Duolingo, renowned for its language learning platform, has partnered with musical instrument manufacturer Loog to develop the Loog x Duolingo Piano. This is an affordable portable digital piano specifically designed for use with the Duolingo Music course. The new product was announced this September at Duocon, the company’s annual conference.
Duolingo’s app has become the world’s most popular way to learn languages, and the company has more recently widened its remit to include other subjects such as math(s) and music.
To make the most of its Duolingo Music course some form of musical instrument is required, and Loog seemed to have the perfect answer.
Loog, the brainchild of Rafael Atijas, produces a range of award-winning musical instruments designed to make playing easier and more fun. Its products are primarily aimed at beginners.
The Loog x Duolingo Piano is essentially a modified version of the Loog Piano which was launched back in 2023 with the aid of a Kickstarter campaign.
This compact digital piano features a 37-note velocity-sensitive keyboard. The keys are sprung and have a lighter touch than those found on a conventional acoustic piano, making them easier to play for someone who is just starting out. Also, the octave span of the keyboard is approximately 7/8 standard size. This makes the instrument more comfortable for smaller hands.
The Loog x Duolingo Piano has just one piano sound – a digitally sampled and modelled acoustic piano. This is monitored through stereo top-mounted speakers or alternatively through headphones. The only control is a large wooden volume knob.
Weighing just 4.7lbs (1.25kg) the piano is extremely portable, and is powered by a built-in rechargeable battery. The instrument is housed in a bright Duolingo-green case with solid wood end-cheeks and badged with a small “Duo”, Duolingo’s wise owl logo, on the top panel.
“We are big fans of the Duolingo Music course, and of Duolingo’s approach to education in general. We share the mission to make it rewarding and stimulating for beginners to learn, and are incredibly honored to have collaborated with them in this instrument.”
Rafael Atijas, CEO of Loog
The Duolingo Connection
Mounted on the top of the instrument is a special wooden stand, not for music but for a smartphone running the Duolingo Music app. The piano sends note information to the phone using MIDI over USB-C.
Launched October 2023, the Duolingo Music course primarily teaches the user: the fundamentals of rhythm, basic note-reading skills, ear training, and how to play some familiar songs. It starts from the “absolute beginner” stage and progresses through a series of interactive game-like exercises.
Duolingo has partnered with Sony Music to include more than 60 well-known recordings from the likes of Whitney Houston, Hozier, Pharrell Williams, Meghan Trainor, and P!nk within the course.
The app is compatible with both iOS and Android platforms.
“Our partnership with Loog is an exciting step in bringing Duolingo’s approach to music education to a broader audience. The Loog x Duolingo Piano is the perfect complement to our music course, and we believe it will inspire learners of all ages to pursue their passion for music in a fun and engaging way.”
George Audi, VP of Business Development and Partnerships, Duolingo
The Loog x Duolingo Piano sells for $249.00 (£189.00, €226.95) plus shipping from the USA, and can be pre-ordered from the Duolingo Store. Delivery is expected to be November 2024.
Loog x Duolingo Piano Specifications
Sound Source: Sampled piano with modelling
Keyboard: 37-note (3 octaves) C-C, velocity-sensitive, octave span 5.54 ins (140.8mm)
Amplification: Built-in stereo speakers
Power: Built-in rechargeable battery
Battery life: 3 hours
Connectivity: USB-C (cable included), headphone out, sustain, and oct
Audio Out: 3.5mm headphone socket
Dimensions: 18.9 x 7.5 x 2.7ins (480 x190 x 69mm)
Weight: 4.7lbs (2.15 kg)
Accessories: Flashcards, printed guide, USB-C cable, smartphone stand
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Will I be able to use ANY MIDI keyboard with Duolingo Music?
I understand that this will be possible, but haven’t yet tried it.
Hi everyone,
Can’t we plug any MIDI keyboard via USB C interface to play with Duolingo?
Thanks
The duo lingo app does not seem to be midi aware . How are you going to get the new keyboard to work with it
I have a midi keybord that I tried to use with Duo. It did not work out well. I could play along on the keyborda and the Duo app registered what keys I was playing but it didn’t play the sounds of what I am playing.
I saw somewhere that the Duo keybord has built in speakers. So I guess that if I split the midi signal and send it to both a midi sound box and to the app it should work.
I have an iPhone and bought a new Loog keyboard to better learn music. I then bought a usb3 camera adapter as recommended to make the connection. Still does not recognize the keyboard in the app. Yes I turned on accessories. Why sell something that does not work with duo lingo but sell it as working with Duolingo. Very infuriating.
It is such a lost opportunity. Duolingo music is easily the best app for learning how to play piano. All they need to do is start supporting bluetooth midi and any modern electric piano would work.