Piano Marvel - Detailed Review
Music Tools
Piano Marvel - Detailed Review Contents
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Piano Marvel - Product Overview
Introduction to Piano Marvel
Piano Marvel is an innovative online piano teaching and assessment software that makes learning to play the piano engaging and effective. Created by Aaron Garner, a passionate piano teacher, Piano Marvel was launched on March 26, 2009, with the goal of making music literacy accessible and fun for everyone.Primary Function
The primary function of Piano Marvel is to provide a comprehensive platform for learning to play the piano. It offers a structured method for teaching fundamentals such as notes, rhythms, ear training, scales, and sight reading. The software allows students to play along with the computer, receiving immediate feedback on their performance, which helps in identifying areas for improvement.Target Audience
Piano Marvel is suited for a wide range of users:Beginners
Those who want to start learning piano online with a solid foundation in theory and technique.Children
Especially when combined with a private teacher, it helps children learn in an engaging way.Classical Music Enthusiasts
For those interested in classical music, Piano Marvel offers a rich library of classical pieces.Students with Teachers
It helps students use their private lesson time more efficiently by focusing on technique and musicality while using Piano Marvel for other aspects like sight reading and note practice.Music Majors
University students can also benefit from the detailed levels of difficulty and comprehensive practice tools.Key Features
Interactive Practice
Students play along with the computer and receive scores that earn them bronze, silver, and gold trophies. Correct notes turn green, while wrong notes turn red, indicating if a note was played late, early, or in the wrong key.Performance Tracking
Teachers can track students’ practice times and progress through practice logs, which can be emailed to parents or guardians.Book Mode for Acoustic Pianos
Allows access to all music and lessons on the platform, except performance assessment features.Multiple Levels of Difficulty
Songs and exercises are available in 18 different levels of difficulty, from early beginner to pro, and sight reading assessments range from 0 to 1900.Group Play
A new feature that enables real-time playing with others, whether in a group setting or over long distances.Sheet Music Upload
Users can upload any song they want using musicXML and PDF files, with features like tempo control and organization.Practice Mode
Allows students to work through notes and rhythms at their own pace, waiting for them to play each note.Video Lessons
Additional learning resources to support the learning process.Accessibility
Piano Marvel is accessible on various platforms, including iOS, Windows, Mac, and Chromebook, making it versatile for different users. By combining interactive learning, detailed feedback, and a wide range of features, Piano Marvel makes learning to play the piano an enjoyable and productive experience for students of all levels. Piano Marvel - User Interface and Experience
User Interface Overview
The user interface of Piano Marvel is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, making it accessible for piano learners of all levels.
Ease of Use
Piano Marvel boasts a simple and easy-to-use interface. The menu layouts are intuitive, allowing users to quickly find their way around the application without spending too much time searching for specific features.
- The app uses standard music notation and finger numbering, similar to traditional sheet music, which helps users, especially beginners, to learn and practice effectively.
Interface Features
- Dashboard: The Piano Marvel Dashboard serves as a central hub, providing an overview of your progress and allowing easy access to the songs and exercises you want to practice. This feature acts like “mission control” for your piano lessons.
- Practice Mode: This mode allows users to work through notes and rhythms at their own pace. It waits for the user to play, making it easier to learn new songs without feeling rushed.
- Play Mode: In Play Mode, users receive scores and detailed feedback to help them avoid practicing mistakes and learn faster. This mode is particularly useful for tracking progress and improving performance.
- Playback Info Bar: This feature combines ease of use with functionality, providing an overview of your progress within the sheet music. Users can see important song information as they practice.
Feedback and Assessment
- Piano Marvel provides immediate feedback on note recognition and rhythm. While the app can use a microphone for feedback, it is recommended to use a USB connection for more accurate results, especially for advanced pieces.
- The app offers detailed feedback rather than instantaneous feedback, allowing users to assess their performance after completing a piece. This approach helps in avoiding the feeling of it being too much like a game.
Customization and Control
- Users have the ability to control various aspects of their practice, such as tempo, background instruments, and the option to mute background music. This customization is particularly useful for ear training exercises.
- The app allows users to isolate specific measures or sections of music, enabling them to practice small, logical phrases or sections bit by bit.
