Questions
What Semibreve is
- What is Semibreve?
- Semibreve is a piano practice companion for iPhone, iPad and iPhone Duo. It writes a new sight-reading piece at your level whenever you want one, shows every scale and arpeggio with its fingering, and has chords and improvising too. Breve, a friendly semibreve, keeps you company while you practise.
- Is it a way to learn pieces?
- No. Semibreve is for musicianship, the side of piano beyond the pieces: sight-reading, scales and arpeggios, chords and improvising. It works alongside lessons or whatever pieces you’re learning, and makes them easier.
- How is the sight-reading made?
- Each piece is written by Semibreve at the moment you ask for it, from rules that match your level: the keys, time signatures, note values and range you’re ready for. So there’s always something new, and you can’t simply memorise it.
- Who is it for?
- Exam students, adult learners, players coming back to the piano, and parents who want calm daily practice for their children. You choose a level when you start, and can change it any time.
Levels and exams
- What are Semibreve’s levels?
- Starter, then Levels 1 to 8. Each is about the standard of the UK exam grade with the same number. Your sight-reading can have its own level, because reading often lags behind scales.
- Does it follow ABRSM, Trinity or another exam board?
- Semibreve’s levels are its own, and it isn’t affiliated with or endorsed by any exam board. It’s good practice for the scales, arpeggios and sight-reading in UK exams, but check your own syllabus for exactly what your exam asks for.
- Are the fingerings the standard ones?
- Yes. They’re the standard teaching fingerings, cross-checked across several published sources. Exam boards generally accept any fingering that works musically, and your teacher may suggest something different.
The free week and prices
- Is the first week really free?
- Yes. You don’t pay anything or choose a plan to start, so there’s nothing to cancel. You get everything in Semibreve for 7 days.
- What happens after the free week?
- Semibreve locks until you choose a plan. It won’t charge you unless you choose one.
- How much does it cost?
- £4.99 a month, or £34.99 a year (about £2.92 a month). Prices are for the UK and include VAT; the App Store shows yours in your own currency.
- How do I cancel?
- Plans renew until you cancel. To cancel, open Settings on your iPhone or iPad, tap your name, then Subscriptions. Or use Manage subscription in Semibreve’s own Settings.
- Can I use it on more than one device?
- Yes, on any iPhone or iPad signed in to the same Apple Account. Use Restore purchases on a new device.
- Is the website free?
- Yes. Every scale and arpeggio on this website is free, with its notes, fingering and sheet music. Sight-reading, chords, improvising and daily practice are in the app.
Devices and privacy
- Do I need a digital piano or keyboard?
- No. Semibreve doesn’t listen to you play, so any piano or keyboard works. Prop your iPad or iPhone on the music stand and play from the screen.
- Which devices does it work on?
- iPhone, iPad and iPhone Duo, folded or open. It isn’t on Android yet.
- Does it work offline?
- Yes. Everything works without the internet, including the piano sound.
- What do you know about me?
- Nothing. There’s no account, no adverts and no tracking. What you save stays on your device. Apple handles the free week and plans, and we never see your name or payment details.
Try everything free for a week
No payment and nothing to cancel. Then £4.99 a month or £34.99 a year.
Or start with the free scales and arpeggios.