I'm not That rich. My main source of money comes from 3d modeling and animation. I'm get $1-2k a project, so it helps a lot. I know what you mean in expensive!
A hobby my father and I went into was professionally recording wind/brass ensembles and orchestras. That was fun, and we'd invested thousands in hardware like mixers and recorders, plus a ton of studio microphones. lol Composing is something I've always wanted to pursue. I'm a clarinetist and I know this will be a large influence towrds future writings.
The big thing I've been working for a while is my symphony. Once, I start nearing completion (whether if it takes me another year or two) then I'll have to work with Dr. Walicki some. I've talked with Frank Ticheli, and I'm hoping I could study with him for a year in the future.
What I still need to improve here is my sound setup. It getting better, but still kinda tinny, midi. It's not a large concern right now, mostly I've focused elsewhere, like in the actual writing. I use Finale which I like, though I need to learn speed writing in it. I've discovered I can hear most of the parts in my head over relying on my midi's capability. After playing with orchestras for so long, it's amazing to just "feel" the music.
That's the greatest part about it!
The only reason I never charge anybody is because I never have done anything for anyone here at MattHawkins! But with friends around, if they want a little something, which sometimes they do request, I'll just write it up for fun. I've orchestrated a few melodies from friends. I figure we all get something from it, much experience on my part. A few little songs I've made for them end up on their websites. Hopefully, the larger scale I go toward, I may have a symphony orchestra able to perform my work faster than I realize, but time will tell that. I've have great contacts with the Pacific Symphony, they premiere many compositions here on the west coast. This area and Hollywood depends so much on who you know. I'm trying to lead my ambitions on, but luck plays another factor.
As much as I want to hear your music, windows media hasn't worked since I rebuilt this system. We're running an 8 computer network for rendering, and it's screwed up all sorts of things! lol If you have it in another file format, let me know!
Enough said, today.
