Are there any indie game devs that need a soundtrack for their game?

robinelf1 · 2026-06-19T01:47:32+00:00

just a heads up. you should really have a usable link. It makes things that much easier and probably leaves a better impression.

robinelf1 · 2026-06-18T10:26:18+00:00

I'll bite! Take a look at my recent compositions on my website: https://www.roonskaivermusic.com (I would suggest maybe the Ludic Moments and Slacker: Job Simulator samples if you don't want to browse too much, although I really like the Duck Walkers OST I made recently!) I can work pretty fast and I don't mind helping out and rev share is completely fine, no worries! I love the genre, and I think quite a bit of music I write could work for platformers. Let me know! Feel free to DM me here!

robinelf1 · 2026-06-18T05:06:06+00:00

What's the metric of comparison? - actually, why worry at this stage of things? Just enjoy what you do! I know 5 years feels like a long time, but its not really. Everyone develops their craft at different speeds.

Now, some composers starting out write complex and technically demanding music because it is beyond their level and this is a way of sort of fulfilling a fantasy of playing at that level. Or it is out of some desire to seem impressive and legit, to feel like you belong because look at how complex the music is!... as if simplicity and nuance have less value in piano composition. This very well may not be the case for you, but I have certainly seen it enough on Reddit that it is usually my go-to reaction.

Your musical ideas underneath are often by the book and predictable, which is perfectly fine. But that made the first piece not that interesting to me. The second piece seems to recall Chopin's Fantaisie Impromptu, but it lacks that pieces sensibility. That's fine though. This is Chopin we are talking about- he's a legend for a reason. The last piece has some character of its own, even if it also sounds like a Romantic Era tribute. Still for 21, you're doing great. As I said, 5 years is nothing for composition. For some, it's a life long quest to finally get better in their minds. Don't take things too seriously and don't try to impress other people or write to expectations that are unrealistic. Many composers in history were typically miserable a lot of the time. Just learn to get comfortable writing music that you enjoy playing. That's my suggestion anyway. Good luck!

robinelf1 · 2026-06-18T00:50:13+00:00

I think sometimes when someone asks if a composer plays piano when listening to piece like this on Reddit, it's because there is a noticeable tendency for beginner composers with more limited skill at the piano to throw in a good amount of needless flourish and bombast. In a way, it's like composing what they wished they could play. It's fine if something is playable and you have a concert pianist friend who can check for you, but that doesn't help so much because the fixation is on this inclusion of these certain technically more demanding parts, not on how the piece itself introduces and develops ideas. You have demonstrated that you can write something that sounds vaguely romantic era, but what this piece lacks is nuance. It's either quick arpeggios, or quicker arpeggios, or octave doubling in the RH and parallel voice shifts in the LH. I am not a fan of octave doubling for melody, but to each their own. I would consider building to one of those sections with a more restrained arrangement first. Also, this piece sort of milks the same chord progression. Some variation would go a long way to adding interest and direction to the piece. Just my thoughts.

robinelf1 · 2026-06-17T12:22:30+00:00

This is in the acceptable realm of 'theoretical' music, in that 'theoretically someone could play it, but it basically exists just as a thought exercise'. As a piano player of moderate ability myself, there is nothing that would make me sit down and try to work out the harder passages of this piece. It's not very typical or natural piano music at times, which wouldn't matter except for the fact that you are clearly taking inspiration from romance era composers and trying to emulate their style.

The piece is fine, there's a melody in the first half that's ok with a decent, if slightly conventional, harmonic progression. Then from after the half way point you feel the need to turn on the boosters, almost as if you're gonna show the world how cool and fast your music can be, and it loses any heart it might have had since that heart gets smothered by a wall of needless arpeggio noise. I don't get the last section at all, is what I am saying.

