Why did I develop composer Pro?

Hi, I'm Brett McCarron. I created Composer Pro to help songwriters, composers, and arrangers break out of their self-imposed boxes and develop new material. With the ever-increasing availability of home recording studios and software, it's easier than ever to get your ideas onto disc, iPod, or other medium. So while it's easier than ever to record new material, coming up with something worth recording can still be a chore. Sometimes you need a kick in the ass (I know I do!), and that's where Composer Pro can help.

Using Composer Pro is easy. Just click the page. The program goes through several million combinations and permutations of available parameters, makes a selection, then displays them through your web browser. If you like what you see, print the page. If you don't like it, click your browser's "refresh" button (or click the "Try Another?" link at the bottom of the page, and Composer Pro will pick another set of random options for you to consider.

If, like many composers, you keep a notebook of ideas, you can press Alt + PrintScr to add a picture of the screen to your computer's clipboard. You can then paste the image into your Word Processor using Ctrl+V, Shift + Insert, or other command, depending on your particular computer and software. You can then keep an electronic notebook of Composer Pro ideas to try on your next recording.

This project is purely a labor of love, with many exciting improvements planned for the near future. If you'd like to help, pass along the URL to a friend, or include it on your blog or FaceBook page. Thanks!

Version History

v1.01 Update 8/10/2009

• Added more options to FX categories
• Typos corrected
• Fixed occasional blank fields
• Reduced size of key signature graphic

v1.00 First Release 8/8/2009

• Completely rewritten in ASP
• Removed background colors to save ink when printing pages
• Added additional song genres, inspirations, moods
• Faster engine
• Donation link added
• This version was worth waiting for!

• Graphic images for key signatures added.
• Each generated page now fits onto a single sheet if using "print this page" feature
• Still need to "pretty up" the interface and add additional examples
• Planned for the future: BPM examples, MIDI beat examples

• Numerous enhancements
• Minor bug fixes taken care of
• Linked to MWN Tips for Musicians page

• Production features added
• Additional examples added (based on classic rock songs)
• Code streamlined for speed

• Production features nearly complete
• Minor keys added
• Additional effects added
• Amazing fact: to date, not one person has used the PayPal donation link!

• Production features completed
• Additional effects added
• PayPal donation link removed (no one ever used it).
• Program is now entirely supported by ad revenue (if only!)