What is JoyTunes?

JoyTunes is a music education startup. JoyTunes' mobile apps combine a wide range of music education methodologies with the latest in gaming features to motivate practice and dramatically improve player's skills in an interactive and fun way.

What is JoyTunes' mission?

JoyTunes is passionate about all things music. Our mission is to enable anyone to learn and play an instrument of their choice. By working in conjugation with music teachers, JoyTunes thrives to create educational tools influenced and shaped by music educators themselves. JoyTunes apps are proven to dramatically improve musical instrument playing by motivating practice and focusing on key skills.

Background history of JoyTunes

The idea of JoyTunes came to Yuval, JoyTunes' Co-Founder & CEO, while visiting his nephew one day. Tom was much more interested in playing his Wii, and showing off the skills he mastered, than playing his piano. Tom's mother could not tear him away from his game counsel for 10 minutes to practice his piano, with a huge argument ensuing. This is where the light bulb went off in Yuval's head. Why not combine the aspects of video games with music? And from there – the idea JoyTunes was born.

What is the difference between Piano Dust Buster and Piano Maestro?

Piano Maestro is an in-depth educational tool to study piano. It is a professional tool that can be used by music educators and their students. From a single note to complete pieces, Piano Maestro makes sheet music come to life.

Piano Dust Buster is the ultimate introduction to piano, no previous piano experience needed or note reading skill is needed.

How do I get started?

• Download Piano Maestro.
• Create an account and identify your role (teacher, student or parent).
• Create multiple profiles (siblings, students).
• If you are a teacher, make sure to connect to your student- learn how here. Upon connecting you will receive weekly progress reports.

The piano cannot hear my playing, what do I do?

Please make sure to check the following:

• 1. Have you downloaded the newest version of Piano Maestro?
• 2. Have you enabled microphone in the iPad settings? To do so in iOS 8: Go into Settings Go into Privacy Go into Microphone If it is not on turn it on; if it is on already let us know.
• 3. Have you made sure that the mute switch on the side of the iPad is not on?
• 4. We do know that some strange behaviors may occur if the side switch is set to lock rotation. A possible solution is: Go to your iPad settings and choose General->Use Side Switch To ->Mute. This will make sure that the side switch indeed controls the mute. force quite the app (when outside, double press the home button, then long press the app icon at the bottom and close it with the little "-" sign). Try muting and "unmuting" with the side switch and re-launch the app again.
• 5. Remove your iPad case, this may be blocking the microphone of your iPad.

If you need any more help, you can message us through our Help Center (click here) or directly from the app (My Account > Support). We're happy to help!

How are ranks earned?

There are two central indicator for a student's progress with the app: their rank and the chapters they opened in Journey mode.
Students can rank-up by playing any song. Tougher songs earn more points, and each rank requires more score than the previous. Note that students can play the same song multiple times and keep gaining score and rising through the ranks.
Rank is more indicative of how much time they have spent with the app, while the opened journey chapters represent how much educational content they have mastered.

I'm a teacher but I don't have an iPad. Can I still add my students?

Yes!

Have one of your students with an iPad bring their iPad into the studio. In Piano Maestro open up a "teacher account" and then connect to your student. Find out how to do so here. Then have your student log out of your account and log into theirs. They can accept the invite and then their progress will be synced with your account and you'll receive weekly progress reports!

If other students want to connect to you they can find you via the email you used to sign up as a teacher and you can accept their invitation via the progress report each week.

Do I need to put in an email for students who do not own iPads? They will only be using the iPad in my class.

Yes. We recommend you put emails in for your students even if they do not own iPads. This will allow their parents to receive weekly reports on their progress, “share the moment” postcards, and even send the students encouraging feedback!

I have a family with multiple siblings, do they each need their own account?

No. Each family only needs one account. Once the one account is set up, create a profile for each individual sibling. This way, each sibling's progress will be tracked separately.

I'm a teacher. How do I add my own kids to so they can have home challenges?

In order to connect to your children on your personal iPad: Go to their profile and click on their name. Click "connect to home account" Put in the email: xyz+teacher@yahoo.com (this is an example, put your email info in where the XYZ is and replace yahoo with whatever email provider you have).