Learning Resources
- Piano Marvel includes a vast library of pedagogically sound piano music, including thousands of songs and exercises. This library features a mix of classics, popular movie songs, and arrangements by well-known piano composers.
- The app also offers video lessons and printable sheet music for many songs, providing multiple learning modalities to support different types of learners.
Engagement and Motivation
- The app includes motivating features such as score tracking, leaderboards, and practice streaks. Users can see their progress and scores in various areas, which helps in maintaining motivation and engagement.
Overall, Piano Marvel’s user interface is designed to be straightforward, easy to use, and highly engaging. It provides a comprehensive set of tools and features that support both independent practice and teacher-guided learning, making it an effective tool for piano education.
Piano Marvel - Key Features and Functionality
Piano Marvel Overview
Piano Marvel is a comprehensive piano learning software that integrates several key features to make learning the piano both effective and engaging. Here are the main features and how they work:Practice Mode
Practice Mode is a central feature that allows users to practice songs at their own speed. This mode provides instant feedback, highlighting which notes are played correctly and incorrectly in real-time. Users can slow down or speed up the tempo as needed, helping to correct mistakes before they become habits. This feature is available for all songs and exercises within the software.Play Mode
In Play Mode, users can practice songs and exercises with detailed assessments of their performance. The software uses red and green markings to indicate correct and incorrect notes, helping users identify and correct small mistakes that might otherwise go unnoticed. Play Mode also scores performances based on note and rhythm accuracy, providing a clear metric for improvement and offering awards for achieving higher accuracy levels.Video Lessons and Tutorials
Piano Marvel includes a wide range of video lessons that focus on musical dynamics, expression, and theory. These videos help users learn musically expressive techniques and provide a visual guide to accompany their practice. Additionally, users can watch video tutorials and play along with musical accompaniments to enhance their learning experience.Sheet Music Upload
Users can upload their own songs in musicXML or PDF formats, allowing them to learn any piece they want within the Piano Marvel environment. This feature, combined with the ability to slice and adjust the tempo, gives users full control over their learning material.Group Play
The Group Play feature enables users to play with others in real-time, regardless of their geographical location. This is particularly useful for group lessons or remote practice sessions, ensuring everyone can play together seamlessly.Progress Tracking and Personalized Learning
Piano Marvel tracks users’ progress, allowing them to move at their own pace. The software includes thousands of songs and exercises, covering 18 levels of proficiency, making it suitable for learners of all skill levels. Users can customize their learning paths, adjusting tempo and volume to suit their practice needs.Instant Feedback and MIDI Integration
The software provides instant feedback through MIDI connections, helping users correct their playing in real-time. This feedback is crucial for improving note and rhythm accuracy, and it works seamlessly whether users are practicing with a physical piano or an on-screen keyboard.Interactive Features
Piano Marvel includes interactive features such as sight-reading exercises, challenges, and courses on scales and ear training. These features keep the learning process engaging and provide a well-rounded musical education.Compatibility
The software is available on multiple platforms, including iOS, Windows, Mac, and Chromebook, making it accessible to a wide range of users.AI Integration
In terms of AI integration, Piano Marvel leverages advanced assessment technology to provide micro-assessments during practice sessions. This technology helps in tracking note and rhythm accuracy, offering real-time feedback that is both accurate and helpful. While the software does not assess dynamics, articulation, and other expressive musical elements, it recommends working with a piano teacher for mastering these aspects of musical expression. This balanced approach ensures that users benefit from both the precision of AI-driven feedback and the artistic guidance of human teachers. Piano Marvel - Performance and Accuracy
Performance and Accuracy of Piano Marvel
Piano Marvel stands out in the music tools AI-driven product category for its strong focus on performance accuracy and engaging learning experiences.Accuracy in Playing
Piano Marvel’s assessment technology is a key feature that enhances accuracy in playing. The software uses “micro-assessments” in its Play Mode to evaluate note and rhythm accuracy in real-time. This is achieved through a system of red and green markings that indicate correct and incorrect notes, helping users practice mistake-free and improve their skills quickly.The Standard Assessment of Sight Reading (SASR) is another significant aspect, making it one of the most accurate ways to assess and track sight-reading progress. This feature is particularly beneficial as it addresses a critical gap in many piano learning programs, where sight-reading skills are often neglected.
