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Computers have completely changed the landscape of not only what kind of music composers create, how we create it, and even more interestingly, who considers themselves a composer. More people are trying their hands at writing music in some form or another. Computers are empowering more people to compose. This lens is dedicated to helping more people engage with music composition.
Music Composition Software
- Apple Logic Pro
- The ultimate tool for computer music production. Logic Pro combines sequencing, loop tools, software synthesis, digital effects, live recording. If you are serious about writing music with a computer and you have a Macintosh, get Logic Pro.
- Propellerhead Software - Reason 3.0
- Reason is a virtual rack of software instruments, mixers, digital effects, drum machines, sequencers and synthesizers. When I say that it is a virtual rack, it gives you cord patching options where you actually "turn" the equipment around and move cables. Runs on Windows and Macintosh and very highly recommended.
- Sibelius Software
- Sibelius is the complete software for writing, playing, printing and publishing music notation. I have used this for the last 7 years and it is without a doubt, the best music notation program on the market today. Runs on Windows and Macintosh.
Mobile Composition Setup
Perfect for the composer on the go.
Thanks to advances in technology, composing on the go is not only a good alternative setup, for many people it can be the only setup.
Laptop Computer: Apple PowerBook - yes, I'm partial to Apple. Yes, you would be fine with something from Dell. But if you have any aspirations to go into a studio, you will find your PC bias will work against you. If you already have a laptop you like, don't switch, but if you are ready to get a new laptop, get a new MacBook or MacBook Pro.
MIDI Controller: M-Audio makes a nice collection of controllers. I like the very portable M-Audio Ozone for its compact size, microphone inputs and simple USB connection. At less than $300, it is hard to beat.
Microphone: There are tons of possibilities, but I have been using the M-Audio Nova (about $125 each) microphones which are inexpensive and sound very good. They aren't professional mics, but you have to start spending into the thousands of dollars to hear the difference in the sound.
Software: There are lots of possibilities here. If you are into writing music to be performed by others, make sure to have Sibelius for notation. I find that I always start my ideas in Sibelius, and then expand from there. Personally, I use Apple Logic Pro and Propellerheads Reason for the sequencing, sound construction, digital effects and such.
Headphones: For a cool $100, just be done with it and get yourself a pair of the AKG-K240M headphones. They are the industry standard for a reason: great sound, easy to wear for a long time, and very durable.
Laptop Computer: Apple PowerBook - yes, I'm partial to Apple. Yes, you would be fine with something from Dell. But if you have any aspirations to go into a studio, you will find your PC bias will work against you. If you already have a laptop you like, don't switch, but if you are ready to get a new laptop, get a new MacBook or MacBook Pro.
MIDI Controller: M-Audio makes a nice collection of controllers. I like the very portable M-Audio Ozone for its compact size, microphone inputs and simple USB connection. At less than $300, it is hard to beat.
Microphone: There are tons of possibilities, but I have been using the M-Audio Nova (about $125 each) microphones which are inexpensive and sound very good. They aren't professional mics, but you have to start spending into the thousands of dollars to hear the difference in the sound.
Software: There are lots of possibilities here. If you are into writing music to be performed by others, make sure to have Sibelius for notation. I find that I always start my ideas in Sibelius, and then expand from there. Personally, I use Apple Logic Pro and Propellerheads Reason for the sequencing, sound construction, digital effects and such.
Headphones: For a cool $100, just be done with it and get yourself a pair of the AKG-K240M headphones. They are the industry standard for a reason: great sound, easy to wear for a long time, and very durable.
Books on Computer Music
Getting Started in Computer Music
Amazon Price: $24.99 (as of 07/13/2009) 
Real World Digital Audio
Amazon Price: $31.49 (as of 07/13/2009)
Modern Recording Techniques, Sixth Edition
Amazon Price: $38.96 (as of 07/13/2009)
Apple Pro Training Series: Logic Pro 7 and Logic Express 7
Amazon Price: $34.99 (as of 07/13/2009)
Computer Sound Design: Synthesis Techniques and Programming (Music Technology)
Amazon Price: $60.25 (as of 07/13/2009)
Software Synthesizers: The Definitive Guide to Virtual Musical Instruments
Amazon Price: $26.95 (as of 07/13/2009)
The Csound Book: Perspectives in Software Synthesis, Sound Design, Signal Processing,and Programming
Amazon Price: $57.82 (as of 07/13/2009)
Power Tools for Synthesizer Programming: The Ultimate Reference for Sound Design Book/CD-ROM (Power Tools Series)
Amazon Price: $18.21 (as of 07/13/2009)
Making Music with Logic Pro
Amazon Price: $18.96 (as of 07/13/2009)
Good Magazines & Websites
- Electronic Musician
- Magazine and website - news and reviews of all kinds of gear for electronic music.
Harmony Central Computer News
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This is not my biography. Had this been my biography, it would have talked about my career in Internet design, computers and music. It might also ment... (more)
