Toney the Music Tutor

** Bass clef lessons now available! **

Toney the Music Tutor can help you learn to read music!

Learn the notes of the treble and bass clefs, enough to get started playing piano, in a set of fun guided lessons!

Lesson progress is saved as you go, and you are free to select lessons as needed based on your skill level or practice needs!

Changelog

• v0.9.2 (2025-08-04):
  • Added lessons for the bass clef
  • Added lessons for practicing all treble and all bass notes
  • Visual improvements (including new note and menu colors)
• v0.9.1 (2025-08-01):
  • Fixed colors displayed on keyboard to match note colors
  • Added version number to main menu screen 
• v0.9.0 (2025-07-16):
  • Initial in-browser release! Supports treble clef lessons, save data and lesson selection.

How to Play

This is a PICO-8 cartridge you can play right in your browser!

Default keyboard controls are:

• Keyboard Left/Right arrows: Move to a new note
• Keyboard "X" (PICO-8 "X" button): Select item/note/continue
• Keyboard "Z" (PICO-8 "O" button): Back (in menus)/Hold and press Left/Right to skip a whole octave on the keyboard
• Enter key: System menu, allowing you to reset the virtual cartridge (progress is still saved), or exit the lesson in-progress.

Click the game controller icon after launching the game for more controls help.

Depending on your previous knowledge or preferences, you can enable various hints and color modes:

• Note and keyboard colors can help you find keys without clutter
• Note names can be shown for the sheet music and selected keyboard position for easier learning

Use the in-game Settings menu to configure these hints as you like! Settings are saved in your browser along with lesson progress!

If you want to reset your progress and start over, see the Settings menu.

Feedback Encouraged!

I am eager to find out how beginners to reading music may be helped by Toney! I'm also curious to know how it can be made more useful for those who already know some music.

Please leave your comments and suggestions in the comments below to help improve the lessons!

If you wish to use this application in a structured educational setting with multiple learners, you may purchase one downloadable copy per student, or please contact me at izzy@izzyboris.com to discuss bulk pricing options.

About the Game

My goal for this app is to create an enjoyable way to learn the basics of reading music. It was also my first major foray into the delightful world of PICO-8 programming.

I plan to add more lessons soon as they fit on the cartridge, and I hope to produce additional editions focusing on other instruments.

Upcoming plans include adding support for:

• Identifying accidentals and the black keys
• Alto clef (for viola, cello, etc.)
• Key signature identification
• Note reading practice in other keys

I have more plans for this game in addition to these, so look out for updates as they come!

The web version of the game will always remain free to try out and play! Purchasing a downloadable copy ensures that your progress remains saved and helps support my efforts! Thank you!