Board Thread:General Mod Discussion/@comment-26041296-20150220232918/@comment-26130829-20150226051635

I actually started composing 3 years ago as part of a (now abandoned) open source game project. I loved it so much that I am now majoring in music composition in college. For a DAW, I would recommend Logic Pro.



I would very much recommend Logic Pro.

If, however, you have a budget like mine, and can't afford $200 software, try FLStudio. Their basic version starts at $99, but they offer a free demo that's fine to fiddle around on and get your bearings in a DAW. Out of all the consumer level DAWs I've tried, FLStudio has the best setup and workflow I've found.

As for VSTs, a dilligent internet search will turn up a few choice instuments, but (if your pockets are lined with green) you can never go wrong with Eastwest QL.

My best advice for anyone interested in composing would be to listen to music you really like. And by 'listen' I mean really pay attention, notice the instruments they chose, the melodic progression and  other techniques.

Next is do some internet schooling on music theory. Once you get to figured bass and chord progression a lot of compostion ideas start to make a lot more sense.

Finally, experiment: your composition skills will grow with practice, not daydreaming, I learned that from experience.