Essential Tools for Composers
Here is a curated list of items, tools, and products to help you be more productive and efficient as a composer in the modern world. These are all the preferred brands and items that I use as a professional, freelance composer.
Disclaimer: Some of these items are affiliate links that I get a small kickback from, so thanks for your support.
For the Desk
Staff Paper - Archives Spiral Bound Manuscript Paper Book, 10 Stave, 96 Pages
Mechanical Pencils - BIC Xtra-Life Mechanical Pencil, Clear Barrel, Medium Point (0.7mm), 10-Count
Eraser Pack - Pentel Hi-Polymer Block Eraser, Large, White, Pack of 10 ZEH-10 Erasers
Metronome - Wittner 834 Taktell Piccolo Metronome, Ruby
Technology and Gear
Midi Keyboard/Controller - MIDIPLUS AKM320 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller, Black, 32-key
Audio Interface - Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface
1/4’’ Patch Cable - Seismic Audio Speakers TRS ¼” Patch Cable, 25 Foot Balanced Cord, Black
Full Size Digital Piano/Keyboard - YAMAHA P125 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano with Power Supply and Sustain Pedal, Black
Keyboard Stand - Stage Rocker Single-X Style Classic Folding Keyboard & Digital Piano Stand
MacBook Pro or Air - 2022 Apple MacBook Air Laptop: Apple M2 Chip
USB Hub - USB C Hub, Hiearcool Adapter USB C Dongle
Noise-Cancelling Headphones - Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones
Ergonomic Mouse - Logitech MX Master 3S - Wireless Performance Mouse
Software
Music Notation Software - Dorico Pro 4
Sound Engine - NotePerformer 3
Digital Audio Workstation (D.A.W.) - Logic Pro
Productivity Suite - Adobe Creative Cloud
