I'm a hobbyist and I want to make some music for a small game I'm making with a friend. The problem is, I am having trouble finding programs to create realistic musical notes on synthesized instruments. Can I get some suggestions from the community?

By the way, I can read music because I grew up playing instruments all the way through high school, so if a program requires knowledge of how to read and write music don't hold back. I would love to at least take a look at all of my options before committing to practicing with one program.

Better off using a real synth and recording it If that's what you are after. 

This one: https://www.magix.com/us/music-editing/music-maker/

But my first game's music was me playing the music on keyboards and recording it... my own composition. You can always do that too.

I'd love to record my own music, but I don't have money nor the space for a synth of my own. Thanks for the link. I'll check that out. Any other good programs I can check out? 

You're better off looking into sample-based instruments if you're after a realistic sound. Sites like pianobook & Spitfire LABs are good resources for free sampler instruments. Decentsampler & Kontakt player are popular free formats. Then you'll need a DAW to load these VST plugins & record with them. Really it's better to invest in a basic version of one of the most popular DAWs, than to learn a free one & later relearn a paid one. Currently the most popular DAW for solo producers is Ableton, but I prefer FL Studio & love it. Logic is another popular choice but it is only on Mac. Other fringe choices are Bitwig, Reason, Reaper.

Thank you very much! This is most helpful information. I honestly had no idea where to start so this really gives me much needed direction.