Engagement
Piano Marvel is highly engaging, especially for those who enjoy a competitive and structured learning environment. The software incorporates video game-like features, such as scoring and awards, which motivate users to practice consistently and aim for higher accuracy scores. This approach helps in maintaining practice consistency, a crucial aspect of learning to play the piano.Practice Feedback and Tracking
The software provides immediate feedback on playing accuracy, especially when used with an electronic keyboard. This real-time feedback is invaluable for correcting mistakes and improving overall performance. Additionally, practice trackers keep users coming back for more, ensuring they stay on track with their learning goals.Limitations and Areas for Improvement
While Piano Marvel excels in many areas, there are some limitations to consider:- Focus on Note Accuracy: The program’s emphasis on note accuracy can downplay more subjective features of playing, such as dynamics and articulation. This might not be ideal for users looking to develop a more expressive playing style.
- Classical Focus: Piano Marvel has a strong classical music focus, which may not appeal to users interested in other genres. If your goal is to play pop songs by ear rather than learn to read sheet music, this might not be the best fit.
- Acoustic Piano Users: The full features of the program, particularly the real-time feedback, are not fully accessible without a MIDI plugin or an electronic keyboard. This can be a drawback for those using acoustic pianos.
- Premium Subscription: To access the full features of Piano Marvel, a premium subscription is required. While the costs are relatively minimal, this could still be a barrier for some users.
Conclusion
Piano Marvel is an excellent tool for those looking to improve their sight-reading skills, learn to read sheet music, and practice with high accuracy. Its engaging features and comprehensive lessons make it a valuable resource for both students and teachers. However, users with different learning goals or preferences, such as those focusing on pop music or using acoustic pianos, might need to consider other options. Piano Marvel - Pricing and Plans
Pricing Structure and Plans Offered by Piano Marvel
Free Account
Piano Marvel offers a free account that provides significant benefits, including:- Access to over 25,000 songs and exercises.
- Sight-reading tests, reports, and progress tracking.
- No obligation to upgrade to a premium account at any time.
Premium Account
The Premium Account unlocks additional features and content:- Monthly Subscription: $15.99 per month.
- Yearly Subscription: $110.99 per year, which saves you $80 compared to the monthly subscription.
- Access to thousands more songs and exercises beyond what the free account offers.
- Additional piano courses for learning scales, arpeggios, chords, note recognition, flashcards, boot camps, sight-reading, ear training, harmonization, and musicality.
- Instant feedback and assessment with MIDI connection.
Subscription Details
- Subscriptions auto-renew indefinitely until canceled by the user.
- Auto-renewal can be turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period.
- Payment is charged to your iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase, and renewal charges are made within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period.
Special Offers and Gift Options
Piano Marvel also offers various special deals and gift options:- Holiday Sales: Discounts on multi-pack subscriptions, such as the Piano Marvel 2-Pack, 3-Pack, 4-Pack, and 5-Pack, with significant price reductions.
- Gift Cards: Options like the 4-month Semester Gift Card for $59.99 or a 1-Year Piano Marvel Premium Virtual Gift Code for $129.99.
- New Year Offer: 2 Months of Piano Marvel Premium at a discounted price of $49.99, originally $150.00.
Additional Features
Regardless of the plan, Piano Marvel provides a range of features, including:- Over 28,000 songs and 1,200 lessons covering 18 levels from beginner to pro.
- Printable sheet music for thousands of piano pieces.
- The ability to upload any song you want to learn and design your own learning path.
- Adjustments to tempo, volume, and specific measures for practice.
- Participation in regular challenges for a chance to win prizes.
Piano Marvel - Integration and Compatibility
Piano Marvel Overview
Piano Marvel is a versatile piano learning software that integrates well with a variety of devices and platforms, ensuring a seamless learning experience across different hardware and operating systems.Operating System Compatibility
Piano Marvel is compatible with several operating systems:Windows
Mac
iOS
Device Compatibility
The software can be used on various devices:PCs and Macs
iPads and iPhones
Keyboard and Piano Compatibility
For optimal use, Piano Marvel recommends the following:MIDI-Enabled Keyboards
Acoustic Pianos
Connection Requirements
To connect your keyboard to your device, you may need:Internet Requirements
A stable internet connection with a speed of at least 1mbps is recommended for a smooth learning experience.Conclusion
In summary, Piano Marvel is highly adaptable and can be used on a range of devices, from PCs and Macs to iPads and iPhones. It supports both digital and acoustic pianos, although with some limitations for the latter. Ensuring the right hardware and internet connection will help you get the most out of this piano learning software. Piano Marvel - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support
For any inquiries or issues, Piano Marvel provides multiple contact channels:
- Customer Service: You can reach out via email at contactus@pianomarvel.com or call them at 719.404.4284 or 866.680.1290.
