music for the rank amateur with a computer and an urge
I've redeveloped the urge to make music. I'm interested, for the moment, in getting my hands on some tracking and mixing software (free, of course), and similar music-production software, to play around with and learn with at the moment. Mostly, I'm looking to get stuff for the Linux platform (open source, et cetera). If anyone has any suggestions, both in terms of software that works well and in terms of methodology, technique, and tricks for learning, I'm definitely looking to learn.
I took a class in beginning music theory at one point, a couple/few years ago, learned a little piano and electric bass at some point, and have a pleasant if undisciplined and untrained singing voice. I know that voice coaches can run someone into the ground financially, and I don't even have the money to spare for a book at the moment, but ultimately I'd like to be a vocalist, among other things, and whether I do it myself or get someone else to contribute it for me, I really would like to work with some electric bass. At the moment I'm just looking into playing around with stuff and learning at my own pace, though. I'm not setting out to be the Next Big Thing, by any stretch, and may not get around to finishing a single worthy piece any time in the near future. I'm just, as I indicated above, mildly obsessed with music. I'm like a huge, capable brain with no developed talent, just waiting to learn.
I welcome any suggestions, offers of help, advice, compatriots in my search for musical expression, and so on. I'm not looking for a serious commitment of scheduled time or any other pressures. Feel free to just ramble on at length on your thoughts about music, if you so desire. In particular, advice on any of the above, with specific attention to music production software on Linux, would be greatly appreciated.
cross-posting to
tampa and 
apotheon for the moment
I took a class in beginning music theory at one point, a couple/few years ago, learned a little piano and electric bass at some point, and have a pleasant if undisciplined and untrained singing voice. I know that voice coaches can run someone into the ground financially, and I don't even have the money to spare for a book at the moment, but ultimately I'd like to be a vocalist, among other things, and whether I do it myself or get someone else to contribute it for me, I really would like to work with some electric bass. At the moment I'm just looking into playing around with stuff and learning at my own pace, though. I'm not setting out to be the Next Big Thing, by any stretch, and may not get around to finishing a single worthy piece any time in the near future. I'm just, as I indicated above, mildly obsessed with music. I'm like a huge, capable brain with no developed talent, just waiting to learn.
I welcome any suggestions, offers of help, advice, compatriots in my search for musical expression, and so on. I'm not looking for a serious commitment of scheduled time or any other pressures. Feel free to just ramble on at length on your thoughts about music, if you so desire. In particular, advice on any of the above, with specific attention to music production software on Linux, would be greatly appreciated.
cross-posting to
tampa and apotheon for the moment 