Jump! Music ships new version of Piano Discovery System; making music on the PC is now more affordable, interactive and personalized

Business Wire, April 21, 1997

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 21, 1997--Jump! Music, the leading developer and publisher of computer-based piano education products, has shipped the next generation of the award winning Piano Discovery System.

Version 3.0 is an easy-to-use and affordable hardware and software solution that teaches users to play piano using a personal computer. Piano Discovery 3.0 software includes a completely new interface, QuickTime(TM) video lessons, sheet music printing, individual coaching, free add-on songs available over the Internet and a new lower retail price.

The Entire Family Can Learn To Play Piano at Home

"It's now possible to bring the finest private music teacher into any home by using a personal computer. This is an affordable, convenient and way to learn to play piano," said Jan Mathews, vice president of Marketing and a founder of Jump! Music. "Piano Discovery is everything learning piano should be for today's busy family lifestyles. You play where and when you want at a fraction of the usual cost."

What's New With Piano Discovery System

Piano Discovery System 3.0 provides a comprehensive, easy to follow curriculum for beginning through intermediate-level piano students, ages 6 through 96! The new version is built on a completely new proprietary code base, user interface and content (songs, lessons and orchestrations). The following new features add a higher level of interactivity and personalized piano learning experience: -0-

-- Video Demonstrations: Each song includes QuickTime(TM) video lessons, where the music teacher demonstrates the entire song. The lessons are viewed in real time or frame-by-frame.

-- Individual Coaching: Users can visit Jump's Web site anytime and "Ask the Web Teacher" questions, which will be answered by accredited, professional music teachers.

-- Print Sheet Music: Now, students can print Piano Discovery songs as sheet music. This offers a convenient way to print songs learned in the computer environment, and then play them on an acoustic piano away from the computer.

-- Download New Songs Monthly: To expand one's repertoire, users can download free songs from Jump's Web site on a monthly basis. Songs will include both beginning and intermediate arrangements, orchestra accompaniment, Teacher Notes and printable Award Certificates.

Proven Curriculum

Piano Discovery's curriculum was developed by Master Music Educators from Eastman School of Music and Berklee College of Music, long with a Classical Piano Specialist from the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music in Budapest, Hungary.

Piano Discovery combines proven music instruction with state-of-the-art multimedia technology to provide an effective alternative to traditional piano lessons. The curriculum is song based, which means that theory and technique are taught in the context of playing a recognizable song. This method is the basis of Jump's guarantee, that anyone can play their first song, "Beethoven's Ode to Joy," in just 15 minutes.

About Piano Discovery System

Piano Discovery System 3.0 includes everything users need to learn how to play piano on a multimedia PC: CD-ROM software with a full year of lessons; a four-octave, touch-sensitive, MIDI keyboard with full-size keys and a connecting cable. The keyboard plugs into the computer's sound card with a single cable -- no power supply or additional interface equipment is needed. The software, which is also sold separately at retail, is designed to work with any general MIDI keyboard, such as Miracle Piano or Yamaha.

Piano Discovery software is designed to teach basic piano playing skills to true beginners, to refresh the knowledge of prior piano students or to supplement private lessons at beginning or intermediate levels. More experienced players can use the program as a practice or performance partner as they perfect techniques or prepare for recitals and exams.

The first year of lessons includes over 900 individually narrated lessons, 70 video demonstrations and 60 songs in a variety of music styles. After Year 1 is completed, students can progress to Year 2 with over 50 popular songs and more advanced techniques and then, Year 3 "Classical Collection, all available from Jump! Music.

Minimum System Requirements

-- 486/66 MHz multimedia computer

-- Windows 3.1 or Windows '95

-- 8MB RAM

-- Double speed CD-ROM drive and SVGA monitor

-- 100% SoundBlaster 16 compatible sound card

-- 35MB available hard drive space

Pricing and Availability

Piano Discovery 3.0 will be available at retail stores (such as CompUSA, Fry's, Guitar Center, Sam Ash, MicroCenter, J&R Computer World, Zany Brainy and Tower Records) the first week of May 1997. The System will be introduced at a special promotional price of $199 (after a $20 manufacturer's cash rebate). For people who have a MIDI keyboard, the software is sold separately at a street price of $49.99. Current customers can upgrade to the 3.0 software version for $29.99. For more information about pricing and availability, refer to Jump's Web site at http://www.jumpmusic.com or call toll-free at 800/289-5867.