- Technical Support: For technical issues, you can email support@pianomarvel.com or webmaster@pianomarvel.com.
- Accounts/Billing: For questions related to your account or billing, contact customerservice@pianomarvel.com or use the same phone numbers as customer service.
Additional Resources
Piano Marvel offers several resources to enhance your learning experience:
Music File Upload and Sharing
You can upload and share music files using various notation software. Piano Marvel supports Finale, Musescore, and Sibelius. There are guides and videos available to show you how to find and upload music files from online resources like Musescore, and how to use music recognition apps like Playscore 2 to convert PDF files or photos into XML files compatible with Piano Marvel.
Notation Software Links
- Musescore: A free notation software available for download at https://musescore.org/en/download.
- Finale: Available for a free trial at https://www.finalemusic.com/free-trial/.
- Sibelius: Also available for a free trial at http://www.sibelius.com/download/index.html.
Webinars and Tutorials
Piano Marvel hosts webinars and provides tutorials to help users learn how to upload music and use the software effectively. For example, there is a webinar on uploading music to Piano Marvel, which includes a worksheet for further guidance.
Community Engagement
Piano Marvel encourages community engagement through challenges and competitions. For instance, they have a Sight-Reading Challenge and an Annual Piano Marvel YouTube Competition, which can motivate users to practice and improve their skills.
By leveraging these support options and resources, users can ensure a smooth and productive learning experience with Piano Marvel.
Piano Marvel - Pros and Cons
Pros of Piano Marvel
Interactive Learning
Piano Marvel offers an interactive style of learning, providing immediate feedback on your technique and skills. This includes assessing if you are playing the correct notes and rhythms, which is particularly useful for self-taught learners.
Extensive Music Library
The platform includes a huge library of pedagogically sound piano music, featuring classics in their original form, arrangements by well-known composers, and popular movie songs. This library is highly valued for its educational content and variety.
Structured Learning
Piano Marvel breaks down learning into simple, segmented lessons, making it easier for beginners and children to learn without feeling overwhelmed. It also includes a method section for basic notes and rhythms, and a technique section for more advanced skills.
Sight Reading and Ear Training
The software has a strong focus on sight reading and ear training, with features like the SASR (Sight, Accuracy, Speed, and Rhythm) tab that tracks your ability to read sheet music and compares your progress with other users.
Motivational Features
Piano Marvel includes motivating features such as score cards, leaderboards, and the ability to track monthly minutes practiced. These tools help in setting goals and seeing progress, which can be very encouraging for learners.
Compatibility and Accessibility
The software works on Mac, PC, iPads, and iPhones, making it accessible on various devices. It also offers a 7-day free trial and both monthly and yearly subscription options.
Support for Traditional Learning
Piano Marvel is highly recommended for those interested in classical music and traditional piano learning methods. It provides a solid foundation in theory and sight reading, allowing learners to play any sheet music they encounter.
Cons of Piano Marvel
Traditional Focus
The software has a very traditional style of teaching and learning, which may not appeal to those who prefer more modern or flexible approaches to piano learning. It is heavily focused on classical music and traditional methods.
Limited Song Variety
While the library is extensive, it is noted that the collection of songs is limited in terms of genres other than classical. This might be a drawback for learners interested in other genres like jazz, rock, or pop.
Note Duration Issue
One significant criticism is that Piano Marvel does not measure the time you hold a note, which can lead to inaccurate scoring if the note duration is not observed correctly.
Subscription Model
The software operates on a monthly or yearly subscription model, which might be a con for those who prefer a one-time payment option or are on a tight budget.
