Millions of computer users already create music on their computers and the number is growing every day. With Apple Computers giving away free music creation software and powerful Windows recording software applications available at affordable prices, computer music is taking off as a hobby. Getting Started in Computer Music gets beginners excited about all of the computer music possibilities and gives them the practical, step-by-step information they will need to purchase and use the equipment they need to best match their budget and their goals. The book features chapters on music software (including DAWs, audio editors, performance software, loop-based tools, and plug-ins), hardware (such as CPUs, RAM, and audio cards), and ancillary hardware (like keyboards, MIDI controllers, mixers, amps, and speakers). All content is completely up-to-date and the book covers all of the basic information that the reader needs to know using clear, concise explanations. Getting Started in Computer Music is the most comprehensive guide on the subject and the included complete index makes this book something that readers can refer to again and again.
Chapter 1 Music Making on the Computer
Chapter 2 Understanding the Gear
Chapter 3 Choosing Your Computer
Chapter 4 Choosing Your Software: What Do You Want to Do?
Chapter 5 Track One: MIDI
Chapter 6 Track Two: Looping Tools
Chapter 7 Track Three: Digital Recording for the Solo Musician
Chapter 8 Track Four: All Together Now: The Desktop DAW
Appendix A Glossary
Appendix B Buying Used Gear
Appendix C Manufacturers
Appendix D Resources
Index