Can You Show Practically - How Does a Layman Make Music on a Computer?

Question

Can You Show Practically - How Does a Layman Make Music on a Computer?

Answer 1

Typically most new computers, laptops, etc...come equipped with some sort of Studio Recording Software/Program installed. You can certainly use that to get started laying down your ideas.

Should you find something that will allow for 'tracking' [recording single musical concepts that you can align to playback together] you can start there. The program should provide you with some sort of tutorial, but it is generally a basic concept such as this:

1) Select a track to record the initial sounds/music onto

2) Ignite the track by clicking onto the RECORD button wherever it is found

3) Begin recording the sound(s) that you have practiced & prepared

4) Stop the recording where you wish & begin the 'editing' process for this track so that any unwanted elements are removed prior to adding the next sound(s) to your 'Song'

5) Select the next track to record once you have practiced it along with the original recorded sound(s) & idea(s)

6) Repeat this process until you have something pleasing to your ears

Now, there are plenty of pre-recorded samples & templates inside of most Studio Recording Programs. Browse around until you find some of them. Play those to see if something strikes your fancy?!? If so, you can always use something like this as the foundation of your Song/Idea OR you can layer these samples/templates on top of one another to create something that strikes your fancy!

Either way, the art of beginning to record is fairly basic & simplistic....However, should you have any additional questions or issues, feel free to reach out again. Or, as you know there is always the Tutor Portal that can be used to formally solicit a Tutor that you can pay hourly for their services?!?

Best of Luck to You...

Teacher/Coach Dez

Answer 2

The barrier for entry in music production is pretty low. If you look around, you can definitely get started making music on your computer for very cheap.

You're going to need a Digital Audio Workstation, also known as a DAW. This is the main software that you use to make your music. There are free DAWs out there, like Audacity, Apple's Garageband, or SoundBridge. These should be enough to get you started.

If you want to have an easier time with production, you may want to look into buying some sort of MIDI controller. A miniature 25-key keyboard like the AKAI mini MPK or the Novation Launchkey should work. They even have coupon codes for you to redeem a free copy of Ableton, so you get two things for one purchase!

If you rely less on electronic music and use more acoustic sounds like guitars, a cheap mic can help you to record your ideas onto the DAW.

After you set up your DAW and your instruments, the rest is up to you. There are a multitude of ways to record and edit your ideas on a DAW, with each method suited for a different artist. Find what fits best for you! And when you believe you're finished with a song, you can publish online or share it with your friends.