I have just recently found interest in music production. I want to pursue that interest, however is my knowledge with the various softwares out there very limited. I do posses Ableton Live, Logic Pro X and Fruity Loops.
Before getting deeper into understanding these programs I want to learn how to play the piano… well keyboard. Therefore, I want to buy a keyboard and am now wondering if it is going to be possible to learn how to play the piano on a midi keyboard - and if so which one would experienced members of this forum recommend?
As stated is my knowledge of the software i have listed above quite limited, which is why I am wondering if it would be possible for me to get a great sound of the midi keyboard. I do own a pair of Yamaha HS-5 studio monitors that i have connected to my KRK 10" subwoofer. This is all linked to my DDJ SX.
So to clarify the question again: Will i be able to effectively learn how to play the piano on a MIDI Keyboard while being able to get a good sound from it through software such as ableton?
Hi Chiro, I don’t think any of those programs you mentioned have tutorials or exercises for learning piano. If you would like to use your midi keyboard, I recommend a program like synesthesia piano. Didn’t post link since I haven’t gone through the rules section yet but you can easily find it. It’s a free program that you “play” like Rockstar but for piano. I recently started using and it’s pretty good if you have good muscle memory.
Lessons I’m sure would give much better results.
Yes, you can learn the piano on a MIDI keyboard/controller hooked up to your DAW with a VST with a decent piano sound.
Get a MIDI keyboard/controller that has touch sensitive keys, perhaps not full blown touch sensitivity but you’ll want some touch sensitivity. You’ll also want at least 61 keys IMO, which when it comes to full-on MIDI controllers is going to probably cost you more than buying a cheapie regular MIDI-capable keyboard.
So I’d recommend just buying a cheaper MIDI-capable keyboard over a full-blown controller.
I bought logic pro x… The others were given to me by a friend. Since i am using a mac fruity loops is kind of inconvenient to use at this point of time, and ableton’s ui is not as appealing to me as logic’s. So yeah i will eventually switch to it but to learn the basics i want to go with logic pro.
Does anyone have a recommendation for a good keyboard to start out with? I will be doing my research, however a starting point would be helpful - such as brands i should look into.
I’m a fan of my Novation LaunchKey. The keys are great, I haven’t been a huge fan of the pads, but you wouldn’t really have much use for them learning to play piano.
if you really want to learn to play the keyboard, definitely avoid any of the “mini” series and get full sized keys. I own a korg microkey and I like it for just getting ideas for melodies but for actually playing its cramped.
Thank you again for all the answers. After trying out a couple of keyboards i have decided to go with the novation launchkey 61. Now i am only facing one last challenge: i am not quite sure how to connect my studio monitors/subwoofer together with my keyboard to my macbook to use it with my DAW? From what i have read i believe that i will need an audio interface, however am i not sure what type will work and how many inputs and outputs it will need to have. If you could help me out with this last question that’d be awesome.
You are correct you will need an audio interface. I recommend any focusrite sound card , or a NI audio 6 , both will work fine for you mate ! I use a focusrite Safire pro 24 FireWire interface, but they have plenty cheaper USB audio interfaces available. Lots of people use and love the focusrite sound cards !
Someone who really knows how to play the piano - letz say at a decent level, will always tell you that you will want a keyboard with some kind of key action mechanism. I AM NOT ONE OF THAT LEVEL, but I’d still recommend you to buy something like a YAMAHA DGX-650 (look here).
I bought a used (but with warranty left) DGX 630 which does pretty much the same compared to the newer models for 450€ some time ago.
First I used it only to learn the piano, now I use it for my little home studio. It is a great product with a good value for its price. Why would one want a keyboard if for only a few hundred bucks more you can have the full product?
Of course you can learn how to play the piano on a keyboard in some way, but just as good as playing soccer with a basketball. You will never reach that level you could, you wont have as much fun and some day you will find yourself limited by your instrument.
Just my two cents. Greetings from Germany. Sorry for my english.