Customer Reviews

Composition for Computer Musicians

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book is pretty much useless unless you are a total novice in both computer music production and composition/arrangement, since you if you're beyond novice level, you probably already known everything the book covers. The author also did not do his due diligence on research. He called VST "Virtual Sythesizer Technology," when it's actually "Virtual Studio Technology. The guy has never heard of the internet? It's the first thing that comes up when you search "VST." Any computer musician worth his salt knows this--it's really really basic stuff. He then refers to plugins as VST's. That is also incorrect. They are plugins using the VST format, and if anything VSTI would be better than VST, but only for virtual instruments and does not apply to effects plugins. I'm guessing this guy probably doesn't even hang around prominent sites for computer musicians like KVRAudio. He then also refers to DAW and Ableton Live separately saying both can host VST's, as if Ableton Live isn't a DAW. Does he even know what DAW stands for? It almost seems like he's only got a cursory understanding of all this technology and terminology, and the half-assed his way through the research when writing the book. Maybe it's just carelessness, but don't people proofread their manuscripts before sending them to the printer? The instructional aspect of the book actually isn't bad, and if yo are a total beginner, it can certainly be helpful to you.

I was really disappointed with the book. There are some basic rhythm and harmony information, but it is very sparse. If you want to learn about rhythms or harmony, a more focused book should be sought, and not the bundle of weak summaries this book provides. Some of the advice about effects is so generic and grossly oversimplified that it won't help you at all. After looking through the book it went straight to the local used bookstore.

If you want a beginners guide to electronic dance music production, I would recommend the Rick Snoman guide, "Dance Music Manual: 2nd Edition."

I'm making a transition from traditional to computer and this is what I was looking for.

You need a basic understanding of music/theory as it is not a beginners music book. It offers an excellent start to computer musicianship without being overly technical or boring.

If you're new to the world of composing music on computers, this is the book for you. It offers a gentle and very clearly written introduction to the world of computer music production. Taking you step by step on the different parts of the process to get a complete song or track.

A good book on basic music theory (such as his other book 'Music theory for computer musician's ) is a good addendum to this one, with both serving as a good introductory guide into the process of composing and producing music on the computer.

Michael's writing style is very clear and focused so it's easy to follow along with all the examples and information he provides. The CD accompaniment to the book further helps to clarify every example.

I definitely recommend this book to anybody who is keen on taking their music production skills to the next level.

I'll be brief. I make electronic music with primarily with Ableton Live.

This book is worth the money if you want solid songwriting info.

Included info;writing basslines, string parts, harmonies, percussion, etc.

The author has a book on music theory. You should cop that too. Music Theory for Computer Musicians Bk/Cd

You should also get the Dance Music Manual 2nd edition. The Dance Music Manual: Tools, Toys and Techniques

With these three books you have powerful tools at your disposal.

a brilliant up to date book covering all areas of track composition for modern computer musicians
i would recommend this for anyone wanting to improve there track making skills to a professional level

Hi All,first I am a complete begginer at computer music.I think to use this book to its fullest you need to know something about music theory.This book is not for the complete begginer.I have given this book 3 stars becuase if you can learn the correct music theory it would be a great help.

It does a person no good if he/she can run a music program, but don't know how to write/ compose music. Out of the entire books I have read and purchased, Michael Hewitt's Composition for the Computer Musician and its companion Music Theory for the Computer Musician is the most important to me... It is one thing to know how to run a music program and a totally another thing to write music. This is a must if you don't have real musicians ...

Totally awesome and recommended to the highest level

Reviewed by James R. Finley

Another excellent book from a very good teacher, a sort of sequel to his title 'Music Theory for Computer Musicians.' Like that book, this one is well organized and full of clear explanations covering both the overall subject and a lot of specific details that will be good to know. I'd recommend this to anyone using music software to record or compose their own music.


Composition for Computer Musicians
Review by David Owen
Absolutely brilliant. I found the section on dance music drum programming excellent. This is an essential book if you want to learn how to produce your own music using computer software.

Link to both of the reviews are below this text.
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