Hi, Dale:

As Clyde says, midi files are excellent learning tools. AND they come in all types and sizes, from Ambient to Zydeco.

As far as shortcuts go, investigate the Step-time Recording Mode (the Plus-sign with the red dot in the tool bar). This will let you learn the keyboard at the same time that you are entering songs into Composer, without needing to have a lot of real-time finger facility.

As to the rest, well, there's only one way to get to Carnegie Hall: "Practice, son, practice!"

David