Learning to play the piano at home isn't so bad if you get to practice on a Roland HPi-7F or HPi-6F digital interactive piano. Ideal for the home studio or the home in general, both new pianos come equipped with the company's SuperNatural Piano sound engine, PHA Ivory Feel keyboards, and interactive DigiScore training programs. The HPi-7F is shown on the left in a Rosewood finish, and the HPi-6F is shown below in Satin Black.

Using technology from Roland’s V-Piano, the SuperNatural Piano sound engine in the HPi-7F and HPi-6F provides a superior playing experience with smooth, natural three-dimensional sound and expressivity, according to Roland. The PHA III (on the HPi-7F) and PHA II (on the HPi-6F) Ivory Feel keyboards are said to be comfortable, playable, and responsive; these key beds feature keys made from a realistic moisture-absorbent material that prevents sweaty-finger-slipping during performances.

The pianos' DigiScore feature -- which displays digital sheet music and interactive lessons on a large LCD built directly into the music rest -- helps students sharpen their skills with onboard visual lessons and exercises, as well as play along with a graphical metronome and an onscreen keyboard. Piano students will like that the new models offer finger training graphical displays, which show finger strength with well-known Hanon exercises. For children and beginning players, DigiScore also offers a number of interactive musical training games.

With the built-in microphone input (on the HPi-7F only), you can plug in a vocal microphone and sing along through the digital piano's onboard speaker system. To enhance the singing experience, karaoke-style lyrics are shown on the DigiScore display when one of the built-in songs or SMF music files with lyrics are played, and onboard effects such as echo and real-time vocal harmony can be added. Again, this feature is for the HPi-7F, not for the HPi-6F.

The new HPi-7F also includes an auto-accompaniment engine, with which you can create full musical accompaniment in a variety of music styles by playing one or two notes with the left hand. If you add Roland’s optional CD-01A CD drive, you can burn musical performances to CD for lesson practice, recital recordings, audition demos, and more.

These new HPi series pianos have wood cabinets available in either Satin Black or Rosewood. The music stop is equipped with brass music clips, while the three-piece pedal unit and front legs provide a more traditional look.

Roland plans on making the HPi7-F and HPi-6F Digital Interactive Pianos available in November, 2010. For more information, visit RolandConnect.com.