MusicRadar

A simple system doesn't have to cost the Earth.

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OK, we know that many of you are doing this already, but if you haven't yet discovered the joys of computer-based music-making, we can give you ten compelling reasons to do so.

1. It's easy
As a computer music-making beginner, one of your biggest fears is likely to be that you'll spend more time grappling with technology than making tunes. However, although it's inevitable that you'll encounter one or two minor hurdles, today's software is so well designed that you'll be up and running within minutes. You'll be creating your first track in no time.

2. It doesn't cost the Earth
Although some of the flagship music production packages cost hundreds of pounds, there are much cheaper options available. Most of the big developers sell cutdown versions of their products that are affordable and beginner-friendly - and chances are, you won't miss the power features. It's even possible to create a software studio without spending a penny, as there are countless freeware tools out there.

3. Your computer is an instrument…
Software instruments have been on the scene for several years now, making it possible to create pretty much any type of sound you can think of within the confines of your Mac or PC. Whether it's a scarily authentic grand piano or a full drum kit that's required, you're spoilt for choice. And you can buy dedicated controllers – keyboards, drum pads and the like – that turn the experience into a totally musical one. Just plug them in and go.

4. …And the ultimate recording device
So we've established that computers are brilliant at generating sounds, but what we should also make clear is that they're perfect for capturing real audio from the outside world. If you're a guitarist, a singer or any other kind of noisemaker, you can make high-quality recordings. But that's just the beginning: once the audio is on the hard disk and in your software, it can be edited, arranged and processed in countless useful and creative ways.

5. You don't have to be a musician
Musicians have certainly benefited from having access to powerful computer technology – it's enabled them to make finished records in their bedrooms, rather than having to pay to go into professional studios – but crucially, many of today's applications have been designed for people with little, if any, musical experience. It's quite possible to create a complete track simply by arranging a selection of pre-recorded loops.

6. You can learn at your own pace
You might start your computer music career as a loop-based composer, but things get even more interesting when you create your own sounds and parts. The beauty of today's applications is that you can use them at different levels, so you won't have to invest in a new bit of software every time your skills improve. With music software, it's perfectly possible to take things slowly and add to your knowledge base as and when you need to.

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