What equipment do I need to use MuseFlow?

You need a computer with Chrome or an iPad, plus a MIDI keyboard connected via USB.

Is MuseFlow good for beginners?

Yes, MuseFlow is excellent for beginners. The adaptive curriculum starts from the basics and builds your sight reading skills progressively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can’t find your answer? Email us at support(at)museflow.ai. We’re also always looking for feedback! If you have any comments or suggestions, please visit our survey.

What are the minimum system requirements to use the beta version of MuseFlow?

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Currently this iteration of MuseFlow requires you to have:

- A computer - Mac or PC. The newer the better.

- A “plug and play” midi keyboard or controller with the appropriate cable to connect to your computer.

- A browser other than Safari, preferably Chrome.

Later iterations will lower the barrier to entry with key features including audio recognition so you won’t have to connect your keyboard to your device, and turning MuseFlow into an downloadable application so it’s compatible with iOS and other mobile devices.

Where can I buy a “plug and play” MIDI keyboard and cable, and which one is right for me?

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A MIDI keyboard should be available at any local music shop or electronics shop such as Best Buy or Walmart. You can also buy them online at Amazon or elsewhere. These are the ones we recommend:

- 61 Keys: $105.99 - TERENCE 61 Keys Piano Keyboard (comes with stand)‍

- 88 Keys (on a budget): $139.99 - Bfgxuoo 88-Key Keyboard (comes with stand and sustain pedal)‍

- 88 Keys (premium): $279.99 - Donner DEP-45 88 Key Keyboard (comes with all the above. Donner is very reputable)‍

‍We recommend the 61 key keyboard if you’re wanting to just try out MuseFlow.

‍Note: If you notice that the cable your keyboard comes with does not match a port on your computer, you will need to buy a separate MIDI cord that will properly connect the keyboard to your computer.

These are the ones we recommend based on popular types of computers:

- USB-b to USB-c : Good for Mac’s 2015 to present

- USB-b to USB-a: Good for most PC’s and Pre-2015 Mac’s

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‍Note: This is the cable that most digital keyboards come with, so be sure to compare to the what keyboard you have/are going to buy to make sure this purchase isn’t redundant.If your keyboard only has a MIDI/5 pins/DIN connector, we recommend this MIDI to USB cable.

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‍Note: Look at the "color" options and choose which connector works for your computer.If you need any help deciding on the right cord to buy, please reach out to our stellar support team at support (at) museflow (dot) ai with the type of keyboard and computer you have and we’d be happy to help you make the right selection.

However, we are quickly working towards a version of MuseFlow that functions through audio recognition alone, so stay tuned!

What’s sight reading and why is it a better way to learn?

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Sight reading is the ability to play or perform music that you, the musician, have not seen before. Most music teaching curriculums teach you to read music through repetitive practice of the same song over and over again. Once that song is mastered, you move on and learn a new one. While this is helpful in learning a single piece, once you move to a new song, you must begin the same process again, often leading to frustration and even boredom.

MuseFlow flips this process on its head by teaching you the building blocks of music before you start to learn songs. We do this by giving you music you’ve never seen before, and that never repeats, to teach you how to read music at first sight. Only then do you apply this knowledge to learning songs. You learn repertoire (songs) faster without the frustration of feeling like you’re learning how to play all over again every time you move on to a brand new song. An increase in sight-reading ability has been shown to make learning new songs more fun which will make you want to keep going. Mastering new songs will be a breeze, and you’ll quickly build confidence in your knowledge and understanding of music.

What’s a MIDI keyboard and do I need one to use MuseFlow?

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The short answer is yes, you do need one.

A MIDI keyboard is any keyboard that connects directly to your computer through a USB cable and sends MIDI data to whatever program you are using. The current iteration of MuseFlow requires a MIDI compatible keyboard in order to accurately track your progress and adjust your lessons in real-time. The MIDI keyboard tells our program whether or not you hit the correct key for the note, if you hit it at the correct time, if you held it long enough, and a whole range of other important information. The curriculum then makes adjustments based on this information. Every adjustment is geared towards your specific learning progress, in order to keep the lesson equal parts challenging and interesting so you stay in flow state throughout.

However, we are quickly working towards a version of MuseFlow that functions through audio recognition alone, so stay tuned!

How do I connect my MIDI keyboard?

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If your keyboard is connected but the MIDI connect page is blocking you, try refresh the page.

If you are still having troubles connecting, please email support (at) museflow (dot) ai with the make and model of your keyboard and computer and we'll be happy to help.

