When I was offered a test unit of the Roli Piano M by LUMI, a handbag-sized digital piano/keyboard alternative that connects seamlessly to an iPad or other devices, my son Oliver, ever the curious tech reviewer, jumped at the chance to explore it. When the unit arrived, I let him take charge of the unboxing, setup, and initial testing to see how it landed with the teen crowd.
After a few weeks of hands on use, here’s what we thought of the Roli Piano M—from Oliver’s perspective as a young learner to my own take as a mum (and my own mum’s surprising connection to the product!).
A Personal Touch from the Founder
Before diving into the product itself, I want to acknowledge a lovely moment that stood out. The Roli Piano M arrived with a handwritten note from Justin, the founder of Roli. His letter expressed a heartfelt passion for music, learning, and connection.
Knowing this package was for a teenager, Justin added an extra personal touch that resonated with me as a parent. It gave me a sense of the company’s ethos and made me feel like we were engaging with a product designed by people who truly care.
Here’s the Teen Techspert’s Take on the Roli Piano M
When it comes to learning piano, the ROLI Piano M has cracked the code. This sleek, portable keyboard combines modern tech with beginner-friendly vibes, making it a top pick for anyone looking to learn fast while keeping things fun and frustration-free.
Unboxing: First Impressions Matter
The unboxing experience? Total chef’s kiss. 👌 The Piano M is packed beautifully—minimalist, clean, and very “Apple product” vibes. Inside, you’ll find the keyboard, a USB-C cable, and a handy setup guide that gets you up and running in no time. No unnecessary clutter, just the essentials. From the moment you open the box, it’s clear this is a premium product.
Sleek Design with Big Practicality
This new wave Piano looks so cool. It’s compact (about the size of an iPad keyboard), lightweight, and built with a matte finish that doesn’t scream “fragile.” The slightly smaller-than-normal keys are surprisingly comfy, especially for younger players or anyone just starting out. And since it’s wireless with Bluetooth and a battery that lasts up to six hours, you can jam anywhere—no outlet required.
Learning Made Super Intuitive
Here’s where the magic happens: the Piano M connects to the ROLI Learn app, which turns lessons into an interactive experience. The illuminated keys guide your fingers through songs, making learning super straightforward—no decoding confusing sheet music. The app includes everything from beginner basics to well-known tracks, with feedback to help you improve. It’s like having a personal tutor on speed dial, minus the awkwardness of messing up in front of them.
Serious Features for Future Pros
What’s cool is that the ROLI Piano M isn’t just for beginners. The keys are sensitive to pressure and touch, so you can get expressive as you level up. Want to add vibrato or slide into notes? Done. And if you’re feeling extra creative, it pairs with major music software like GarageBand and Ableton, so you can compose or experiment as much as you want.
Grow as You Go
Another neat trick: it’s modular. You can snap two (or more) ROLI Piano Ms together to expand your keyboard as you take on more complex pieces. Think of it as starting with a small sketchpad and upgrading to a full-on canvas when you’re ready.
Why It’s Worth It
The ROLI Piano M doesn’t just teach you how to play—it makes learning exciting, accessible, and totally doable. Between the intuitive app, the polished design, and its versatility, it’s perfect for beginners and beyond. Plus, the unboxing experience and premium feel make it an awesome gift for any budding musician (or yourself).
So, if you’re ready to level up your music game without feeling overwhelmed, the ROLI Piano M is a serious win
The Family Angle: A Mum’s Perspective
As a parent, I was pleasantly surprised at how intuitive the setup process was. Not a single “Muuuuum, how do I…?” came my way. Within minutes, the kids had unboxed, connected, and started playing. The sound quality was crisp and clear, filling the house without becoming overbearing. Thanks to its Guitar Hero-style key prompts, we avoided the typical “my first piano” clangers that could drive anyone up the wall.
Even better, the Roli Piano M became a family affair. My mum was visiting at the time, and when my 10-year-old asked her to play Chim Chim Cher-ee from Mary Poppins, she nailed it from memory—60 years after learning it on her family piano. Watching her reconnect with music and share that joy with her grandchildren was a special moment, reminiscent of a time when families connected through music in a screen-free world.
A Few Practical Considerations
- Subscription Costs: The Roli Piano M retails for USD$249 / AUD$400, but it also requires a USD$15/month (AUD$24) month or USD$99/year (AUD$160) subscription to access most features, including songs beyond the basic Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. While this isn’t unusual for modern tech products, I’d love to see more starter songs included with the base purchase—especially considering the price of the unit itself.
- Learning Made Fun: The colour-coded keys are bright, engaging, and perfect for beginners. They make learning a new song feel less daunting and more playful.
- Expandable Setup: One standout feature is the ability to connect multiple Roli Piano boards. This allows you to grow from simple tunes like Twinkle Twinkle to a full symphony of sound—great for both solo learners and collaborative play.
Final Thoughts
The Roli Piano M isn’t just a gadget; it’s an enjoyable educational experience. From my teen’s seamless interaction to my mum’s nostalgic trip down memory lane, it’s clear this keyboard fosters connection, creativity, and a love for music across generations. If you’re looking for a fun, portable way to bring music into your home, the Roli Piano M is worth considering—just keep the subscription cost in mind when budgeting.
Would I recommend it? If you or your child want to learn piano, absolutely. It’s not every day a tech product can bridge generations and bring a household together like this.
