DSi Gets A Keyboard… But Not For Typing

A new series for budding musicians too cheap to buy actual instruments is headed to DSiWare. Music On: Electronic Keyboard, the first in a new series, hits the service on June 14.

The app from Spanish developer Abylight claims to transform the DSi into a “complete electronic keyboard” featuring a “great variety of instruments and rhythms”. It features a 6-octave keyboard, with two octaves visible at once, 16 different instrument sounds, an integrated sequencer and metronome and an automatic accompaniment feature with chord recognition. All for 200 Nintendo DSi Points.

Which is not a bad price, let’s face it. Especially considering that the Korg DS-10 package retails for the same price as a cartridge-based game. Okay, so Music On: Electronic Keyboard isn’t a fully-functional virtual analog synthesizer like Korg’s effort. But it’s also a fraction of the price.

The one thing which is never quite clear about products like this, though, is who they are aimed at. It’s clearly not professional musicians. They’d rather spend the money on a real instrument that you can play with your hands, not a stylus and a D-pad. And for those who are interested in learning to play an instrument for the first time, a two-octave keyboard on a tiny touchscreen isn’t the most authentic experience. So that leaves people who are interested in an electronic toy. Something cool to show their friends. A curio.

Abylight feel a little differently, suggesting that it is suitable for both “experts” and those who are taking their “first steps” to “capture [their] inspiration wherever [they] are”. It could certainly be an interesting musical sketchpad for those who have a passing interest. Particularly with the built-in sequencer function. And it’s certainly easier to keep a DSi in a pocket than drag a piano around everywhere. It would also be great for kids. Certainly cheaper than buying them a keyboard which they play for a week and then never touch again.

Music On: Electronic Keyboard is just the first in the proposed Music On series. Abylight have not yet announced the other titles, but promise a selection of “other virtual instruments and games”. It’s a fair bet that there’ll be a drum machine at some point.

Let’s leave aside the fact that the auto-accompaniment feature is disturbingly reminiscent of Microsoft’s terrifying Songsmith project from a little while back. Music On: Electronic Keyboard looks like an interesting little diversion for those with an interest in making music. Or for those who like to irritate their friends with endless renditions of My Grandfather’s Clock in a variety of different musical styles.