keyboard, and you don't want to spend a lot of money? Then, the Casio CTK-3500 61-key portable keyboard is an excellent choice for you. It has a fun three-step learning approach and 400 inspirational sounds to play with.
With the popular dance music mode, you'll be able to create your DJ mood and popular music genres. So if you want to jam out to some great music, here is the place to be. The package has built-in songs. It is one of your better offers.
Overview of Casio CTK-3500 portable keyboard features of 61 touch keys
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1. Source
The Casio CTK-3500 61-key touch-sensitive portable keyboard has everything that apprentices and students need to improve their skills by playing a digital keyboard. Both compose their songs and practice the currently selected rhythm of their favorite songs.
2. Design
This piano has 61 keyboard keys. It's small and very light, but powerful. The battery power supply allows you to carry and build-up play wherever you want. You'll need 6 AA batteries.
3. Touch-sensitive keys
You'll achieve greater expression as sensitive keyboard keys allow sound to respond accurately to the force of your touch.
4. Functions
A built-in metronome, transposition and tuning, and a pitch bend wheel for advanced synth tone digital effects, are the features and functions you'll expect from the Casio CTK-3500.
5. Dance Music Mode
Drum beats, bass, synthesizer and other dramatic sound effects are some of the things that come included with the 50 different styles of music that you can use on the Casio CTK-3500 61-key touch-sensitive portable keyboard. With this, even most beginners will be able to start the party by creating their melodies and styles in a matter of minutes. For example, to create dance music, use dance music mode.
6. Lcd
The Lcd screen of the Casio CTK-3500 61-key touch-sensitive portable keyboard makes it easy for you to grow and adjust your keyboard, including access to built-in powerful lesson functions.
7. Keyboard
The CTK 3500 isn't a high-end piano-style keyboard, and it's certainly not Casio's showpiece. The user-friendly keyboard senses touch and velocity. The 61 keys are full-sized and feel quite lifelike, similar to an acoustic piano-style keyboard. These keyboard keys have incredible sensitivity.
You can obtain more musical expression with a regular keyboard with standard spring action keys without touch response by adding delicate nuances. It is achieved by adjusting how much pressure you are playing with. A spring-action system operates the CTK's keys.
These keys aren't the same as hammer-action keys, and they aren't weighted, so they seem "light" to the touch. It may appear to be a disadvantage to some, but it works in favor of individuals learning to play the piano for the first time. In addition, little kids enjoy playing on the CTK 3500 since the keyboard senses their touch, and spring motion does not easily wear down their tiny wrists, short muscles, and undeveloped fingers.
8. Pitch Bend Wheel
Pitch bend wheels are typically reserved for Rocker fellars who remix electronic dance music and are willing to spend significantly more money than the price of this entry-level keyboard. So what is a pitch bend wheel, exactly? It "bends" the pitch, as the name implies.
The pitch bend wheel rotates upward or downward to vary the pitch output as desired. It is sharper when moving the wheel up or flatter when moving the wheel downward. When you're performing ethnic-style sounds or just want to have some fun with a rock & roll song, this is a fun feature to have.
9. Sound
The sound of the Casio CTK-3500 is easy to customize to build-up play anything you like, as it features 400 instrument voices and 100 built-in rhythms. In addition, you can create complex, overlapping dramatic sound effects with more nuanced compositions as you have 48 levels of polyphony, plus 10 levels of reverb and a pass curvature wheel.
10. Tuning, Octave Shifting, and Transposing
The CTK-3500 contains a transposition function that allows you to move the keys up and down in pitch. Transposition is used for octave shifting, allowing up to one octave. In addition, the pitch bend wheel allows for some fine adjustment.
11. Step-Up Lesson System
Using the 60 original built-in songs hand-in-hand and phrase-by-phrase, beginners will be able to guide themselves through classes, learning and practicing at their own pace. In addition, these piano lessons can be visualized in the built-in LCD display in Casio's Set-Up system.
12. Chordana Play App
Combine the practice of tocar while learning from music with the 50 original built-in songs provided by Chordana Play. This app is free and comes with the Casio CTK-3500 61-key touch-sensitive portable keyboard. Guide beginners through playback along with a piano roll showing screen or music notation screen, making it an excellent companion for your keyboard.
