Music Creation Resources?

[Kindred87]

After my shameful bumping of the resource sticky in the Writing forum, I started thinking if there was a market for music creation resources. I wouldn't expect there to be a single grouped resource, but rather several, separate resources for different aspects of music creation and production.

My question to you is, could we make use of such resources, or are we all too pro?

[Fawn]

How would free music resources not be useable by pros? A tool's a tool, though free resources usually don't have the advanced features that a true music pro would use.

Anyways, I was thinking about suggesting a sticky for these resources too. In particular, Aviary's programs are nice: http://advanced.aviary.com/ But there's many others out there too. It'd be nice to see some music enthusiasts make a sticky with links to free music tools/loops/ect.

[Kindred87]

Well the pro thing was a jest I wouldn't expect a professional composer/producer to be in these forums haha.


Though I was thinking of creating resources that not only delved into tools of the trade, but also techniques and general knowledge of music production.

[ZackParrish]

The best method for learning I've found it just diving in headfirst and figuring what works for you... every aspect. Sure, you can learn more knowledge about theory, instrumental capabilities(what each instrument can/can't do), various effects, techniques(both acoustic and electronic), what DAW works best for you, etc.

A composer will never stop learning, just like an artist... will always find some new trick they didn't know about yesterday. I hear music from other composers and think "Wow... how did s/he do that?" I feel compelled after that to research on my own time to figure it out. Granted, the more you learn the harder it is to find new things to learn, but the world of music is so vast you will never learn everything.

One of the greatest resources that I've failed at for a good portion of my "career", is never asking the people that do know the answers to what I need. I'm stubborn at heart and can't help but learn things on my own... but had I asked someone that already knows the answer, or perhaps someone that knows where I can find the answer, I could've learned things even faster. That's about your best resource... other people doing what you do. Look at this forum as an example, tons of artists, looking at each others' work and offering critique, advice, etc, with the unanimous goal of making one another more refined in their craft.

I'd say more but I'm half asleep and losing my train of thought(choo chooooo...).

[HigurashiKira]

Here's a couple of good resources I know:

For the Unltra-novice who just wants to make something that sounds good, there's Musicshake Granted, you may have to pay for a license to use the music for your projects. Just know that even non-commercial projects need to get the commercial-license for their songs since it's still being distributed to others.

For those who want to get their feet wet with music composition but don't want to spend money, there's Anvil Studio Not exactly the best composition software, but it's a nice tool nontheless.

[Ziassan]

The unknow and very good Macaw

You have the basics instruments, can put VST and samples, effects, you have the piano roll, and all the things which go with this kind of software.

And it's free.

[yukipon]

Here's a link that formally-trained musicians should find useful, especially if you're a serious composer.

http://www.northernsounds.com/forum/for ... on-On-line

Also, here's a free manuscript engraver for those who like to make music sheets:

http://lilypond.org/

[Sasuya]

I'll throw this out here =) I have a lot of experience with audio editing but have only started to dip my toes into composing music. I wanted something that was easy to use and had a variety of tools so I could try and make my own sound. I found JamStudio really easy to use. It has a bunch of different instruments and sounds. You can put in the chords you want, mess with the tempo and layer the instruments. For a beginner like me, it was really easy to get the hang of.

http://www.jamstudio.com

Downside is, it costs $24.95 for a 6 month subscription =\ But I've shelled out for one and honestly haven't regretted it yet.