This tricks the iPad into thinking you are connecting to another device when you are really not. After you do so you should be able to connect and assign homework challenges to your children.

Why doesn't my Bluetooth speaker work?

Currently Piano Maestro does not work with Bluetooth speakers due to technical limitations of how we use the microphone with the MusicSense recognition.

My iPad is recognizing MIDI, but I am using my acoustic piano.

Close any apps running in the background that might be picking up a signal that's coming across as MIDI connection. If that doesn't solve it, you can also disable ‘Bluetooth' in the ‘Settings' app on your iPad.

How can I cancel my subscription?

Unfortunately, this is managed by Apple and we can't modify them, so you will need to cancel it yourself. Below are Apple's instructions on how to manage and disable your subscriptions.

1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap on iTunes & App Store.
3. Tap on your Apple ID at the top.
4. Choose View Apple ID from the popup menu.
5. Enter your password when prompted and tap on OK.
6. Tap on Manage under Subscriptions.
7. Tap on the name of the subscription you'd like to cancel or modify.
8. Turn the Auto-Renewal option to Off.

If there's anything else you need help with, you can message us through our Help Center (click here) or directly from the app (My Account > Support). We'll be happy to answer any questions :)

Mode Selection: What is the difference between Concert or JukeBox?

In "JukeBox", choose a pack of songs (categorized by genre) and play your favorite songs in either practice or showtime. Also choose between playing in Simple or Staff mode.
In "Concert" mode play against your friends and users around the world. Concerts happens between 2-3 times a week and consist of a total of 4 songs. A leader board keeps track of top players.

What is the difference between the Simple Mode and Staff Mode?

In Simple mode no need to know how to read music. Germs will fall from the sky and all you need to do is play the note when they hit the rhythm line.
Staff mode will help you practice your sight reading skills. Germs will appear on the staff lines, just as notes would. Play the correct note at the correct time to earn points!
Easily switch between modes by tapping on one or the other in the upper right hand corner of the screen.

I bought packs of music on one device, how do I switch it to another device?

Enter the app and choose the song pack you purchased. Once inside the pack click "account" in the bottom right hand corner. Once inside your account click the "membership" tab. In the membership tab click "restore purchases" in the top right hand corner. Enter you Apple ID info and your pack will unlock.

The piano cannot hear my playing, what do I do?

• Please make sure to check the following:
• 1. Have you downloaded the newest version of Piano Dust Buster?
• 2. Have you enabled microphone in the iPad settings? To do so in iOS 8:
  Go into Settings
  Go into Privacy
  Go into Microphone
  If it is not on turn it on; if it is on already let us know.
• 3. Have you made sure that the mute switch on the side of the iPad is not on?
• 4. We do know that some strange behaviors may occur if the side switch is set to lock rotation. A possible solution is: Go to your iPad settings and choose General->Use Side Switch To ->Mute.
  This will make sure that the side switch indeed controls the mute.
  force quite the app (when outside, double press the home button, then long press the app icon at the bottom and close it with the little "-" sign).
  Try muting and "unmuting" with the side switch and re-launch the app again.
  

I have a family with multiple siblings, do they each need their own account?

No. Each family only needs one account. Once the one account is set up, create a profile for each individual sibling. This way, each sibling's progress will be tracked separately.

What is the difference between Piano Dust Buster and Piano Maestro?

Piano Maestro is an in-depth educational tool to study piano. It is a professional tool that can be used by music educators and their students. From a single note to complete pieces, Piano Maestro makes sheet music come to life.

Piano Dust Buster is the ultimate introduction to piano, no previous piano experience needed or note reading skill is needed.

Why doesn't my Bluetooth speaker work?

Currently Piano Dust Buster does not work with Bluetooth speakers due to technical limitations of how we use the microphone with the MusicSense recognition.

What cables do I need to connect my iPad to my digital piano or keyboard?

Depending on your digital piano, you may need a USB to USB or a midi to USB cable. Then you can plug headphones into the iPad (not the digital piano) and just turn the volume down on the piano.