You can also choose songs downloaded from your saved song data and convert them to MIDI files using the downloaded Chordana Play app. You can play the music immediately or store it in the internal memory of your Casio CTK-3500 piano for offline playback. Use the replay keyboard accompaniment function to learn at your own pace, alter the tempo or transpose a melody, assign tracks or melodies for each side of the keyboard.
The Virtual Keyboard of the Chordana Play app lets you practice playing with your tablet or mobile device's app screen anywhere. In addition, you can track your progress and improve your music score by making your learning more didactic and interactive.
13. Metronome
A metronome is included in the CTK 3500, allowing you to practice timing and increasingly challenging rhythmic patterns. Gone are the days when the piano had a wind-up monstrosity on top of it!
14. Connectivity
When it comes to connecting the Casio CTK 3500 to accessories, other systems, and the outside world, there are a lot of alternatives. A headphone port on the back connects your headphones for virtual surround sound. Having the ability to connect headphones allows you to have more private practice sessions.
The pedal port, which connects a sustain or damper pedal to enable you better control the legatos and length of the notes in the melody you're playing, is also positioned at the rear. A USB MIDI interface is included for connecting the keyboard to a computer.
The CTK 3500 can be connected to a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) like CUBASE and used as a MIDI Controller if you know how to use it. In addition, the host terminal USB port is a USB A-B type audio cable port, allowing you to smoothly integrate it into whatever MIDI application you have in mind.
Advantages and cons of the Casio CTK-3500
Pros
Cons
What are touch-sensitive keys, and how do you use them?
The harder you press the keys, the louder the music becomes, and the softer you push them, the quieter the sound becomes. It is a keyboard accompaniment function that most digital pianos offer, and it's vital to have. Your playing technique will be terrible if you don't use touch-sensitive keys. The sound quality will be the same regardless of how hard or light you push the keys. You will not enjoy practicing in this manner.
You could believe that touch-sensitive keys aren't vital if you're just starting. That might be a huge blunder. On the other hand, you may regret your decision if you do not have this feature. The force the keys are pressed determines whether the sound quality is louder or quieter. It also makes no difference whether the keys are weighted or not.
Touch sensitivity is measured on a scale of 2 to 6, with 2 being the most sensitive. For example, low-end models may have 2-3, whereas higher-end models may have 5-6. Because the inexpensive ones lack this feature, it's advisable to stay away from them. You'll be able to express yourself musically with touch sensitivity. Your skills as a player will improve.
Consider how difficult it would be to play the instrument without touch-sensitive keys. There will be no facial expression. Because most musical pieces contain volume adjustments, it will prevent listening enjoyment. You'll both be listening to the same music at the same volume. It isn't going to sound right.
Plus, if you ever play an acoustic piano, you'll find it tough to adjust. It will take some time for your fingertips to become accustomed to the keys. Even having only two or three sensitivity levels isn't optimal. There will be a restricted amount of expression.
Why not invest in a touch-sensitivity keyboard instead of hitting the keys hard only to generate a loud sound quality? To summarize, touch sensitivity is a crucial attribute to have. Furthermore, this advanced auto accompaniment feature should be available to everyone, whether you are an experienced or a beginning pianist.
What is the difference between the Casio CTK 3500 and the Casio CTK 2550?
The Casio CTK 2550 is another top-rated keyboard. Many people ask if it wouldn't be better to save a few bucks and go with the CTK 2550 instead of the CTK 3500 because it is provided at a slightly lower price. They are extremely similar, yet there are a few key distinctions.
Both keyboards contain 61 keys and have a maximum polyphony of 48 notes. In addition, the CTK 3550 has a touch-responsive keyboard, although neither keyboard offers hammer action keys. Because the CTK 2550 lacks such a feature, playing dynamics is ruled out as a way of expression.
The CTK 2550 triumphs when it comes to maximum portability, weighing only 7.3 pounds – but at the cost of semi-weighted keys. Other significant changes include a pitch bend wheel on the Casio CTK 3500, which is absent on the CTK 2550. In addition, the CTK 3500 offers 150 rhythms presets versus 100 on the CTK 2550.
Let's talk about the similarities now. These two keyboards share the terrible speaker system (2w on either side of the cabinet), the on-board lesson system, Dance Music Mode, and the 400 built-in voices. The connectivity options are comparable, including Chordana Play app compatibility, a MIDI out port, and a headphone and pedal in port.
