What I discovered
Now is the best time to create music. Never in history have there been so many tools so widely available so affordably. There are a ton of people making music and sharing how to make music so there is plenty of information to get started. There is an abundance of inexpensive instruments, software and gear. People in the synthesizer world call it 'the golden age'. Distributing music is also simple. You just need time to learn and to practice. Really you can make anything.
You can do a lot with just a computer. You don't have to buy expensive gear. Most analog gear has been virtualized in some way on the computer. It's much cheaper to start off with just a computer.
Physical gear has benefits and pitfalls. Although unnecessary, having tactile gear with knobs and switches and sliders makes production more fun and satisfying than mouse clicking "in the box". Things like sound design, mixing and performances can benefit. Having something sitting there inviting your exploration is a good motivator and creates happy accidents. That being said, gear acquisition syndrome (GAS) is a real thing. Once you get gear, you crave more. And there is so much interesting stuff available right now! And marketers are busy working on you all the time, especially online. So at some point you have to say enough is enough!
You do need a DAW. To start you really just need a DAW (digital audio workstation) which is a type of application that helps you compose, arrange and record music. There are dozens of good DAWs to choose from but you only need one. I have tried a few including Reaper, Ableton Live, and Bitwig. I currently do most of my recording with Ableton Live and mastering with Reaper. I recommend trying trial versions until you decide on one to use. Then stick with it. You may also need a good MIDI keyboard.
Plugins are great but not necessary. Plugins are addons that work with a DAW that provide extra functionality like unique instruments or effects. They are made by 3rd party developers (sold separately or free) and often work in most DAWs. The fact that there is a compatible plugin format between DAWs is awesome! It makes sense to use them to construct 'your sound' in case you switch to another DAW in the future. At the same time, it's good to realize they aren't necessary and it's best to resist the urge to spend money on them starting off.
I have found that plugins can curb GAS in some ways. For example, I currently don't have the space or money for a vintage Hammond organ or Rhodes piano but I have been able to find plugins that sound just as good for a fraction of the price.
Music production is a broad subject. There are a lot of pieces that go into it which includes composition, performance, sound design, recording, arrangement, mixing and finally mastering. All of these areas have separate rules, languages, tools and techniques. It can take years of practice to master any of them but just learning a little goes a long way. You don't have to be a master at everything to make interesting stuff.
There are no real rules. Music production is an art. As long as you are having fun it doesn't matter how you do it.
Resources
YouTube has been a great resource. Some of the channels I find inspiring are:
I've also found a few good online courses on Udemy. LinkedIn Learning also has some good courses that I got free access to through the county library.
Gear
Final Thoughts
I've enjoyed having this creative outlet. Occasionally I collaborate with Sarah and the kids too. I don't expect any commercial success but I think it's a great way to learn and create. Original compositions are like pieces of art that can be a lasting legacy. They might not be great but it's a piece of you that you can leave that is accessible and meaningful.
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