Everything you need to teach your first lesson
1on1 Piano connects your piano to your student’s piano, so online lessons sound and look like you’re in the same room. This guide walks you through getting the app, choosing acoustic or MIDI mode, hosting your first lesson, and the features in version 3.6.1.
Get the app
Web app, iOS and Android
Use the app
Acoustic vs MIDI mode and your first lesson
App features
Including what's new in 3.6.1
Equipment
Cameras, cables and audio gear
Getting the app
There are two ways to access 1on1 Piano, and you and your student can mix devices in the same lesson.
Web app
Works on Windows, Mac, Chromebook and Linux. Go to app.1on1piano.com in Chrome or Edge and create an account.
- Acoustic sound is very good on Macs running Chrome with the built-in microphone.
- Windows users get better acoustic sound with a mixer and mic combo (here is what we recommend).
- Learn more about compatible browsers.
iOS and Android apps
Download 1on1 Piano for your phone or tablet.
- iOS devices sound best in “Wide Spectrum” mode using the built-in microphone.
- Join from a second device for an extra camera angle or to share sheet music.
- Screen sharing works on both the mobile and web apps.
Using the app: acoustic vs MIDI mode
1on1 Piano works in two modes. Pick the one that matches your instrument, or use both in the same lesson.
Acoustic mode
The choice for online lessons on any acoustic instrument. 1on1 Piano defaults to no filter and high-bitrate audio, so the true tone of your instrument comes through.
- Uses your device’s built-in microphone
- Sounds best on a Mac with Chrome, or iOS in Wide Spectrum mode
- Upgrade on Windows with an audio interface and microphone
MIDI mode (piano-to-piano)
Connect digital pianos to the call with one inexpensive cable. The app streams MIDI between devices in real time, so you are literally playing your student’s piano and every detail comes through.
- Nearly any digital piano brand works, on computers, iOS and Android
- The MIDI Synth recreates your playing on your student’s device, even without a piano connected
- Real-time MIDI Passthrough keeps the rhythm between pianos intact
Not sure how to connect your piano? Use the connection assistant built into the app, or see our guide to MIDI ports and connectors. A data cable that costs under $10 is usually all you need.
Steps to hosting a first lesson
Five steps from sign-up to your student sitting at the piano.
- RegisterGo to app.1on1piano.com and create your account.
- Open ClassroomsClick “Classrooms.”
- Create a roomUnder “New Classroom,” name your room and click “Create Classroom.”
- Invite your studentUnder “Add Users to Your Classroom,” enter your student’s email and click “Add User.” They’ll get an email with a link and instructions.
- Start the lessonWhen your student signs in, the room is waiting. They join, and the lesson starts.
Unique app features
Built for music lessons, so you don’t need OBS, a mixer, a separate scheduling app or a notes app to run your studio.
Formatted session recording
Records your session exactly as you've arranged it: keyboard view, virtual keyboard, pinned windows and gallery. Press R to start or stop. Recordings stay in the Library for two weeks, with extra storage available.
Live streaming
Stream that same layout to a private, unlisted or public link, or straight to YouTube and Twitch. Recitals, masterclasses and open lessons look like a produced broadcast.
High-definition MIDI Synth
Your student hears your playing with lossless clarity, even without a digital piano connected. Switch to the high-definition synth for recording and local playback.
MIDI Passthrough and synced metronome
Timing between pianos stays intact when the connection wobbles, and latency is low enough for duets when it's strong. Press M for a metronome synced to the MIDI connection.
Camera Switcher
Press C to preview every connected camera and show them one at a time or all together. Most Macs handle up to six cameras, with no OBS or hardware switcher needed.
Virtual Keyboard
Press V to light up every note you and your student play, so everyone can see exactly what the hands are doing.
Whiteboard and annotations
Upload PDFs and images to the Library and mark them up together in real time. Markings are saved, and students can annotate during and after the lesson.
Window Capture
Save any video window, including a screen share you've drawn on, to the Library from that window's Drawing Panel.
Automatic lesson notes
Every lesson is summarized for you, included for everyone at no extra cost.
Classrooms
Recordings, chats, scores, notes and whiteboard captures land in each student's Classroom, together in one place.
Group lessons for up to 100
Rooms hold up to 100 people and sync up to 100 MIDI instruments in real time, with Hand Raise and language integration to keep a full room running smoothly.
Match, notifications and booking link
Match is our free listing service that helps students and teachers find each other. Lesson requests reach phones in seconds, and your booking link is revealed as soon as a request is accepted.
Screen sharing
Share your screen on mobile and web. Bring your iPad into the session, join in silent mode, and screen share music in forScore.
Captions, pin, zoom and annotate
Live captions and a call transcript, plus pin, zoom and annotate any window. Mark up your keyboard view and everyone sees it.
Smart MIDI filtering
Real-time MIDI to everyone in the call, with filtering that prevents “double” piano sound while still allowing conversation as you play.
Hotkeys at a glance
- M Metronome synced to your student’s playing
- C Camera Switcher
- V Virtual Keyboard
- R Start or stop a recording
Recommended equipment
Affordable cameras, the cable options for piano-to-piano (MIDI), and acoustic setups that sound professional.
Cameras
Webcams, camera adapters and mounts for face and keyboard views.
MIDI cables
The right cable or wireless adapter for piano-to-piano lessons on any device.
Acoustic audio
Audio interfaces and microphones for clear acoustic piano sound, especially on Windows.
Ready to teach your first lesson?
1on1 Piano is free to use. Visit the online piano lessons sign up page, set up a Classroom and invite your first student in minutes. Questions or want a live demo? Email Paul@1on1piano.com.