Using a sustain pedal on the CTK 2550's primitive keys is not recommended as it will sacrifice quality. These keyboards have the same proportions and can be powered by batteries. The CTK 2550 is the more affordable and portable option, but going for the better keys of the CTK 3500 should be a no-brainer.
Yamaha PSR E363 versus Casio CTK-3500
Both Casio CTK 3500 and the Yamaha PSR E363 are appropriate for any beginner pianist, portable, have a keyboard with 61 keys, touch sensitivity, device connection and Files in MIDI. Furthermore, its dual-mode is the single advanced auto accompaniment feature that distinguishes the Yamaha PSR E363 from the CTK 3500.
The PSR e353 duo mode, in particular, lets two players play on the same keyboard for improved performance. Unfortunately, the CTK 3500 lacks this capability. In addition, although the Yamaha PSR E363 allows users to expand their music library, this can only be done via a USB connection.
On the other hand, the CTK 3500's Chordana App Integration allows users to transfer songs downloaded to the system wirelessly! Furthermore, the CTX 3500 also offers a larger preset song collection, whereas the Yamaha PSR E363 only contains 574 built-in instrument voices.
What does the Casio CTK-3500 Come With?
It includes a power supply, but it works on batteries as well. In addition, it incorporates Casio's step-up piano lesson play system, which you can use with the Chordana Play App.
Features Review
1. Source
The Casio CTK-3500 61-key touch-sensitive portable keyboard includes all the traits starters require to learn to play an electric piano. The touch preset automatically sets music to play along with the stored music or melodies they have created on their own.
2. Design
This piano with 61 keys is small and light. You can add batteries to it to carry it around. Using six AA batteries, you have the power to play outdoors.
3. Features
This piano includes all of the features you like to see in any MIDI keyboard. For example, transpose, tuning, a metronome, and a pitch bend wheel to modulate the pitch of your sounds.
4. Dance Music Mode
The dance music mode takes the lower side of the piano to produce dance music. It has 50 techno music sounds that emulate drum, bass, synth, and unique sounds. As a result, starters can produce their DJ mood concerts in seconds.
5. LCD screen
The screen is clear and simple. This, along with the buttons, will quickly instruct you on settings and modulation. It also incorporates a lesson system.
6. Sound
It includes 400 instrument sounds and 100 demo rhythms. It makes the Casio CTK-3500 easy to personalize to play almost all that comes to your mind. Counting on 48 degrees of polyphony allows you to compose multiple overlapping sounds for more sophisticated melodies. It has as well 10 degrees of reverb and a pitch bend wheel.
7. Step-up lesson system
Through its LCD screen, the Casio lesson system helps the students learn and improve with its 60 songs incorporated. They follow the downloaded MIDI file songs step by step, chord by chord, and learn their rhythm.
8. Playback and Recording
The Casio CTK 3500 has only a few flaws: the lack of a record/playback function. Most people (including children) have smartphones or devices that can meet this demand. However, having a recording option on-board for those practice sessions when you want to listen to yourself play to catch flaws would be fantastic.
9. Chordana Play App
The Chordana Play App is free and included in the Casio CTK-3500. It is a great complement for the piano and comes with 50 built-in songs. In addition, they work as stepping stones for starters when playing to them with a scoring system display. This way, students learn to play and to read music at the same time.
The free Chordana Play App allows you to turn any tunes in your memory into MIDI files, which can be stored in the app's virtual keyboard or in the keyboard memory and be played with or without connection. It also allows you to assign rhythms to each hand, modulate the tempo, transfer the easy dance tune, or repeat an excerpt to learn your currently selected rhythm.
Moreover, the app includes an on-screen virtual keyboard which you can play wherever you want, on your phone or smart device screen. Your music score will be saved into the app, like scoring points on a video game. This app allows you to load your favorite songs from your saved song data into the piano to play at any time or play the piano on your tablet or smart device screen wherever you are. It is the most dynamic way of piano learning and practice.
Accessories
The Best Headphones for Casio CTK 3500
The CTK 3500's integrated speakers aren't the best. However, having a good pair of headphones will greatly improve the sound quality you're hearing and provide you the option to play the piano in privacy.
1. Behringer HPS3000 Studio Headphones
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Behringer is a company that makes high-quality headphones and sound systems. When you buy this set of headphones for your CTK 3500, you'll enjoy an ultra-wide frequency response. In addition, they have high-definition bass noises and super-transparent highs – everything you need for superb music.
