PlayPianoThe short answer
Connect a MIDI-capable keyboard by USB with a compatible data cable/adapter, or pair Bluetooth MIDI from PlayPiano’s keyboard connection sheet. Open a piece in Play and confirm notes register. You can also practise with on-screen keys.
Before you start
You’ll need PlayPiano, an iPhone with iOS 17 or later or an iPad with iPadOS 17 or later, and a keyboard that sends MIDI. MIDI carries the notes you play; it is different from an audio cable.
Look for USB MIDI or Bluetooth MIDI support. Ordinary Bluetooth audio is not the same thing. The cable, adapter and power requirements depend on your keyboard and Apple device.
No keyboard yet? The on-screen keys let you explore and practise without connecting anything. PlayPiano does not hear an acoustic piano yet; listening by microphone is coming soon.
Connect over USB
- Power on your keyboard. Use its normal power supply if it needs one.
- Connect its MIDI-capable USB port to your device. Use a data cable and a compatible USB-C or Lightning adapter as needed. A charge-only cable cannot carry MIDI.
- Open PlayPiano. Open the keyboard connection sheet from the header. When connected, the keyboard chip names your device.
- Play a few notes. Open a piece in Play and confirm your notes are registering before starting a full session.
Connect over Bluetooth MIDI
- Turn on your keyboard’s Bluetooth MIDI mode, following its manufacturer’s instructions.
- Open the keyboard connection sheet in PlayPiano and use its Bluetooth pairing view.
- Select your compatible keyboard. Play a few notes in Play to check the connection.
You can hide the on-screen keys in settings when you want more room for the score.
Not seeing your keyboard?
- Check that the keyboard supports MIDI output, not just USB audio or Bluetooth speakers.
- For USB, check the data cable, adapter and keyboard power. A powered hub may be needed for some setups.
- For Bluetooth, check pairing mode and distance, and whether another app or device is already connected.
- Disconnect and reconnect, then reopen PlayPiano’s keyboard sheet.
Still stuck? Contact support with your keyboard model, device model, OS version and connection method. Specific hardware combinations have different requirements.
When you’re ready to measure progress
Play is for exploration with live feedback. To save a score in piece history, finish a Grade run on a connected MIDI keyboard. Touch practice does not save a MIDI Grade score.
Explore PlayPiano’s feedback, practice plans and reports, or read the compatibility and practice FAQs.
Put it into practice.
Open PlayPiano on your iPhone or iPad and take one small next step.
Download on the App Store