My iPad is recognizing MIDI, but I am using my acoustic piano.

Close any apps running in the background that might be picking up a signal that's coming across as MIDI connection. If that doesn't solve it, you can also disable ‘Bluetooth' in the ‘Settings' app on your iPhone/iPad.

If there's anything else you need help with, you can message us through our Help Center (click here) or directly from the app (Account > Support). We'll be happy to answer any questions :)

What is Simply Piano?

Simply Piano was created to give an intro to anyone learning the piano on their own. For beginner to pro, the app is structured into courses for different musical tastes and skill levels. The app uses tutorials to guide you step-by-step so you can master rhythm, technique, chords, playing with both hands and so much more!

Current courses include essentials, pop chords, classical, blues and jazz. Some courses are offered in touch mode using the app's on-screen keyboard. The app also features a huge Song Library full of top-charting hits and classics for you to play at anytime. Courses, features and songs are added on an ongoing basis.

How do I sign up and login to Simply Piano?

Signing up is easy! All you have to do is download the app from the App Store and then log in and follow the on-screen steps to set-up your account.

If you've already downloaded the app, go into the Settings of the Main Menu and press Create Account. Enter your email and you will be sent a 4-digit verification code to that email. Enter the 4-digit code when prompted in the app and you're ready to go.

If I purchase a premium subscription to Simply Piano, will I have access to Piano Maestro and Piano Dust Buster as well?

At the moment, we don't have this option. Simply Piano subscriptions are not connected to Piano Maestro and Piano Dust Buster subscriptions and must be purchased separately.

How do subscriptions work in Simply Piano?

All subscriptions will auto-renew unless auto-renewal is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. You may turn off auto-renewal at any time from your iTunes account settings.

• Your subscription is for your iTunes account and can be used on your iPhone and iPad
• Payments will be charged to your iTunes account at confirmation of purchase.
• Subscriptions cannot be cancelled during the active subscription period.

What does premium access mean and how does it work?

Premium access in Simply Piano means you have full access to the all the courses and songs in the app during your chosen subscription period.

How do I enable the microphone?

Simply Piano needs a microphone to work properly (we listen to the piano after all…). If you weren't prompted in the app, you can enable it manually via the iOS device settings (iPhone, iPad). Go to home screen -> Settings -> Privacy -> Microphone.

You'll see a list of applications that have requested access to the microphone.

Find Simply Piano and enable it by tapping on the slider (so the slider shows green).

How can I connect my keyboard directly to the app?

Connecting your keyboard to an iPad is easy! All you need is this MIDI adapter , which is obtainable at all/most electronic stores that offer Apple accessories.. Then it's simply "Plug and Play" - the app will detect it automatically.

* Note: please connect the keyboard before starting a song.

Does Simply Piano support the use of Bluetooth?

Unfortunately, we don't support Bluetooth protocol due to latency issues on the devices. You will be able to hear the music but your playing will be delayed and therefore, we don't recommend it.

Is my progress saved across all devices?

Yes, as long as you create an account and make sure to sign in with the same account credentials.

Why is the Sheet Music grayed out?

The Sheet Music feature is grayed out and unlocks after playing certain exercises, right before these songs:

• "Best Day Of My Life" in the Piano Basics Course.
• "Jingle Bells" in the Essentials I Course.

How often will new courses and content be added?

Exciting new features and songs for different playing levels and musical tastes will be released on a regular basis, approximately once a month.

The notes are not being recognized correctly, how can I fix this?

Acoustic sound recognition is a complex, emerging technology. Some users may occasionally encounter problems with the sound recognition on their device, and we're applying the best of science to resolve these asap. In the meantime, the following steps solve the majority of recognition issues:

• Make sure that nothing obstructs the device's microphone (an iPhone case for example) and that it's close to the piano or keyboard. This is very important and usually solves most issues.
• Lower the volume of the app when playing.
• Play the piano louder (on a digital piano or keyboard turn the volume up, on an acoustic piano press the keys harder).
• Avoid using the sustain pedal.
• If you're playing an acoustic piano make sure it is tuned. If you're playing a digital piano or keyboard, make sure to use the default natural piano sound.
• Try reducing background noise (is the TV on? Are you in a loud place?)
• Verify you have the most recent version of Simply Piano from the App Store.
• Reset the MusicSense Engine by pressing Menu (top left button) → Settings → Rest MusicSense™.

