I have been doing software developing for a long time. Unfortuntely when it comes to tunes I am essentially deaf when it comes to writing music. Up until recently for sound clips I have been working with royalty free music, but I wanted to give a shot at making my own audio tracks. I wanted to know what kind of advice anyone can offer in terms of software to use or any resources that you would suggest to start. Thanks MR

Obviously as a composer I'm going to be biased and suggest you hire one of us
(-:

In all seriousness, you may not have a tremendous amount of funds to pay, but most of us can take low-pay/future pay type jobs under the correct circumstances. The composers that hang out in places like this love games and are willing to stretch a bit in pay if the project 1. actually has a chance of getting completed (always, always the most important part of the lower paying work, since the game credit is the primary benefit) and 2. looks like a cool project!

But, to answer your question directly, your best bet is going to be something like ACID, which I think is now owned by Sony(?). It essentially uses loops that you construct to make tunes. ACID will handle things like tempo and pitch and the like, as it manipulates the "ACID" files to work in the context of the tune. This would be the only way someone that did not have any musical ability could function. If I read your OP right, that is the situation you are in.

Also, you could even get creative and use something like Elektroplankton for the Nintendo DS. That's a piece of software that allows you to make music (and, like ACID, is designed to be bullet proof for non musicians). The only trick there is that the only way you can export the music is to wire up your DS to your computer (or some kind of recording device) via the headphone out jack. Not that hard really, just a pain in the arse!

While you *could* get slightly better results than if you used library music, you could also potentially create some tracks that are pretty mediocre sounding, wasting your time. Again, I'm basing this suggestion off your statement that you aren't musical; if you are, you'll have no trouble, and should probably look into more complex musical tools such as SONAR or Digital Performer.

Good luck!

-Rob

Oh, I forgot to add:

If you are needing something for Sound FX, I think Audacity is considered a nice shareware type product for editing regular stereo files.

And, again, while I strongly advocate hiring a sound effects artist (-: , there are commercial sound libraries out there you can use.

-Rob

Hi Mr. Righteous,

I'll be happy to recommend some programs and general ideas about writing music but one thing you stated really bothers me: "Unfortuntely when it comes to tunes I am essentially deaf when it comes to writing music"

If you're wanting to create truly original music, then being tone deaf (which sounds like what you're describing) will be a major handicap for you. It is akin to someone saying "I'm color blind, but I've considered taking up painting." I don't mean this in a rude way, but you have to have use good use of your senses to do certain tasks.

While you can train the ear to hear better, it is best to start with some level of raw talent. Having a natural ability towards music will help you understand and feel concepts and techniques related to writing good music. Lets start from the beginning:

1) Have you ever played a musical instrument?

2) Can you read music?

3) What do you know about music theory? (basic harmony and chordal structure)

4) Can you keep a steady beat?

5) Can you identify the climatic point of a song you're listening to?

If you're answer is "no" to all of these questions, then you're in for quite a challenge. While it certainly isn't impossible, you'd have to play a good deal of catch up before you go out and try and write your own music. Many composers in this business have college degrees in music and years of playing at least one instrument. Others may not have a degree, but can play well by ear and all successful composers have a good deal of natural talent towards music.

I'm not trying to dissuade you at all, I just want you to be aware of the requirements to being a composer.

Okay, so lets assume you're not interested in creating completely original music: then use a loop base program. Acid Pro is one of the best looped base programs and you can get a version for relatively cheap. This allows you to take pre-made loops and form them into a song of some sort. You can change the speed and keys the loops are in. Very useful. The only con is anyone familiar with the loop packages will know how you created the music.

If you want to learn more about music, then try choosing an instrument and take some private (or groups) lessons. You can also take a class on general music theory. I don't know how old you are, but if you're a HS graduate, then try taking a class at a community college. Another option is to join an ensemble and get some experience performing.

It basically comes down to: the more knowledge and experience you have, the more resources you have to draw from.

I hope that helps!

Well Rob beat me to the punch....

:)

Next time Rob....next time. (Gadget theme starts)