How to play the virtual piano
- Tap the keys with the mouse or with your fingers (you can press several at once to play chords). You can also slide your finger across the keys.
- On a computer, play with the keyboard: A S D F G H J K L are the white keys and W E T Y U O P the black ones. With «Show the computer keys» you can see them on the piano.
- Change octave with the − and + buttons, pick another sound (piano, organ, synthesizer or vibraphone) and turn on the sustain pedal so the notes keep ringing.
- To learn, pick a song and play the keys as they light up. To keep your performance, tap «Record» and then «Play back the recording».
A piano in your browser
The virtual piano generates the sound right on your device, without downloading recordings: each note is synthesized by combining a fundamental wave with its harmonics, with an envelope that imitates the attack and decay of a real instrument. That is why it starts sounding instantly and works well on phones.
The songs to learn are traditional or public-domain melodies, melody only and without lyrics. As you play, the next key lights up: if you hit it, it moves on to the next note, and «Listen to the song» plays it all the way through.
If you have a MIDI keyboard, you can plug it in by USB and play with it (in Chrome and Edge). Everything happens in your browser: nothing is uploaded or saved.
Things to keep in mind
- The sound is synthesized: it resembles a piano but lacks the richness of a recorded instrument. On a phone, the sound depends on the device volume and on it not being on silent.
- On a phone the keyboard shows two octaves; on wider screens, three. The − and + buttons move to other octaves.
- MIDI input works in browsers that support it, such as Chrome and Edge, and asks for a permission. It is not available on iPhone and iPad.
- The recording is lost when you close or reload the page.
Frequently asked questions
How do I play the piano with my computer keyboard?
Use the A S D F G H J K L keys for the white notes and W E T Y U O P for the black ones. Turn on «Show the computer keys» to see them on the piano.
Can I play several notes at once?
Yes. On a phone you can rest several fingers on the keys and on a computer press several keys, so you can play chords.
How do I learn a song?
Pick a song under «Learn a song» and play the key that lights up; when you hit it, the next one lights up. «Listen to the song» plays it all the way through.
Can I connect a MIDI keyboard?
Yes, in browsers that support it such as Chrome and Edge: plug it in by USB, tap «Connect a MIDI keyboard» and allow the permission.
Is it free? Do I need to install anything?
It is free, needs no sign-up and works right in the browser, on your phone too.