Top 5 Software Tools Every Music Composer Should Know

Software plays a huge part in life today and to be a successful you need to have at least a passing familiarity with all of the below.

Most software and online tools are now designed to have accessible UI (User interfaces) so all can be learnt as you go. What music and how you write it is up to you but these tools will enhance composition and help your workflow. 

1. DAWs

 These days, all of the big DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) can effectively and efficiently allow you to write a piece, create a fairly convincing mock-up, record it with live instruments and mix it to a broadcast-worthy standard.

Personally, I have always found Logic Pro X to allow me the most creativity when writing and I find it simple to record and mix effectively. The media industry standard has always traditionally been Avid’s Pro Tools due to it’s stability when recording but there are plenty of others to choose from - I have peers who swear by Ableton, Cubase, Studio One as well as FL Studios (the Fruity Loops of old) so pick your weapon.

It doesn’t really matter which one you use but pick one, get good at using it, and go from there. It doesn’t matter how computer literate you are, the more you practice on your DAW of choice, the better and quicker you will get. 

2. Music Notation Software

Notation softwares such as Sibelius, Finale, Dorico or even the free Musescore are really useful to be able to generate clear and professional scores to allow you to translate your musical vision to the players you hire to make your ideas come to life. You don’t necessarily need to use these if you work in genres such as House or Ambient Music etc. but if you need to write out horn section parts, lead sheets or maybe parts for a string orchestra then knowing how to use these pieces of software is invaluable.

3. Plugins 

Plugins, be they the native, free plugins that come with your DAW or expensive 3rd party clones of iconic vintage analog gear, it’s worth getting to grips with a few and using them effectively.

Plugin effects can be anything from reverbs and delays, compressors, modulation effects or limiters (amongst others). There is often a temptation to buy the shiny new plugin that the internet tells you you must have but, having fallen into that trap multiple times, there is nothing that slows you down more than having a list of 38 compressors and not quite knowing how to use any of them properly.

Plugins can also include Virtual Instrument (VI) emulations of anything from cloud drums to string orchestras or trumpets so you can really do anything with these pieces of software. 

4. Video Editing Software

 In this age of content, no artists can escape the need for putting together videos. Be it shots of you performing, BTS content or tutorials, having a grasp on basic video editing software is really useful. Your phone can probably do all you really need but for better quality and more options then software such as Davinci Resolve, Adobe Premier Pro, Final Cut Pro or Avid Media Composer would be your top options. 

5. Registrations 

Strictly speaking, these aren’t pieces of software but understanding supporting systems, registrations and websites such as PRS (Performing Rights Society) make sure that your recordings are protected and that the royalties you deserve flow in. It’s worth getting to grips with Soundmouse and uploading and logging your pieces with that to help PRS track music usage as well as being used by the BBC to find tunes for shows. This is time consuming and intensely dull but quite important if you want to earn any income from your music.

Other supporting payment structures such as PPL (collects royalties for performers of which you are one in your recordings) and Neighbouring Rights companies such as NRG and Rident (to collect performance royalties from non-domestic territories) are really useful for slightly random but often meaningful royalty packets..

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Explore More from Nick Pike

Nick Pike is a London-based composer, pianist, saxophonist, producer, and educator with over 15 years of professional experience. His music blends neoclassical piano with jazz, funk, and contemporary influences, drawing comparisons to Ludovico Einaudi, Yiruma, and Ólafur Arnalds. Alongside original compositions, Nick offers music services including scoring for film, TV, and advertising, piano and saxophone recording, arranging for strings and horns, and professional mixing and production.

Music & Albums – Original releases from solo piano to orchestral scores.

Services – Composition, recording, arranging, and production for artists, media, and brands.

Contact – Get in touch for lessons, commissions, or collaborations.