Best with a Teacher
While Piano Marvel can be used independently, it works best when combined with instruction from a traditional piano teacher. This might be a drawback for those who prefer self-learning without additional costs.
Overall, Piano Marvel is a solid choice for those looking for a structured, traditional approach to learning piano, especially if they are interested in classical music and sight reading. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a more diverse song library or a more flexible learning method.
Piano Marvel - Comparison with Competitors
Unique Features of Piano Marvel
- Extensive Music Library: Piano Marvel boasts a vast library of over 1,000 well-known piano arrangements, including classical pieces, popular movie songs, and student favorites. This library is particularly strong in classical music and includes arrangements by well-known piano composers like Melody Bober, Dennis Alexander, and Mona Rejino.
- Structured Learning Method: Piano Marvel offers a traditional, structured approach to learning piano, with six levels of main course content, each containing 30 sections and 20 video lessons per section. This structure is beneficial for those who prefer a methodical and comprehensive learning experience.
- Interactive Practice Tools: The software includes interactive features that measure and assess students’ playing, providing instant feedback on notes and rhythms. It also has an extensive sight-reading program and the ability to isolate small phrases or sections of music for focused learning.
- Audio and Visual Components: Piano Marvel includes audio accompaniments for each song, video demonstrations, and instructions for many exercises and songs. This multi-sensory approach helps in improving both auditory and visual skills.
Comparison with Flowkey
- Focus on Theory: Unlike Flowkey, which is more focused on learning favorite songs by reading sheet music, Piano Marvel delves deeper into the theory behind music and piano. If you’re interested in understanding the underlying theory and potentially writing your own music, Piano Marvel is the better choice.
- Classical Music Emphasis: Piano Marvel has a stronger emphasis on classical music, which can be beneficial for improving finger technique and musicality. Flowkey, on the other hand, is more versatile in terms of song selection but lacks the depth in theoretical education.
Comparison with Other Piano Learning Software
- Skoof and Playground Sessions: These apps, while offering interactive learning experiences, lack the extensive library and structured method that Piano Marvel provides. Skoof, for example, has better sound quality but fewer functions and options compared to Piano Marvel.
- Rocket Piano: Rocket Piano is another learning software, but it does not offer the same level of interactivity and feedback as Piano Marvel. Piano Marvel’s combination of online self-taught lessons with real-time feedback sets it apart.
Potential Alternatives
- For Those Focused on Song Learning: If your primary goal is to learn your favorite songs quickly, Flowkey or Skoof might be more suitable. These apps are great for learning popular songs but do not offer the same level of theoretical education as Piano Marvel.
- For Those Using Acoustic Pianos: While Piano Marvel has a book mode for those learning with an acoustic piano, it loses some of its interactive features in this mode. In such cases, other software like Skoof or Floki might be more recommended as they are more compatible with acoustic pianos.
In summary, Piano Marvel stands out for its comprehensive and structured approach to learning piano, its extensive music library, and its strong focus on classical music and theoretical education. However, for those more interested in learning popular songs or using an acoustic piano, other alternatives might be more suitable.
Piano Marvel - Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Piano Marvel, along with detailed responses to each:
What devices is Piano Marvel compatible with?
Piano Marvel is compatible with a variety of devices, including Mac, PC, iOS devices (iPads and iPhones), Chromebook, and Android devices. This versatility allows users to practice on the device that is most convenient for them.How much does Piano Marvel cost?
Piano Marvel offers several subscription plans. The monthly subscription costs $15.99, but you can get a discount to $12.99 per month using a promo code. An annual subscription is available for $110.99 per year. There are also package deals for multiple accounts, which can be more cost-effective for families, schools, or piano studios.What features does Piano Marvel offer?
Piano Marvel includes a wide range of features:Interactive Practice Tools
Provides immediate feedback on note and rhythm accuracy.Extensive Library
Access to thousands of songs, including classical pieces, popular songs, and music from TV and movies.Sight Reading Program
Helps improve sight reading skills through an extensive program.Video Lessons
Hundreds of video lessons and instructions for exercises and songs.Printable Sheet Music
Most songs and methods include printable sheet music.Audio Accompaniments
Audio accompaniments for each song to enhance practice.Progress Tracking
Tracks practice time, scores, and progress, with features like leaderboards and goal setting.How does the assessment and feedback work in Piano Marvel?
