Help for an Absolute Beginner Options

I am a complete novice in making electronic music, but would love to learn.
I am currently using an iMac with OSX - any tips on where to start? I want to spend as little money as possible. My ideal would be to download some cheap programs and see how things go before I invest in any hardware.

All suggestions welcome.

Thank you

[kaboombahchuck]

wow, what an open ended question! first, what kind of music are you interested in? second, what kind of muisal instuments can you play?

I play keyboards - have a slight idea about programming and arrangement. And I'd be happy to make any kind of music . I'm in a band and would like to make a contribution - see my website.

[kaboombahchuck]

hi donna.  i like to use mix man for quik mixing.  info can be got at www.mixman.com   as far as free software goes, i've never had much luck.  the only one i had much luck at was virtual drummer.  it's a pretty cool program for making drumtracks.  cake walks metro 5 lite is a good bet for a recording program.  i use  the metro 5 full version for my recording.  also sence you use a keyboard, you'll be looking for some good midi sequencing software. i don't know of any 'cheepies', but i'm sure that there are some.  if you've got the time i have some songs posted at  http://homepage.mac.com/kaboombahchuck/FileSharing.html   they were created using mixman and are not the best, just something i did for fun.

[nathanan]

hi. i don't know if too many music softwares are supporting osx yet but anyhow, i think you, at least, need to invest in a midi/audio sequencing software, check out emagic's logic range, or steinberg's cubasis, there are some other, check out intermusic.com for suggestion. then, you would need some kind of sound sources. here are some sites that offer free ones; K-v-R, sonicspot, harmonycentral, and hitsquad, not sure, but they may have some free sequencers as well. check them out and have fun making some tunes. good luck

[kaboombahchuck]

hi nathanan. i have not found many programs that suppert osx yet. but thats ok with me, as i'm still stuck with the 9's, i just got emagic's sound diver, it won't work with osx. i don't suggest stienburg cubasis, as the learning curve is too steep.

Yes, you might start by reformatting your drive and installing OS 9.2, which will open a world of possibilities.

Thanks for your suggestions
I'll look into it.
I'm waiting for my upgrade cds right now, so maybe that will help

[Rockstone]

Try protools Free (www.protools.com) this should give you an insight of what its all about