Fisher-Price I Can Play Piano system

Fisher-Price, Inc., 636 Girard Avenue, East Aurora, New York 14052; (800) 432-5437; fpconaff@fisher-price.com; www.fisher-price.com; $79.99.

The I Can Play Piano system from Fisher-Price allows kids to have fun while learning how to play piano and read music, by teaching them to play their favorite songs themselves. Through a partnership with Fisher-Price, MTNA has been able to include tips on knowing when your child is ready for music lessons and choosing a music teacher in each package.

Kids plug into the TV the three-octave piano keyboard with color-coded keys to create a plug and play piano system. With help from the proprietary Piano Wizard method used in the song and game cartridges, kids can then learn to play the keyboard.

Four modes of play guide kids from hitting the right key at the right time all the way through reading traditional music notation. Sharps, flats and beginning theory become simple child's play. Standard sheet music becomes a colorful game with fun, moving images that tell kids what note to play and when to play it. Kids set the tempo and learn at their own pace.

Another feature of I Can Play Piano is that kids of all ages, as well as their parents, can play together. This way, games become a family experience that incorporates kids' favorite characters and popular music into the learning fun.

Every time kids play, they get a score and visual feedback on how well they played, much like playing a videogame. The better they play, the higher their score, with positive feedback and unconditional applause to encourage them every step of the way.

Designed for kids ages 4 to 8, I Can Play Piano is currently available at several national retailers.

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