It may not be a top-quality musical instrument, but it’s probably better that trying to learn piano directly on an iPad. Ion, the makers of the iCade, are continuing the concept of iPad accessories that make the tablet pass as something else with the Piano Apprentice, a plug-in keyboard. The device is intended as a trainer, with light-up keys to help the budding student know which keys to be playing. The Piano Apprentice will pair up with an app featuring instruction led by on-screen tutoring by instructor Scott Houston.
You can expect this to be available in the fall for about $100. If Ion does as good a job simulating a piano as they did recreating the arcade experience on iCade, it should be worth checking out.