u/Mysterious_Nail3436

Hello! I’m a complete beginner who’s interested in learning music production, and I’m looking to buy my first MIDI keyboard. I’m a little overwhelmed by all the options and could use some advice.

My budget is currently around $100, although I’d be willing to wait a few weeks to a month and spend around $120–$150 if there’s a significantly better option.

Ideally, I’m looking for something that is portable, beginner-friendly, good for learning music production, able to function without being connected to a computer/DAW, and has built-in speakers, if possible, so I can practice on the go

I’ve been looking at the Akai MPK Mini Play b ut I’ve heard mixed opinions. Some people say it’s more of a toy and that it isn’t particularly useful unless it’s connected to a DAW. Would you recommend the MPK Mini Play for a beginner, or is there something better around $100–$150?

Also been looking at these on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H6HWSHHD/?coliid=I1GYQJSB1Y8LIN&colid=2QOKMXGM0PMXC&psc=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_lstpd_DZA1B1TVWK7W63V5B0KX

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GN92H8WV/?coliid=IBDADWJSNL6YM&colid=2QOKMXGM0PMXC&psc=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_lstpd_DZA1B1TVWK7W63V5B0KX_1

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GRVDV48X/?coliid=I34Y24F5NF3M1G&colid=2QOKMXGM0PMXC&psc=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_lstpd_DZA1B1TVWK7W63V5B0KX_2

Are there any other MIDI keyboards in this price range that have built-in speakers and can actually be used independently without a DAW? Or would I be better off giving up the standalone/speaker requirement and getting a better MIDI keyboard without those features?

Once I buy a keyboard, I also want to actually learn how to play it rather than just use it for music production.

I’ve heard about the Simply Piano app. Is that a good option for a complete beginner, or are there other apps, websites, or YouTube channels you would recommend for learning piano/keyboard?

I’m also not sure what other equipment I actually need.

I’ve heard people mention things like Audio interfaces, Drum/loop pads, Headphones/studio monitors, MIDI controllers, etc.

What would you consider essential for a beginner, and what can I completely ignore for now?

Eventually, I want to buy Ableton Live 12 Standard, but I don’t currently have enough money for it. I have the Lite version right now, but I’d like to eventually unlock the additional features in Standard.

Are there any reasonably priced MIDI keyboard bundles that come with Ableton Live 12 (or a version that can be upgraded to Standard)? Would it make more sense to wait and save up for a better keyboard/bundle rather than buying something now?

Basically, if you were starting from scratch with around $100–$150, what would you buy, and what would you recommend I focus on learning first?

Thanks!

I am reaching out to this forum because I recently started my music production journey (about a month ago), and I’m feeling incredibly overwhelmed. I am currently learning on the free edition of Waveform 13 with a $0 budget. I do not own a MIDI keyboard or a microphone, and I have no background in music theory.

I can dedicate 1–2 hours a day to learning, and my goal is to be able to produce full, layered tracks from scratch within the next 6 to 12 months. I’ve watched several tutorials, but I am struggling to bridge the gap between watching videos and actually creating music that sounds cohesive.

To help me get a solid starting point, I would deeply appreciate some insight on a few specific questions:

Navigating the Piano Roll Without Hardware: Since I don't have a MIDI controller, what is the best workflow for drawing notes and sequencing beats using just a mouse? Specifically, how can I start arranging patterns effectively without knowing music theory yet?

Essential Music Theory for Beginners: If I want to make melodies that actually sound good, what absolute baseline music theory concepts should I focus on learning first (e.g., scales, chords, keys), and what can I skip for now?

Sourcing the Right Free Instruments & Samples: Where are the best, legitimate places to find quality free samples, loops, and virtual instruments (VSTs)? Furthermore, what specific types of sounds (e.g., drum kits, synth plugins, bass instruments) should I focus on downloading first so I don't get overwhelmed by options?

Anatomy of a Track: What are the essential components of a beat/song (drums, melodies, bass, counter-melodies) that a total beginner should focus on learning to layer first?

The Basics of Mixing vs. Mastering: In simple terms, what is the core difference between mixing and mastering, and at what stage of my journey should I actually start worrying about them?

A 6-Month Roadmap: If you were in my shoes with just 1–2 hours a day, what would your step-by-step focus look like for the first month or two to keep me from quitting?

I am entirely willing to put in the hard work; I just need a little guidance to ensure I'm moving in the right direction. Thank you so much for your time, your expertise, and for reading.

Best regards!

I am reaching out to this forum because I recently started my music production journey (about a month ago), and I’m feeling incredibly overwhelmed. I am currently learning on the free edition of Waveform 13 with a $0 budget. I do not own a MIDI keyboard or a microphone, and I have no background in music theory.

I can dedicate 1–2 hours a day to learning, and my goal is to be able to produce full, layered tracks from scratch within the next 6 to 12 months. I’ve watched several tutorials, but I am struggling to bridge the gap between watching videos and actually creating music that sounds cohesive.

To help me get a solid starting point, I would deeply appreciate some insight on a few specific questions:

Navigating the Piano Roll Without Hardware: Since I don't have a MIDI controller, what is the best workflow for drawing notes and sequencing beats using just a mouse? Specifically, how can I start arranging patterns effectively without knowing music theory yet?