What are Daily Workouts?

Daily Workouts are an easy way to keep your skills sharp while you're not at the piano (using the apps touch keyboard) and adapts according to your progress in the app.

So you won't forget, we've automatically scheduled a reminder notification every day at 9am for you.

*Note: Daily Workouts can only be completed using touch keyboard mode.

What is Practice Mode?

Practice Mode is designed for gradual step-by-step learning to help you master any song!

If you happen to make a mistake twice while playing a song, practice mode will be activated (indicated by a white metronome in the top right corner) and will significantly slow the tempo down so you can easily learn the notes at a slower pace.

Once you've mastered it, the song will switch back to its' original tempo.

How can I switch between using a real keyboard and touch keyboard mode?

We currently do not have the option of switching between the use of a real keyboard or touch keyboard.

Most of the courses are designed for use with a real keyboard as there is no better way to learn piano than with the real deal!

The only two courses you can use the touch keyboard with is in the Touch Intro and Stay in Touch courses as well as with the Daily Workouts.

The app is not picking up any sound, how can I fix this?

The solutions below apply to cases where no sound is picked up completely. For cases where notes are picked up poorly please see the question on recognition problems.

Here are a couple of things you can check:

• Have you downloaded the newest version of Simply Piano?
• Have you enabled the microphone in the device settings? Go to Settings → Privacy → Microphone, and enable the microphone. If it is already enabled please let us know.
• On older iPads some problems may occur when the side switch is set to lock rotation. Go to your iPad's Settings → General → Use Side Switch To → Mute.
  This will make sure that the side switch indeed controls the mute.
• Now, force quit the app (double press the device home button and swipe up Simply Piano). Try muting and "unmuting" with the side switch and relaunch the app again.

Connecting Headphones

In order to use the app with headphones, you'll need to connect your keyboard to the iPad with a MIDI adapter.

Then connect your headphones to the audio jack from the iPad and you're all set.

Both are plug and play so no need to install anything.

How can I cancel my subscription?

Unfortunately, this is managed by Apple and we can't modify them, so you will need to cancel it yourself. Below are Apple's instructions on how to manage and disable your subscriptions.

1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap on iTunes & App Store.
3. Tap on your Apple ID at the top.
4. Choose View Apple ID from the popup menu.
5. Enter your password when prompted and tap on OK.
6. Tap on Manage under Subscriptions.
7. Tap on the name of the subscription you'd like to cancel or modify.
8. Turn the Auto-Renewal option to Off.

How can I get a refund?

As apps are purchased through Apple's App Store, all refunds are processed via Apple.
Here is how you can get a refund via Apple:

1. Go to Apple's problem reports page: https://reportaproblem.apple.com/
2. Login with your Apple ID username (typically your email address) and password.
3. Select the appropriate tab—all, music, movies, TV shows, apps, or books.
4. Find the purchase you want refunded
5. Select Report a Problem to the right of the purchase.
6. Select the reason you want the refund.
7. Fill in the description, as appropriate.
8. Select Submit.

How is Simply Piano different from your other apps, Piano Maestro and Dust Buster?

Piano Maestro is our long-established teacher-family practice companion. From learning a single note to complete pieces, the app helps you Learn to read sheet music notation and symbols, play melodies in both treble and bass clefs and more! It contains many features to keep students motivated and includes all the popular method books, a vast Library, and tons of exercises!

Piano Dust Buster is the ultimate introduction for kids. Begin practicing notation, compete against other players or choose from a wide variety of songs. It makes learning to play the piano as fun as playing a game.

If there's anything else you need help with, you can message us through our Help Center (click here) or directly from the app (in the settings menu). We'll be happy to answer any questions :)