A Complete and Inexpensive Composer's Set-Up

Do you want to compose music? Getting the right equipment for composing does not have to be super expensive. Here are two basic items you can get to be a productive composer.

1. Notation Software

Assuming you already have a computer, you should consider getting a notation software for writing music. Finale Songwriter is the one I would suggest for starters. It's not expensive but it will get the job done. If you have a bigger budget you might want to check out the full Finale software.

2. Keyboard

Using a MIDI keyboard will allow you to be more productive and get more music written. When you use a MIDI keyboard with Finale, you can play the notes on the keyboard and they will be notated in Finale as you play them. It's quicker than trying to notate every single note on the computer. The good news is that you don't need a super expensive keyboard for this. Just a basic keyboard that can connect to your computer will work. Look for MIDI Keyboards on Amazon.

You might also need to purchase a MIDI cable to connect the keyboard to the computer. Here's one that will get the job done.

VicTsing USB IN-OUT MIDI Cable