Essential Music Theory for Beginners: If I want to make melodies that actually sound good, what absolute baseline music theory concepts should I focus on learning first (e.g., scales, chords, keys), and what can I skip for now?

Sourcing the Right Free Instruments & Samples: Where are the best, legitimate places to find quality free samples, loops, and virtual instruments (VSTs)? Furthermore, what specific types of sounds (e.g., drum kits, synth plugins, bass instruments) should I focus on downloading first so I don't get overwhelmed by options?

Anatomy of a Track: What are the essential components of a beat/song (drums, melodies, bass, counter-melodies) that a total beginner should focus on learning to layer first?

The Basics of Mixing vs. Mastering: In simple terms, what is the core difference between mixing and mastering, and at what stage of my journey should I actually start worrying about them?

A 6-Month Roadmap: If you were in my shoes with just 1–2 hours a day, what would your step-by-step focus look like for the first month or two to keep me from quitting?

I am entirely willing to put in the hard work; I just need a little guidance to ensure I'm moving in the right direction. Thank you so much for your time, your expertise, and for reading.

Best regards!

I am reaching out to this forum because I recently started my music production journey (about a month ago), and I’m feeling incredibly overwhelmed. I am currently learning on the free edition of Waveform 13 with a $0 budget. I do not own a MIDI keyboard or a microphone, and I have no background in music theory.

I can dedicate 1–2 hours a day to learning, and my goal is to be able to produce full, layered tracks from scratch within the next 6 to 12 months. I’ve watched several tutorials, but I am struggling to bridge the gap between watching videos and actually creating music that sounds cohesive.

To help me get a solid starting point, I would deeply appreciate some insight on a few specific questions:

Navigating the Piano Roll Without Hardware: Since I don't have a MIDI controller, what is the best workflow for drawing notes and sequencing beats using just a mouse? Specifically, how can I start arranging patterns effectively without knowing music theory yet?

Essential Music Theory for Beginners: If I want to make melodies that actually sound good, what absolute baseline music theory concepts should I focus on learning first (e.g., scales, chords, keys), and what can I skip for now?

Sourcing the Right Free Instruments & Samples: Where are the best, legitimate places to find quality free samples, loops, and virtual instruments (VSTs)? Furthermore, what specific types of sounds (e.g., drum kits, synth plugins, bass instruments) should I focus on downloading first so I don't get overwhelmed by options?

Anatomy of a Track: What are the essential components of a beat/song (drums, melodies, bass, counter-melodies) that a total beginner should focus on learning to layer first?

The Basics of Mixing vs. Mastering: In simple terms, what is the core difference between mixing and mastering, and at what stage of my journey should I actually start worrying about them?

A 6-Month Roadmap: If you were in my shoes with just 1–2 hours a day, what would your step-by-step focus look like for the first month or two to keep me from quitting?

I am entirely willing to put in the hard work; I just need a little guidance to ensure I'm moving in the right direction. Thank you so much for your time, your expertise, and for reading.

Best regards!

I am reaching out to this forum because I recently started my music production journey (about a month ago), and I’m feeling incredibly overwhelmed. I am currently learning on the free edition of Waveform 13 with a $0 budget. I do not own a MIDI keyboard or a microphone, and I have no background in music theory.

I can dedicate 1–2 hours a day to learning, and my goal is to be able to produce full, layered tracks from scratch within the next 6 to 12 months. I’ve watched several tutorials, but I am struggling to bridge the gap between watching videos and actually creating music that sounds cohesive.

To help me get a solid starting point, I would deeply appreciate some insight on a few specific questions:

Navigating the Piano Roll Without Hardware: Since I don't have a MIDI controller, what is the best workflow for drawing notes and sequencing beats using just a mouse? Specifically, how can I start arranging patterns effectively without knowing music theory yet?

Essential Music Theory for Beginners: If I want to make melodies that actually sound good, what absolute baseline music theory concepts should I focus on learning first (e.g., scales, chords, keys), and what can I skip for now?

Sourcing the Right Free Instruments & Samples: Where are the best, legitimate places to find quality free samples, loops, and virtual instruments (VSTs)? Furthermore, what specific types of sounds (e.g., drum kits, synth plugins, bass instruments) should I focus on downloading first so I don't get overwhelmed by options?

Anatomy of a Track: What are the essential components of a beat/song (drums, melodies, bass, counter-melodies) that a total beginner should focus on learning to layer first?

The Basics of Mixing vs. Mastering: In simple terms, what is the core difference between mixing and mastering, and at what stage of my journey should I actually start worrying about them?

A 6-Month Roadmap: If you were in my shoes with just 1–2 hours a day, what would your step-by-step focus look like for the first month or two to keep me from quitting?

I am entirely willing to put in the hard work; I just need a little guidance to ensure I'm moving in the right direction. Thank you so much for your time, your expertise, and for reading.

Best regards!

hello, i just downloaded waveform 13 free but im really lost. i don't know any about music production but want to learn. can you someone please explain how i can start learning so I can make beats and learn music production. thank you!