Review:
$279.99 USD
Today I’m going to review the amazing and unique onboard lesson features on the Yamaha EZ300 portable keyboard that makes it one of the best keyboards for beginners. In my opinion, there is currently no other keyboard out there that can match this keyboard at this price, performance & educational features. I am going to review the key-action, sound quality, various features, and functionalities of this home piano and demonstrate the onboard sounds in order to help you make a better buying decision.
Price
At around $280, the Yamaha EZ300 is proof you do not have to spend a fortune to get an incredibly capable keyboard. With 61 full-size touch-sensitive keys,
622 tones,
205 rhythm accompaniments,
87 effects,
a pair of powerful onboard speakers,
and a suite of music learning features,
you are getting ridiculously good value for money.
For your ease of reference, I have links to the best deals I have found for you. You can check out my beginner piano app as well as some beginners video courses and course materials available for you. Also, do check out this free 25 Piano lesson too.
Sound Quality
One would expect a beginner keyboard with such a cheap price to sound like a toy. You will be surprised. This keyboard is running on Yamaha’s legendary AWM sound engine and has Super-Articulation Lite technology inherited from keyboards that cost ten times more.
I have gigged with this entry-level keyboard a couple of times and have gotten compliments on how good it sounds as well as the keyboard’s unique color.
You can check out the recommendations for speakers, headphones, microphones, and other connectivity devices which you might be able to improve your experience with this keyboard.
Key-Lighting System
The feature that makes the EZ300 stand tall among other entry-level beginner keyboards is the key-lighting system. Turn the key lights off and the keys of the EZ300 behave like all other keyboards. What is especially powerful is the combination of the key lights with Yamaha’s onboard music lessons.
You do not need to download any additional apps, connect any additional devices to the keyboard, or need to be connected to fully take advantage of the educational features, unlike most other keyboards. You do not even need any music knowledge to start playing complete tunes just by following the key lights.
You can compare the Yamaha EZ300 with my other recommended key-light keyboards here
EZ300 Songbook
The Yamaha EZ300 comes with an accompanying songbook that contains 202 lessons, songs, and exercises. These songs and exercises take specific advantage of the key-lighting system on this keyboard. With this songbook, you will learn how to read a music score, learn to play simple to advanced piano pieces, arranger keyboard pieces with accompaniment styles, chord progression, and even duets.
I have attached a link where you can download this exact songbook and have a look through the voluminous content. You can start learning the basics while waiting for your keyboard to arrive. You can check out my beginner piano app as well as some beginners video courses and course materials available for you. Also, do check out this free 25 Piano lesson too.
Key to Success Feature
One of the music education features on the EZ300 is Yamaha’s “Keys to Success”.
Using the accompanying Songbook the “Keys to Success” feature will teach you how to play songs step by step.
You can see the demonstration of this feature in the video below.
Listening, Timing, and Waiting Function
For more challenging exercises, you can use the Keys to Success feature in conjunction with the Listening, Timing & Waiting function. You start by listening to the phrase you will be learning and watching the key lights.
After listening to the phrase a couple of times, switch to “Timing” mode and start playing. In this mode, it is not important you get the notes correct. You want to focus on the rhythmic timing of the phrase.
In “Waiting” mode, the key lights will wait for you while you find the correct keys corresponding to the notes.
If you want an in-depth review and demo on this keyboard you can check it out here
Touch Tutor Feature
Just like a traditional acoustic piano, this keyboard has touch-sensitive keys which react to how hard or gently you press. Using the Touch Tutor feature, building finger strength and dexterity can now be a fun game.
To help you understand better you can see the demonstration in the video below
Chord Study Feature
For those who want to learn how to play chords, the Chord Study feature in this keyboard teaches you to use chords rhythmically in various popular music genres
To help you understand better you can see the demonstration in the video below
Chord Progression Feature
Most popular tunes use pretty chord sequences. In music, we call these chord progressions. The chord progression feature on this keyboard teaches you to play most of the popular chord progression
To help you understand better you can see the demonstration in the video below
Chord Dictionary Feature
Have you ever encountered a chord you do not know how to play? Here is where the onboard chord dictionary is useful. Take for example the Bmin7(b5) chord. Sounds complex doesn't it? All you need to do on this keyboard is select the root note, which is “B”. Followed by the chord quality - which is min7(b5). The notes that make up the chord will light up. You can also change to different inversions.
To help you understand better you can see the demonstration in the video below
Conclusion
I hope you can see why the Yamaha EZ300 is a powerful beginner keyboard with many useful tools most students will use. I hope you found my review of the Yamaha EZ300 useful. Do check out the links provided in this article for the latest and most updated information and prices of Yamaha EZ300. Do also take a look at my other articles to find the best and most suited instrument for your personal need. Also, check out my Piano App and beginner keyboard course available for you