Melissa & Doug Learn-to-Play Piano Review

Did you know that intensive music training from an early age can be directly associated with improved performance, concentration and intelligence too.

So whether you want to help your kids develop stronger mental capabilities, nurture their musical genius or just watch them have loads of fun on the keys, then you’ll need a piano made just for the little ones.

I’m talking about the Melissa & Doug Learn-to-Play Piano that has parents all over the UK excited. We bought it as a gift for our daughter’s first birthday few weeks ago. But is this mini piano worth you and your kids time? This review ought to clear things right up.

Melissa and Doug Learn to Play Piano Review

Piano in our kids’ bedroom

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What Are You Buying?

I always say that knowing the brand gives you the best idea of what it is you’re really buying. Since their inception over two decades ago, Mellissa and Doug have remained fully committed to bringing joy to children with their hands-on, creative play.

Their toys are designed to inspire exploration, fuel imagination and encourage a child’s natural curiosity. And I think their Learn-to-Play piano incorporates all these elements and a whole lot more.

The Learn-to-Play Piano from Melissa & Doug is a brightly painted, upright piano that has been touted as the perfect way to introduce original music and sound to your child’s life. Having checked out an array of these little keyboards, I have to admit that M&D knows how a child’s mind works.

Illustrated songbook

For starters, we all know that kids have a hidden talent of breaking every single toy you buy them. That’s why the manufacturers used high-quality materials that ensure the piano lasts longer and is safer for your child.

But while this miniature piano displays some pretty sturdy wooden construction, I’m sure it’s only a matter of time until our 3.5 year old son snaps off the top or something.

This piano features 25 keys and two full octaves that allow your kids to explore different concepts of loud and soft sound as well as high and low notes.

But that’s just the half of it; the piano comes with an illustrated songbook that more experienced mini-maestros can use to learn up to 9 different nursery songs. This works in tandem with a colour coded key chart that kids can use to identify notes. But just how easy is this concept?

How Easy Is It To Use?

Like I said, Mellissa & Doug really know how a child’s mind works. That’s why they were able to make something that not only picks at the curiosity of your little ones, but is also fun and incredibly easy to use.

Our daughter Emma with the piano

For starters, the colour coded key chart is so easy to use that kids who are only one and a half years old and can’t read yet can use it. But as soon as they’re about 2-3 years old, they’ll be able to read the songbook as well.

And thanks to the dimensions, the Learn to Play piano can be used by kids as old as 6 years old while sitting or kneeling. Parents will also be glad to hear that the product has felt parts under the feet to protect your floors.

However, don’t be too surprised if your children wear it down pretty quickly. Looking under the hood, I also noticed that there’s a metal harp that is struck by flimsy plastic hammers. That’s why you need to give the keys a harder prod than usual to get slightly better sound.

What Accessories Are Included?

Once you’ve made your purchase, you can expect the following items in the box:

• Melissa & Doug Learn to Play upright piano
• Illustrated songbook
• Colour coded key chart

What Do We Think About It?

Pros

• Brightly painted, stylish and attractive exterior
• Incredibly easy to use even for toddlers
• Teaches child 9 different nursery songs

Cons

• The strip along the keys looks poorly attached and very flimsy

Anything Else You Should Know?

I’d be the worst reviewer ever if I didn’t tell you this. When I initially bought the piano, I thought the thing sounded really annoying and off-key. The only way to describe the sound is tiny, metallic and plinky plonky. The black keys sound even worse, and what’s more, there’s no way to tune the damn thing.

However, my kids seem to love the sound; they can’t get enough of it. In the end, all that matters is that it’s good enough for a toddler’s ear.

Conclusion

Brightly coloured, attractive, durable, affordable and super easy to use, the Melissa and Doug Learn to Play piano might just be the perfect way to introduce your child to music early on. Apart from providing an array of keys to work with, the piano comes with plenty of additional materials that will keep junior busy for hours on end.

Sure, the sound could be better and less plinky plonky, but then again, it’s not a grand piano at the theatre. It’s simply everything you would expect from a children’s play piano.

Where To Buy?

• Amazon UK: > CLICK TO CHECK TODAY’S PRICE