2. Yamaha RH1C Portable Headphones, Black
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RH1C portable headphones give amazing acoustic presence and rich, bright sound through an improved dynamic range and open-ear design. They are ideal for on-the-go artists. In addition, the RH1C is the ideal companion for portable personal systems, with its soft ear cushions. Yamaha's whole headphone line incorporates the most up-to-date technology, ergonomics, and sound quality for musical applications ranging from entry-level to professional.
The Best Piano Chair for Casio CTK 3500
If you purchase a piano stand, you will most likely require a comfy piano chair. You don't want to be standing behind the piano rock-n-roll style for hours on end unless you have the stamina like Jerry Lee Lewis or Fats Domino.
1. ChromaCast CC-FBENCH Padded Keyboard Bench
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Musicians create ChromaCast products, and they offer the highest value and quality. The keyboard bench from ChromaCast provides exceptional comfort and value to players of all skill levels. The cushion on the bench is 2 inches thick, offering additional comfort while playing.
The bench is entirely adjustable to various heights and is made to last thanks to the steel bar strength and support. Easy to transport because it folds up. Ideal for use with any keyboard or synthesizer on the go.
2. RockJam KB100 X-Style, Adjustable Padded Keyboard Bench
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The RockJam piano bench is designed with a few straightforward objectives in mind. First, design a long-lasting, highly adjustable stool that allows the keyboard player to perform comfortably for hours. This steel keyboard bench offers a profound amount of padding to support your rear.
It has four levels of adjustability to accommodate any playing style, making it an excellent piano stool. In addition, this piano chair is simply folding when not in use, providing an excellent adjustable piano bench for individuals with small rooms. It is finished in traditional Black with an X-style design.
3. Greenpro Keyboard Bench and Piano Stool
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This Greanpro adjustable X-type keyboard bench provides ultimate comfort with its high cushion padded seat. The seat is 12"" x 16"" inches in size. The construction is made of very robust steel and can support up to 370 pounds.
15 3/4" inches, 17 3/4" inches, and 19" inches are the three height positions. It is perfect for travel because it folds flat for simple storage and transportation. Legs have non-slip rubber end caps to further stability and protect the floor.
The Best keyboard stand for Casio CTK 3500
It's one thing to have a fancy keyboard, but it's completely useless if you're not comfortable using it. So while many individuals place their keyboard on a table, we recommend investing in a durable keyboard stand that you can adjust to a comfortable playing height.
1. CC-Kstand by ChromaCast
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This Pro Series Double X-style Keyboard Stand is easy to construct and supports up to 150 lbs. It's entirely adjustable to different heights and features double bar strength and support. Easy to transport because it folds up.
This X-style keyboard music stand with double braces is strong and long-lasting. It was designed to work with full-size digital pianos, so you don't have to worry about it collapsing on you. In addition, the ChromaCast is fully adjustable and includes locking straps to keep your CTK 3500 secure while playing.
2. On-Stage KS7190 Classic Single-X Keyboard Stand
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Who doesn't like items that are simple and inexpensive? That's why the Classic Single-X stand has been updated and is still available. It is inexpensive and simple to assemble. The 5-position disk clutch with bullet-nose pull knob allows for quick and easy height adjustment, while the arm sleeves adjust to nearly any keyboard width.
3. Hamzer Adjustable X-Style Music Keyboard Stand
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Hamzer's premium keyboard music stand is robust and well-built with all-metal construction. It keeps your keyboard from falling over or shifting while you're playing. In addition, it incorporates non-skid rubber feet to protect flooring and keep the stand steady, as well as grooved rubber end caps to support your keyboard and keep it from slipping.
This stand has a 7-position adjustable height range of 12-3/4" to 38-3/4" high and can be folded simply for traveling. If your keyboard has screw holes on the bottom, you can use the accompanying screws and straps to secure it to this stand for added stability.
The Best Pedal for Casio CTK 3500
Without mastering the sustain pedal, no pianist can claim to be a black belt in piano. If you want to improve both your abilities and the sound quality of your keyboard, you should invest in a good sustain pedal that you can put into the CTK 3500.
1. M-Audio SP 2
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Do you want to give your keyboard or controller some piano-style sustain? The M-AUDIO SP 2 is a traditional-styled, small, and durable sustain pedal designed exclusively for today's musicians and producers.