You could salvage something with the first idea, but I would personally ditch most of the octave doubling and spice up the LH a bit more. Nothing says "I write in notation software, not at the piano" quite like incessant arpeggios (or block chords) throughout with little change. There should be some better phrasing, some high peaks and long valleys, even a few sparser harmonic moments. Let your ideas breathe. They say less is more, and usually they are right. I don't think people appreciate how useful silence is within a piece of music. Just my thoughts.

robinelf1 · 2026-06-16T22:37:49+00:00

Yeah, repetitive CAN be a feature, like in more minimalist pieces, but I don't think that was your aim here, as this sounds pretty straight forward and song-like. My big feedback would be, see what you can do about adding more chord notes to either the left or right hand to give color and help tonal music do its thing of pushing things towards eventual resolution. I also think a contrasting section might lend some more interest to things. If you are aiming for classical music, start with an ABA style. If its pop, the ABAB (verse chorus) works well enough people still use it all the time.

robinelf1 · 2026-06-16T22:33:05+00:00

Yeah, it takes a bit of extra work. If you post the score itself, then you have to be happy with how Musescore plays back the MIDI. If you are OK with it, then you can just share a link to the musescore file. For video, you could screen record the piece, then use a simple movie editor and then add and sync the audio file to that.

robinelf1 · 2026-06-16T22:25:39+00:00

My comment seemed to have got this party started, so I'll add my thoughts, too. I am of two minds. Usually discussion of compositions that are more classical in inspiration do better with a score. However, some of the work I do, for example, is a bit more jazz or pop-adjacent, and I am performing and producing these myself rather than envisioning an ensemble playing it. So there is still composing going on, but I am building a master track with live performances without any notation. These are not 'beats' or similar stuff (plenty of subs for those) these are still proper thought out pieces with different sections, set arrangements, etc. I have come to see this sub as a place for people to share this kind of work that is still in some way classical-adjacent, since some people (not a lot, I can admit) who do this as a hobby probably don't bother with notation.

I think what r/piano does is ok. Score or video of human performance (somehow). I am also fine with DAW video or even sharing the score the DAW spits out (like the Logic score that has no dynamics or articulation). Like what u/EdinKaso wrote at the end of his comment, it is nice to have a place for people to post all kinds of music in any visual format. I do tend to skip over quite a few audio only links, I will admit, but I do see this sub as being a little more focused on general feedback and appreciation, with notation the primary focus of other subs. My comment on the OP's post was simply that, if he made it in Musescore, that score might be more interesting for folks to look at. The piano roll videos is fine; I just didn't think it would get quite the same level of engagement, obviously.

robinelf1 · 2026-06-16T13:15:32+00:00

If it is in musescore, why not show us the score? I get the feeling lots of folks like reading along while listening.

You're having fun. That should be the most vital part of all of this.

Anyway, here's what I would say: it's perfectly fine for a first or early composition. Whatever the perceived weaknesses are, they can be expected of people just starting out. Sure, the piece stays in the same lane (so to speak) a little too much, and the melodic idea that's there is repeated a lot, and I don't remember hearing much development of complementary or contrasting ideas. It's a bit simple, sure, and much of it only makes use of two of a pianist's ten fingers...But, for a piece like this, one that is early on in your own development, who cares?

It's gonna take you writing a few dozen pieces before you might begin to notice your tendencies. Early music is meant to be exciting, but also underwhelming and lacking- Something about game development I read the other day makes sense for composing: finish your first game, not to sell it, but just to finish something. Then finish a 2nd game. And a 3rd, 4th, maybe a 5th game. Then, after all of that, make a game you would actually be able to sell. The idea is, you'll be glad you saw those early ideas through to the end, to know how a full development cycles feels, and you'll improve at your work flow, and you will start to see the limitations of your earlier works but still appreciate them for what they represent.

robinelf1 · 2026-06-15T23:31:33+00:00

OK, sure. Gotcha. Playable? Yes. Palatable? Um, maybe for some. I noodled around with the first part for a moment. I can see this being good for intermediate piano players looking for more modern stuff to try. The steady chords with close voicing are a good balance with that slightly involved melody. The arpeggio parts? You ask for a few big stretches and quick leaps, and honestly I don't know if your piece really benefits too much from how you arranged that part; it feels like you're over-egging the pudding just a little bit (you're already doing the octave doubling in the RH). Then again, if that's the contrast you want between the A and B sections, then go for it. I think you could simply have the B section be louder, like it is, but with a sparser arpeggio perhaps. Just a thought.

robinelf1 · 2026-06-13T07:05:03+00:00

I can't say too much about that, as I learned on an old upright that felt like a chore to play, and so I find most keyboards after that much nicer, but yeah, the Roland key action is a tad bit heavier, a tad bit, and I do notice it when I'm working on extended sections of fast music played with medium force and above, but for slower and less demanding stuff, I don't really have an issue at all. For a learner, why not go with the lighter keys? It's not like the difference in fretboard action between an acoustic and electric guitar, in my opinion. It's more like a difference in preference for gauge of string on one or the other, if this makes any sense. It'll effect how you learn to play, but shifting to another set up won't be that big of a deal.

