All MIDI information from the console is converted into audio by the instrument's built-in ROM and played through the instrument's stereo speakers, allowing the keyboard to be used independently of the console. With the exception of the metronome that is used in the Miracle system's lessons, the Miracle system does not ever generate sounds through the video game console hardware.
Some of the NES Miracle keyboards were later converted for PC use and the Nintendo Seal of Quality on these boards was covered up with a piece of plastic. It was released in the United States and in multiple regions of Europe. It was sold for US$500 and had low sales, in part due to its high price. It provides hundreds of lessons, and was advertised as the perfect adjunct to formal lessons. Its marketed value is as a tool to teach users to play the piano.
After the supplied MIDI keyboard is connected to a console or computer and the included software is loaded, a user follows the on-screen notes. The software comes either on 3.5" floppy disks for personal computers or on cartridges for video game consoles. The Miracle Piano Teaching System consists of a keyboard, connecting cables, power supply, soft foot pedals, and software. ContentsÄescription A Miracle system keyboard (NES edition) The Miracle Piano Teaching System is a MIDI keyboard/ teaching tool created in 1990 by The Software Toolworks for the NES and SNES, Apple Macintosh, Amiga, Sega Genesis, and MS-DOS PC. Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Mac, Commodore Amiga, Sega Genesis, PC Hey, maybe I'll even present my first recital, sweaty palms and all, during the lunch hour at the offices - now that would be a Miracle indeed.1990 video game The Miracle Piano Teaching System And of course, once I get that good I can use my Miracle piano with any sheet music I like. I peeked ahead again so I know that if I practice, I'll be able to play "La Bamba".
You have to really want to play to make this musical Miracle work. Plus, I missed the human touch and the motivation of having a mean old piano teacher staring over my shoulder. If you're stuck you must back up with your lessons or try to find the answers in the book. Drawbacks? You can't ask the Miracle questions. And most importantly, I can learn at my own pace. What's a better deal? A year's worth of piano lessons or the Miracle? Check back in a year for the answer! I enjoy my Miracle piano lessons. Ducks fly across a music staff, and you shoot them by hitting the corresponding note on the keyboard. Shooting Gallery is an exercise to help you recognize notes. This section of the program lets you choose between playing one of the many pieces in the lessons (from "Canon in D" to "Hound Dog") accompanied by the Toolworks Orchestra (and they make even me sound good!), Practicing Rhythms, Practicing Notes, Having the Piano demonstrate the Piece, and then, of course Robo-Man and Shooting Gallery! Remember? This is an NES! Robo-Man is a robot who helps you develop rhythm by motoring along a conveyer belt and banging objects with his head when you hit a key on the keyboard. If you get bored with the normal lessons, you've got a couple of other practice alternatives in the "Practice Room". Each lesson starts with a description of what's to be learned, often accompanied by a demo of how it's supposed to sound. You even learn to play complicated pieces that at this point in time look like a strange foreign language.
As time goes by the lessons grow more and more challenging - you learn rhythm, how to read music, and, when I cheated and peeked ahead, lessons about things such as sharps, flats, musical notation, and accidentals. The lessons begin with the absolute basics - get to know your keyboard, what fingers go where, and the names of the different keys. The software that comes with the system is your piano teacher - complete with an estimated eight to twelve months worth of lessons (depending on how fast you learn and what your level of experience is). The first thing you discover is that the Miracle can sound like anything from a church organ to a set of jungle drums. The piano plugs into your NES and a power source and then you're ready to play. During my get-acquainted session with the Miracle, I discovered the system is easy to set up! It takes up much less space than a regular piano and comes with a giant manual.