Questions, answered

A clear answer
before you connect.

The important details should be visible before a visitor commits time, hardware, or money.

Do I need an account?+

No. The core practice loop is designed to work locally in your browser. An account is for cloud-backed saving and access across devices.

What files can I open?+

PianoBrain reads MusicXML files — .xml, .musicxml, and compressed .mxl. You bring your own scores; there is no built-in song catalogue, and there is no PDF or photo import.

Does it work with an acoustic piano?+

The feedback loop needs MIDI input. A digital piano with MIDI or a MIDI keyboard is the reliable path; an acoustic-only piano is not currently the same experience.

Which browsers work?+

Chrome, Edge and Firefox 108+ on a computer or an Android phone. It can't run on iPhone or iPad — Apple makes every browser there (Chrome and Firefox included) use Safari's engine, which doesn't allow MIDI in the browser — so use a computer, or the Mac app.

Can it make exercises from my song?+

Yes. Prepare mode reads the piece you imported and builds a practice set for it — scales, arpeggios and cadences in its key, plus short drills taken from its own hardest passages. It's generated from the notation, not by an AI.

Is there a built-in piano?+

Yes, on the paid plans — a sampled acoustic grand with tone presets, and a larger engine in the macOS app. On the free plan you hear yourself through your own digital piano's sound. Either way, a MIDI keyboard provides the notes.

Is there a Mac app?+

Yes. The Mac app feels tighter to play — the sound keeps up with your fingers, your piano connects more closely, you can use voice commands offline, and it plays a richer grand. The practice itself is the same as the web version.

Is PianoBrain a piano teacher?+

No. It is a practice companion for your own repertoire and the work you do between lessons.