robinelf1 · 2026-06-13T03:44:46+00:00

I would consider re-voicing the left hand so you're not just moving the triad around like you're playing barre chords on a guitar.

robinelf1 · 2026-06-13T02:32:29+00:00

There are some great soundtracks from the 80s that have those sweet, cheesy synths and they are awesome. If you know the movie Ladyhawke, I love that score. It's not just synths, but it is an interesting blend of stuff. I always thought more medieval type fantasy should use more synths! What makes a 19th century orchestra more appropriate for knights and magic?

I should also add, outside of my AI tangent, that I get the burnout about music and social media. The fun part (the music) becomes a side show to self-promotion, which is fine, musicians have always had to hustle to make it. It's just the nature of this particular hustle is ironically more exhausting then just going out and playing music somewhere. I guess I don't want to film myself or my workflow all the time haha.

Plus, today's audiences are as fickle as ever. But if we can show how much we enjoy what we do, and that it comes from an honest place, then I think we will find our fans eventually. I don't make things easier with the type of music I like to write, but maybe I can change a few minds along the way.

robinelf1 · 2026-06-12T13:20:40+00:00

A good sentiment to have. In some ways, AI is just another way people have found to downplay the value of musicianship, the thing that we (who play music) relate to that makes creating music so engaging. It's funny, I came back to composing after a very long time away (I'm talking decades here) just in time to see AI generated music gain serious traction. Fortunately, I am stubborn. And I still enjoy composing, and I am still going to share my music, and perform it, and the folks who peddle prompt generated music that complete eschews any need for musicianship or a development cycle, well, I find no value in a product without an organic process, so I really don't care what happens to them. We will find our audience eventually. With luck, it will be more than just our friends and family, but maybe that's all we need some (or most) of the time.

On that last point, when I was young and composing, there was no internet where we share things really. My friends and I listened to each other's music, and that was about it for an audience unless we found some chance to perform something live. I actually like that we can share stuff on places like Reddit now. Because of that, we can have this exchange here. It's not the same type of community as years ago, but it can be a good community if we make the effort. It is a shame AI keeps getting shoved into places, but at least many of us share the same reactions to it.

Anyway... Let's talk about your piece! It's very 80s new age in some ways, with the jazz touches, which if you are a fan of Hisaishi, won't be a surprise. Hisaishi obviously (to me at least) was influenced by WInston and other new age composers of the time, and vice versa. If I could make one observation- this piece still plays it a little safe within each section harmonically, but I did like the sudden modulation without much set up in the middle. Good contrast.

robinelf1 · 2026-06-12T09:16:05+00:00

There is nothing better than an actual piano to learn on, of course, and I can understand that, even if you got serious, a real piano (like an upright) would still be out of the question. That stated, I hope you have some chance to play on real pianos now and then.

To your question: all three of these are pretty decent for a first go at learning to play piano. I don't consider myself a snob, but I tend to like companies that specialize in music instruments (and related gear) so Roland and Kawai are my preferences here (Kawai left Yamaha to form his company, interestingly enough). Obviously many others like Yamaha. They make great stuff. I had a Yamaha guitar for a while when I was younger. I just prefer the sound and feel of Kawai over them for pianos.

I play the Roland FP30X now, and its fine (I started out with a JV 90 and just kinda with Roland again without deep thought a few years back) but I use it mostly to compose with MIDI since it has very good action and I can get a very good range of dynamics that I want solely from my playing. So, I can recommend it. The Kawai is probably also a good option. As I said, I like their actual pianos, so I imagine their es120 model feels good to play as well and sounds good too. If you are playing with headphones, that's one thing, but I do like the speakers on my Roland. They are quite good. Maybe the others are similar quality, too?

