Currently, I use an unregistered version of Noteworthy Composer. However, I plan on purchasing my own copy of some composition software. I really do like Noteworthy, and would be willing to pay for it. The question is, should I spend my money on this? Does anyone know of any other, really good composition software I should or could consider before buying Noteworthy. I''d just like other''s opinions on music software, and which I should buy (not a ridiculous price, either; I am a student). Thanks for your time and considerations.

what do you intend to accomplish, and what might you be doing a few years from now?

I am a student, and this is a hobby.
Any good software, under $100 or so would be great.
Reviews, thoughts, personal stories.. anything. Thanks again!

Noteworthy is a good program if you want to jot some ideas down. You can always perform what you''ve written later. Noteworthy would be great if it recorded midi better, in a more accurate resolution. It''s always been rough around the edges. I also wish there was a way to change the velocity of the notes delicately. I look at Noteworthy as more of a classical tracker triggering type of program than something that really gets into the complexity of midi (eg. Cubase, Logic, Cakewalk).

I''d say stick with Noteworthy for now. If you want to expand into something more expressive with a more human feel, you could look into finding an old version of cakewalk or cubase on ebay for less than $100 I''d say.

-Aaron

read up at www.kvr-vst.com for hosts.. i dunno if computer music includes their v. of muzys with every issue..

If you are creating notated scores, then buy Sibelius. You''ll be glad you did. You can get a 50% off student discount if you''re a student; it''s worth the money. If you''re doing sequencing then there are tons of packages out there; I use Cubase SX.

back to what xoxos was saying...

What do you intend to accomplish?

From: "I am a student, and this is a hobby. Any good software, under $100 or so would be great."

I wouldn''t guess you need anything to write your next symphony (although you may, I''m not assuming anything). I take it you just need something to sequence some GM tunes, not get deep into sysex data, or preparing for a real orchestra.

I haven''t used Noteworthy in a while, but back in the day I loved it. I miss it sometimes. It was like a musical sketch pad, or literary outline. You could get the basic outline of the composition down and go from there. Using Cubase SX (which I love for audio especially) is too much like going straight to canvas for me personally. I like a sketch. Well, I guess it depends on what style I''m working on. If it''s something that is loose, or improvisational I''ll go straight into the sequencer in performance. That''s if I don''t just record straight in (which is what I usually do, sometimes regrettably if I want to tweak later...retake) If it''s something classical or a style that needs more structure I need a sketch, or the audio part of me will take over. The bad thing about Cubase for me is it grants me too much power at one time. As soon as I put an idea down in the sequencer I want to record it. I suffer from an addiction, Recorditus or something... Which that is great for more experimental works. When it comes to classical writing I like to be in a more disciplined state of mind.

If you''re comfortable with Noteworthy, stick with it. I''m thinking about buying a cheapo laptop to run it on. It can run on about anything. It''s program is about as complicated as notepad. That''s more of it''s charm, it''s simplicity. Like I said before, it''s more of a tracker, but geared toward traditional writing. Sibelius is ideal for creating notated scores like scott said, but it might be a little too much for your experience at this point. It''s interface feels much different from Noteworthy too. Cubase is a bit pricey, maybe too much for what you''re doing right now. Later on down the road you might look into Cubasis.

You said:

"Reviews, thoughts, personal stories.. anything. Thanks again!"

No problem, sorry for the long winded reply

-Aaron

hey aaron how''s your noct album coming; i just started on one myself; i''m calling it "reversing the nexus". i''ll send you some tracks i''ve got done so far for your input if you want; email me with your MSN or ICQ or something

later man

-sonic

P.S. I agree and identify with the whole classical structure vs. pure sound mindset thing. I rarely go right to sequencer but i like cubase because i''m a "seat of your pants" impulsive composer at heart, regardless of my classical training. (grin)

It''s coming slowly but surely. In all stages (conceptualizing, writing, recording) I give it plenty of time to breath and let my mind get refreshed. That way I don''t inadvertently approach everything the same way. Two tracks are up on

http://mp3.com/noct called "Prelude" & "Peace and Gravity".

I''d love to hear some of your work from "reversing the nexus". I''ll email you right after this.

-Aaron