As someone who has always harbored a secret desire to become a maestro on the keyboard, I recently stumbled upon Melodics, a software designed to help aspiring musicians like myself learn to play.
For those unfamiliar, Melodics is a desktop app for Windows and Mac that provides a fun, effective, and addictive way to learn to play the keyboard and digital drum pads. I was first introduced to Melodics by purchasing the Arturia MiniLab and was excited to learn how to play the keyboard properly. Little did I know that it would also reveal just how much I suck at it.
Upon delving into Melodics, I was immediately impressed by the depth and breadth of its offerings. While the basic free version will allow you to try a few example lessons for up to five minutes of play a day, I was fortunate enough to preview the top-tier subscription for this review. The subscription grew upon the 60 lessons I had already received courtesy of being an Arturia customer. It expanded to a breathtaking 1200+ lessons, 170+ courses, and well over 180 songs to learn, such as Missy Elliot’s “Get Your Freak On,” Beyonce’s “Halo,” and Lady Gaga’s “Pokerface.”
The software provides a diverse range of interactive keyboard and drum pad lessons, catering to beginners and seasoned players. What intrigued me the most was Melodics’ promise to make learning fun and engaging. It achieves this by incorporating gamification elements, such as a progress tracker similar to a video game with its score and star ratings, and unlocking more complex lessons and songs as you progress. This approach makes learning more enjoyable and motivates you to improve.
The first few lessons I attempted were a humbling experience. As I navigated through the tutorials, I couldn’t help but feel a tinge of embarrassment as I faced the stark reality of my keyboard incompetence. However, despite the initial blow to my ego, I found the tutorials incredibly informative. Melodics didn’t just politely highlight my shortcomings; it served as a patient hand-holder and provided the tools and resources I needed to improve, instilling a sense of reassurance and confidence.
One aspect of Melodics that I found particularly commendable was its approach to teaching. The software doesn’t throw you into the deep end right away. Instead, it eases you into the learning process with simple-to-follow lessons, ensuring that even beginners can grasp the basics. It’s like a virtual pair of floaties, allowing you to wade deeper as you’re ready without the fear of drowning in information. This gentle introduction allowed me to build my confidence gradually without feeling overwhelmed. With sore fingers and some self-acknowledgment that I need to work on my finger stretching, Melodics provided a reassuring approach that made me feel like I was in good hands. With other software or online lessons, sometimes they’ll show you the notes to play but not much else. That’s great, and all if you’re already experienced, but where Melodics excels is that they won’t just teach you the notes of a song; they’ll show you how to play it, including proper finger placements.
It is a great moment when you can say you’re just a little less awful than you were the day before.
Despite the initial shock of realizing just how much I suck at the keyboard, Melodics has ignited a newfound determination within me. The software’s intuitive teaching approach and gradual progression have made the learning process not just bearable but enjoyable and addictive. Melodics might be the perfect tool for you if you want to enhance your keyboard skills and are okay with a bit of humility along the way. It’s a journey as fun as it is challenging, keeping you engaged and interested in your progress.
With its comprehensive lessons, adaptive approach, and engaging interface, Melodics has transformed my journey to keyboard mastery into an exciting adventure. So, if you’re ready to confront your musical shortcomings and embark on a melodic quest for improvement, I recommend trying Melodics. Who knows, you might discover a hidden virtuoso within you, or at the very least, learn to suck a little less at the keyboard.
Want to try Melodics for yourself? Sign up on melodics.com for free access to a handful of lessons for five performance minutes daily at no cost. After you are ready to expand your knowledge, subscribe to one of their plans to unlock more content!
