Show HN: A platform for remote piano lessons based on the Web MIDI API

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

A new web-based platform uses the Web MIDI API to power remote piano lessons, streaming MIDI data and synthesized piano sound between teacher and student so both can see and hear each other’s playing in real time. Commenters are broadly enthusiastic but push for clearer demos, less friction before signup, better mobile and iPad support, and improvements to MIDI handling and UI behavior. The thread also dives into what kinds of keyboards are suitable for learning—especially the importance of weighted, full-size keys versus cheaper MIDI controllers—and compares this approach to existing tools and hardware-based learning aids.

Overall reception

  • Many commenters find the idea novel and “cool,” especially the use of Web MIDI for real‑time remote lessons.
  • Several express interest in trying it as students or teachers and offer to help test.

UX, onboarding, and demos

  • Strong recurring request for:
    • A clear video demo of the product in action.
    • Some level of app access or interactive demo before sign‑up.
  • Landing page issues:
    • Mobile layout is jumbled.
    • Clickable elements that don’t do anything cause confusion.
    • Hero/loop video should show the tutor visibly using a keyboard to emphasize the “connected” aspect.
    • Suggestion to film from the player’s perspective rather than audience view.
  • Some felt being forced into a signup flow before understanding the app is off‑putting; the author agrees to change this.

Technical implementation & behavior

  • The in‑browser piano sound engine is a custom JavaScript “VSTI” loading samples and using Web Audio; remote peers hear the same rendering.
  • MIDI issues reported:
    • Certain keyboards send notes that never receive “note off” in the app.
    • Advice: treat velocity=0 as note‑off and guard against stuck notes.
    • Mouse‑clicking keys currently doesn’t trigger sound.
  • Suggestions to use libraries like VexFlow for sheet‑music display and to convert MIDI to notation.

Latency and platform support

  • Informal latency test suggests the app is at least faster than a simultaneous phone call.
  • Currently aimed at desktop/laptop; iPad support is desired. Some note MIDI on iPad is easy, but it’s unclear if mobile Safari’s Web MIDI support is sufficient.
  • Question raised about browser MIDI permission warnings and security implications; not resolved in the thread.

Value of MIDI vs. video tools like Zoom/Skype

  • Main benefit: direct transmission and visualization of notes, velocities, and pedal states, reducing complex camera setups and enabling features like chord/scale detection, recording, and sheet‑music integration.
  • Others describe elaborate Zoom/OBS setups built during COVID, suggesting this product could simplify that.

Product scope and marketplace direction

  • One perspective: students mainly want a turnkey solution—book vetted teachers and get a recommended USB‑MIDI keyboard/adapter—rather than a generic two‑sided platform.
  • Ideas:
    • Sell or recommend a known‑good MIDI adapter (possibly via affiliate links).
    • Offer pre‑recorded, interactive lessons and practice modules (e.g., reading sheet music at speed).
  • Currently there is no built‑in tutor marketplace; students asking how to find instructors are told the platform is early.

Keyboard choice and learning debate

  • Extensive debate over:
    • Whether MIDI controllers are appropriate for learning piano.
    • Importance of 88 keys and weighted action.
  • One side:
    • Strongly recommends full‑size, weighted keyboards for serious piano (especially classical/jazz).
    • Argues unweighted keys limit dynamic nuance and make transitioning to real pianos harder.
  • Counterpoints:
    • Many digital pianos already have weighted keys and MIDI; good enough for serious study.
    • Starting on any accessible keyboard (even 49–61 key unweighted) is better than being blocked by equipment cost/space.
    • Keyboard feel varies across all instruments; players can adapt.
  • Middle‑ground view: weighted and full‑range are ideal if the goal is acoustic piano, but for general music theory, production, or casual playing, smaller/unweighted controllers are fine.

Other technical and ecosystem notes

  • Comments note that almost all modern digital pianos expose USB‑MIDI; 5‑pin DIN and even organ consoles can also be used via MIDI.
  • Some discussion of Chromebook + Linux setups and USB‑MIDI latency issues on certain platforms.

Related tools and competitors

  • Mentions of other Web MIDI learning tools and multiplayer/jamming side projects.
  • Reference to existing structured lesson platforms (e.g., ones with prepared curricula and hardware “light snake” accessories), showing this is an active niche market.

Piano sound / virtual instruments

  • For those dissatisfied with built‑in sounds, recommendations include:
    • Physically modeled pianos (e.g., Pianoteq).
    • High‑quality sample libraries (e.g., Ivory II, Spitfire’s free orchestral piano, bundled pianos in free “lite” collections).