Otherwise follow these steps below:

You’ll be asked to connect your MIDI keyboard to your computer.
Once you've connected your keyboard, click NEXT.
If MuseFlow does not recognize your keyboard is connected even though it is plugged in, the MIDI setup page will pop back up at the beginning of the first level you play.
If, at that moment, you click NEXT and you are not moved into the level, close out the browser, then open MuseFlow back up.

If all else fails, please reach out to us at support (at) museflow (dot) ai and we'll help you out.During sign up, you’ll be guided through the process of connecting and setting up your MIDI keyboard. If you have any questions, you can also reach out to support (at) museflow (dot) ai . Here’s a quick guide to the process of setting up your MIDI keyboard:

You’ll be asked to connect your MIDI keyboard to your computer.
Once you've connected your keyboard, click NEXT.
If MuseFlow does not recognize your keyboard is connected even though it is plugged in, the MIDI setup page will pop back up at the beginning of the first level you play.
If, at that moment, you click NEXT and you are not moved into the level, close out the browser, then open MuseFlow back up.

If all else fails, please reach out to us at support (at) museflow (dot) ai and we'll help you out.

The app screen isn’t loading properly. What should I do?

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Try refreshing the page.

The keyboard isn’t making any sound. What should I do?

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First, refresh the page. If that doesn't work, follow the steps below.

During sign up, you’ll be guided through the process of connecting and setting up your MIDI keyboard. If you have any questions, you can also reach out to support (at) museflow (dot) ai . Here’s a quick guide to the process of setting up your MIDI keyboard:

You’ll be asked to connect your MIDI keyboard to your computer.
Once you've connected your keyboard, click NEXT.
If MuseFlow does not recognize your keyboard is connected even though it is plugged in, the MIDI setup page will pop back up at the beginning of the first level you play.
If, at that moment, you click NEXT and you are not moved into the level, close out the browser, then open MuseFlow back up.

If all else fails, please reach out to us at support (at) museflow (dot) ai and we'll help you out.

I really want to try MuseFlow, but I can’t afford the required equipment. Is there any other way to use the program?

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First of all, we are so excited that you want to play with us and would love to make that happen! \

While our current iteration is only usable with a MIDI compatible “plug and play” keyboard and a computer, we’re committed to the goal of democratizing the process of learning music. Please reach out to us at support (at) museflow (dot) ai and let us know that you need help with the purchase of any equipment and we will do our best to accommodate you.

I’m already a user. Can I give feedback?

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We insist! We are constantly working hard to make MuseFlow the best experience it can be for our users. We would love to hear from you about how we’re doing. Take our survey here or shoot us an email at info (at) museflow (dot) ai with any thoughts or questions you have.

If I’m not a beginner, can I still use MuseFlow?

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Absolutely! MuseFlow is meant to meet you where you’re at. If you already have experience playing piano, you can try out a few different levels until you find the one that best challenges your current skill level.

Does MuseFlow teach any other instruments?

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Not yet, but we will. MuseFlow’s unique approach to learning is applicable to any instrument. As we continue to grow, we look forward to offering our revolutionary curriculum for all common instruments.

What’s next for MuseFlow?

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We’re just getting started! We have so much more in store, so be sure to keep checking back in with us. Here are a few goodies we are planning to add as we continue to build MuseFlow:

Unit 2 - We are in the process of building out Unit 2 and should be complete within the next year.

A Repertoire Library - While our initial curriculum teaches you how to sight read never before seen music, our repertoire library will teach you how to actually learn some of your favorite songs while in flow state. You can free play without guidance, or use our Repertoire Tool to expedite the learning process. As you learn a new song, MuseFlow will adjust the tempo and complexity of the music itself based on your performance. It will break down each song into phrases and have you repeat the phrase until you know it well enough that you are ready to move onto the next one. Once you’ve made your way through the song, we’ll put it all together and voila! You’ll be playing your favorite tunes in no time.

A Theory Library - Knowing how and why music works is an integral part to playing more advanced music. Within the MuseFlow Theory Library, we’ll provide videos that give you an in-depth understanding of theory concepts and explain specific techniques in greater detail. This library will also house specific exercises for ear training, chords and scales, and rhythm drills, each designed to increase your music fluency.

A Community Center - Learning is more fun when you’re doing it with other people. While the nature of learning music can feel like a solitary activity, MuseFlow plans to create a community hub through our app that allows you to connect with your peers in digital and in-person settings. Set goals and trade tips and tricks with people who are learning at the same level as you.

Have a suggestion? Other features you’d like to see? Let us know! We are always looking for feedback to make our product the best it can be. Take our survey here or shoot us an email at info (at) museflow (dot) ai with any thoughts, suggestions, or questions you have. Let’s make music together.