M-SP AUDIO's 2 universal sustain pedal is the perfect complement to your electronic keyboard, synthesizer, MIDI controller, or drum machine, with a handy polarity switch, a heavy-duty, natural-feeling mechanism, and an ultra-portable, sturdy design style.
2. Soraco Universal Sustain Pedal
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This global sustain pedal features a polarity switch for use with any electronic keyboard. Its stylish design, which includes a rubber-coated shell and a chrome footrest, makes it as appealing to the sight as it is to the foot.
The Sustain Pedal is made of a high-toughness soft material that efficiently prevents pedal slippage, making it long-lasting and sturdy, making it ideal for both the studio and the road. In addition, all electronic keyboards, synthesizers, and digital pianos are compatible with the polarity reversal switch.
3. MaxLLTo Universal Foot Damper Pedals
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The MaxLLTo sustain pedal is one of the most affordable pedals currently available on Amazon. It's compatible with the Casio CTK 3500 thanks to the 1/4 input jack, and the golden piano-like pedal accomplishes the job admirably. It is the one to get if price is your primary concern! The Piano-style Sustain Foot Pedal is meant to function and feel like the sustain pedal on an acoustic piano.
Electronic keyboards, synthesizers, pianos, MIDI devices, drum machines, and tone modules can all benefit from the pedal. Four rubber caps on the bottom prevent the pedal from slipping during soulful and expressive piano/keyboard performances.
It provides you with accurate control and keeps the pedal securely in place. The piano-style foot pedal comprises chrome-plated metal and a high-strength plastic shell, making it strong and long-lasting. In addition, it's easy to handle and travel because of the lightweight plastic casing.
Alternative Options for Casio CTK 3500
1. Alesis Melody 61 Key Keyboard Piano
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The Alesis Melody 61 MKII keyboard features 61 piano-style keys, 300 built-in sounds with layering and split modes. In addition, it has 300 built-in rhythms for playing along to, 40 demo songs and an easy-to-assemble stand.
On top of that, a bench with three adjustable height settings, headphones that automatically muffle the speakers for private practice and a sheet music rest for holding sheet music. A power adapter and even a microphone for singing along while playing are also included.
In "Dual" mode, you can layer multiple sounds together, or in "Split" mode, you can split two sounds across the keyboard. Unfortunately, the Alesis has one flaw: its sound sampling isn't outstanding, especially for piano voices. In the end, you'd prefer to play on a piano that actually sounds like a piano!
2. YAMAHA PSR-E263 61-Key Portable Keyboard
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The Yamaha PSR-E263 is a portable keyboard with 61 keys and a wide range of sounds and functionalities comparable to the CTK-3500. It's an excellent first keyboard for prospective musicians who are just getting started, thanks to the accompanying 3-step tutorial program.
Use the Yamaha Education Suite (Y. E. S.) on-board powerful lesson functions to learn the 100 preset songs, or use the 385 instrument voices and 100 styles to experiment and create your music. In addition, the aux line input transforms the PSR-E263 into a speaker system for your MP3 player, allowing you playing or listening enjoyment at a low cost.
When it comes to on-board learning modes, though, it falls short. Yamaha has opted not to include the power adapter in the purchase price, so you'll have to buy it separately if you don't want to use it on battery power.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
1. Is the Casio CTK 3500 Touch-sensitive?
This device is touch-sensitive and has two adjustment settings. If the "OFF" is counted as a level, then the CTK 3500 provides three sensitivity levels in all.
2. What is the Best Way to Link My Casio CTK 3500 to My Computer?
This model's host terminal USB port is a USB (Type B) port. As a result, you'll need to purchase an audio cable with one USB TYPE-B plug and the other for your computer ports. Then, using this audio cable, connect the system to the computer.
Conclusion
To summarize, the Casio CTK-3500 61-key touch-sensitive portable keyboard is a fun and easy to play keyboard for those eager to learn to play the piano. It's meant to maintain your enthusiasm and prevent you from giving up. The Chordana Play App will also make learning as fun as a videogame, and you can take your piano lessons on your phone or smart device screen.
This way, you can make music on the same device you use for listening to your playlists. This digital piano includes a power supply and incorporates features and demo rhythms, making learning music exciting and suitable for everyone.
