Re: Starting Out

Hi there,

First of all, how exciting!

The industry standard is still to work on Macs, but it depends at what level you're going to be working. If you're serious about scoring and writing music then I think that Emagic Logic is the best solution. I find it quite easy to use, and it has a decent range of virtual instruments to get you started. I mix completely in-computer now, so it's up to you whether to buy a mixing desk. It can be useful if you're recording a lot of vocals and instrumentals and some people just like to fiddle with real nobs!

I also use Sibelius for score writing- I think it's a bit of a pig and sometimes quite counter-intuitive but again, it's the package that everyone uses.

Like the other poster said, if you're more interested in electronica, sound production, clicks and beeps, editing etc then Pro-Tools is the way to go.

There's also some really interesting Open Source software for music production out there now.

You need a decent midi-keyboard and if you play seriously then I'd get one with weighted keys as they are so much nicer to play- pricier though! If you're only triggering sounds from it then I wouldn't bother.

If you go into any music tech shop then you should be able to get some good advice on a decent start-up package, but make sure that they sell you the latest software. I got caught like that when I first started out. I thought they were giving me a good deal but they were selling me a version that was about to be upgraded- they saw me coming!

Other recommendation is high-quality monitors and headphones- it's no good making great music if you can't mix it. I've just bought the Genelec 8020a's and I LOVE THEM! Feels like you're in the room with the band- gorgeous.

Hope all this helps. I was so clueless when I started out and wish someone had helped me so the best of luck and happy music-making!

x