Piano Marvel’s Play Mode assesses note accuracy and rhythm accuracy, providing instant feedback through red and green markings to indicate correct and incorrect notes. The software scores performances based on accuracy, and users can earn awards for achieving higher scores. This helps users practice more accurately and improve their skills over time.Can I use Piano Marvel with an acoustic piano?
While Piano Marvel works best with a digital piano connected via MIDI for full interactive features, it can still be used with an acoustic piano. In this case, you can use the “Book Mode,” which allows for song playback, printable PDF versions of songs and exercises, and manual tracking of progress. However, the feedback will not be as detailed as with a digital piano.What kind of content does Piano Marvel offer for different skill levels?
Piano Marvel is designed for pianists of all levels. It includes lessons for beginners, intermediate students, and advanced musicians. The content ranges from classical music to popular songs, TV and movie themes, jazz, and blues. Many songs have multiple arrangements to suit different skill levels.How can teachers use Piano Marvel for their students?
Teachers can create a teacher account to manage multiple students under one account. This allows them to track each student’s progress, identify areas where students are struggling, and provide targeted feedback. Teachers can also use the extensive library and interactive tools to enhance their lessons.Are there any motivational features in Piano Marvel?
Yes, Piano Marvel includes several motivational features such as score cards, leaderboards, and the ability to set and track practice goals. Users can see their progress and scores in various areas and compete with other users on leaderboards. These features help keep students motivated and engaged in their practice.Can I try Piano Marvel before committing to a subscription?
Yes, you can start with a free account to try out Piano Marvel before deciding on a paid subscription. However, the free account has limited content compared to the paid version.What is the Piano Master Series by Piano Marvel?
The Piano Master Series is a collection of high-quality video lessons designed to help users learn to play the piano quickly. It includes lessons on reading music, playing fun songs, and mastering practice tools and techniques. This series is available as part of the Piano Marvel Premium subscription or can be purchased separately. Piano Marvel - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Piano Marvel
Piano Marvel is a comprehensive and innovative piano learning software that stands out in the music tools category, particularly for its integration of technology and traditional teaching methods.Key Features
- Extensive Music Library: Piano Marvel boasts a vast library of pedagogically sound piano music, including classical pieces, popular songs, and arrangements by well-known composers. This library is a significant asset, especially for teachers and students looking for a wide range of material.
- Interactive Practice Tools: The software offers interactive practice tools that provide immediate feedback on note and rhythm accuracy. The Play Mode feature highlights mistakes with red and green markings, helping users practice more accurately.
- Flexible Learning Modalities: Piano Marvel supports various learning modalities, including printable sheet music, on-screen interactive features, audio accompaniments, and video demonstrations. This flexibility makes it suitable for different types of learners.
- Motivational Elements: The software includes score cards, leaderboards, and practice streak tracking, which can be highly motivating for students who are driven by competition and progress tracking.
- Teacher Support: Unlike many other piano apps, Piano Marvel is explicitly designed to be used in conjunction with a teacher, rather than as a replacement. This makes it an excellent tool for teachers looking to enhance their lessons.
Who Would Benefit Most
Piano Marvel is highly beneficial for several groups:- New Piano Learners: The software includes a unique piano method designed specifically for brand-new learners, making it an excellent starting point for those just beginning their piano journey.
- Piano Teachers: Teachers can use Piano Marvel to enhance their lessons, provide additional practice tools, and track student progress effectively. It is particularly useful for group lessons and as a practice station.
- Students of All Levels: The extensive library and flexible learning tools make it suitable for students at various skill levels. Whether you’re working on classical pieces or popular songs, Piano Marvel has something to offer.
Overall Recommendation
Piano Marvel is a valuable tool for anyone serious about learning or teaching piano. Here are some key reasons why it is highly recommended:- Comprehensive Resources: The combination of a vast music library, interactive practice tools, and various learning modalities makes it a comprehensive resource for piano education.
- Teacher-Friendly: It supports rather than replaces traditional teaching, making it an excellent addition to any piano studio.
- Motivational: The inclusion of score cards, leaderboards, and practice tracking features can significantly boost student motivation and engagement.
- Flexibility: It can be used in various settings, from individual lessons to group classes, and even for home practice.