How do I get feedback and scores without using a cable?

Device Mic Feedback: Easy Feedback & Scoring Using Your Device (Smartphone/Computer) Microphone.

Playground Sessions makes it easier than ever to start learning — no cables required!  Use your device’s built-in microphone to receive feedback and scores as you play.

Mic Feedback lets Playground “listen” to your playing using your device (ie., iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac and Windows computers) microphone, giving you feedback and scoring.

Jump right in and start learning: 

• No cables or connections needed
• Works with any acoustic or digital pianos, or keyboards with speakers
• Great feedback accuracy for most users

Note for Desktop Computer Users:  Most laptops, tablets, and mobile devices have built-in microphones.  However, some desktop computers do not have a microphone built in.  If you’re using a desktop computer and don’t see feedback after enabling Mic feedback, you may need to plug in an external mic.

How to Turn On Mic Feedback

You can enable Mic Feedback:

1. During onboarding — just select “USE MICROPHONE” when prompted

2. If you remove the cable connection during any song or lesson — you will be automatically switched to Mic Feedback.
3. If Mic Feedback becomes disabled– e.g., turning on piano demo sounds disables Mic Feedback –  just tap the Mic icon in the toolbar to re-enable it.

If you’ve previously disallowed mic access (for Playground App or all apps), you’ll need to go into your smartphone/computer settings and give the Playground Sessions app permission to access your device microphone.

For IOS: Setting> Apps> Playground> Microphone (toggle on)

For Mac: System Setting> Privacy & Security> Microphone> Playground Sessions for piano (toggle on)

For Android: Setting> Apps> Playground Sessions> Permissions Microphone> Allow

For Windows: Go to windows search bar > type in "microphone" > click on "Microphone Privacy Settings" in search results > toggle on Microphone access

Tips for Best Results

For the most accurate feedback using your device mic:

• Use wired headphones to avoid interference with the backing tracks or room noise
• If not using headphones, lower the backing track volume (or turn off) if scores are artificially high
• Place your device close to your piano/keyboard so the mic clearly picks up your playing
• Play in a quiet room — background noise can impact scoring accuracy

Heads-Up: You Cannot Have Piano Sound Demos Turned On and Utilize Mic Feedback

So the Mic does not pick up the piano demo sounds (and always score you 100%), they are automatically turned off when Mic Feedback is enabled.

If you want to play with piano sound demos turned on – a great learning tool – you need to play with a cable or without mic feedback and scoring.

Use a Cable for the Best Feedback and Accuracy Experience

Using a USB/MIDI cable to connect your digital piano or keyboard to your device offers these benefits:

• 100% accuracy scoring and feedback
• Instant, real-time feedback on every note as you play (vs. receiving feedback at the end of each lesson)
• No need to worry about the mic hearing and scoring notes played in the backing track
• Instant accuracy scoring
• No need to worry about background noise interference

How to connect with a cable:

👉 iPad

👉 iPhone

👉 Android 

👉 Mac and Windows

However you choose to get feedback and scoring, we’re here to help you learn, play, and grow on your piano journey.

Need additional help?  Reach us anytime at support@playgroundsessions.com