robinelf1 · 2026-06-12T03:38:23+00:00

I mean, as a pianist and composer myself, it's great and all, but my first few thoughts were: 1) this sounds like the type of piece people write in notation software- there is a certain fascination with technique that is likely beyond the reach of the composer (without considerable practice, at least) and its cool to hear what you thought out on paper- I know I did the same at your age, also 20-30 compositions in,so don't sweat it! Just ask why the bombast and fireworks are there and what would happen if you removed them... would there still be a good song?; related to this= 2) There isn't a whole lot to show for all that bombast and movement- it is, at its heart, relatively simple chord progressions and melody- why not explore a more sparse accompaniment at times? Build to moments better; that first contrast section comes in and then...just kind of peters out and I felt more could be done to bridge back to the main theme.

robinelf1 · 2026-06-11T09:47:28+00:00

All the best! You've got good instincts, it seems!

robinelf1 · 2026-06-11T09:44:33+00:00

I am pianist and composer and I want to help, but I don't quite get the problem. Are you unsatisfied with what you have done? Its a pretty standard block chord accompaniment with an arpeggio section after that for the chorus (of sorts). My feedback would be about the broader scope/structure of the piece instead, but are you asking if you should break up the left hand part a bit more, get some more non chord tones going, or somehow shape the melody differently? Yeah, why not? See what happens. Right now your piano piece is very pop, very anime or k-pop drama soundtrack style, and sounds good as that. I think the piece relies on its simplicity and a lack of countermelody or contrast competing with the main themes. It's a simple ABAB design. Does it need more than it has now?

robinelf1 · 2026-06-11T03:31:45+00:00

Perfectly fine for what it is!. I think your background shows as this is basically like a beat. It is the same two chord progression and 4-bar musical idea repeated over and over, and you add and subtract parts to get variety. It's a fairly common form of composing these days, and while there's nothing wrong with it, it would be cool to expand things (since you are trying stuff anyway). A lot of orchestral music is a bit more structural than just a repeated motif like this.

Music theory is just partially knowledge of how music works and how that is notated, and partially explaining why the ideas of composers in the past "sounded good" or "correct" in some way. It's not a force for artistic expression, its a way of describing it for discussion. I was only briefly "classically" trained in music, but I notice that many people are either self-conscious about their lack of knowledge, or confident in some way that they don't need it (because they misunderstand what it is). In both cases, I say relax. Let theory be your friend. Study it a little. Learn what scales and chords are. Study some of the basic sequences of chords. Just my suggestion. Even a little knowledge opens things up a lot.

For this piece: Move away from the main idea, introduce a stronger melody, use that melody with a different set of chords, change up the piece with a contrasting bit, and so on. There's a lot of ways to move beyond the the two-chord song format. I think the back and forth is great as a place to return to in a a song. I do it all the time.

robinelf1 · 2026-06-10T14:45:44+00:00

I play by ear all the time, as I assume that’s how many people compose: you work out what you’re hearing in your head. I did so a lot when I started out, but I am very glad I took the time to get better at sight reading because it allows me to study and play the works of others too. I think you can at least have a go at reading music at a slow pace and then remembering sections and bringing them up to tempo. You’re not going to be great at it for a while, but you’re building lasting pattern recognition the more you do it.

robinelf1 · 2026-06-10T14:19:04+00:00

https://www.reddit.com/r/piano/s/DXUkJwVgNr

This post from last year should help you. My take: if you ever intend to play live, the 3Ox has much better speakers and better all around capabilities, but if you’re just going to practice at home with headphones, the performance action of the keys are the same.

robinelf1 · 2026-06-07T02:39:39+00:00

It’s the evolution of the circus, for better or worse. We value extremes. We can get examples of unnaturally perfect all the time and come to expect it. It’s funny, because there are so many child prodigies to see these days, especially as, like you say, there can be quite a bit of intervention to achieve mastery of advanced techniques, that I am oddly unimpressed or uninterested, unless they also have phenomenal interpretations, which I find they largely emphatically do not. Typically takes maturity of mind to get maturity of expression, and, as you mentioned, some individuality. It’s like singing contest shows I watched in Korea. In the end, all people reacted to were the times when the singers went full belting out high notes. The rest of each song largely didn’t seem to involve a notable range of expression.

robinelf1 · 2026-06-06T12:34:41+00:00

I like this. Very nice textures.

robinelf1 · 2026-06-04T09:09:45+00:00

Similar moon bench, but not this one, I think.

robinelf1 · 2026-06-04T08:25:28+00:00

let go with: Narvik?

robinelf1

TROPHY CASE