Best 10 Must Have Music Accessories for Composition Students
Are you majoring in classical music in college?
I majored in classical composition in college. I was always interested in orchestral music and classical music, so I naturally went to music school. I have been playing the piano since I was young, so I was able to enjoy taking the classical composition department!
However… When I first entered school, there were times when I felt uncomfortable because I didn’t know what items I should carry with me to go to school conveniently.
But as time passed, I started to always carry my own must-have items in my backpack!
These items helped me do my school work more efficiently and attend school more efficiently!
So, in this article, I will take a look at the must-have music accessories that I, a graduate of the Department of Classical Composition, used to carry with me to school.
If you are a sensible musician majoring in classical composition, please read this article until the end! 🎹 💕 😁
Here’s what you’re about to discover
IS A MACBOOK REQUIRED FOR CLASSICAL COMPOSITION STUDENTS?
First of all, when you think of a MacBook… the first thing that comes to mind is an artist’s laptop! This is because you can typically use Logic Pro on MacBook.
However, it is not essential for classical composers and students to use MacBooks. There are many other platforms and devices available for sheet music and music production.
The high performance and reliability of a MacBook can make it effective for many music tasks, but you can also do it with other devices, such as computers, tablets, and laptops running the Windows or Linux operating systems. Composers and students are advised to determine whether the music programs they frequently use are for Windows or MacBook and then select the equipment they are most comfortable using.
IS A MACBOOK REQUIRED FOR CLASSICAL COMPOSITION STUDENTS?
One program often used by classical composers and students to write scores is Sibelius.
Sibelius offers professional score creation and editing capabilities and is designed to meet the special needs of classical music.
Programs such as Finale and MuseScore are also widely used, providing score creation and editing capabilities to users of various skill levels. The program chosen may depend on your preferences, job requirements, and budget.
🎵 Tip. How much does each sheet music program cost? Sibelius Pricing: Starts at $9.99/month. | Finale price: $99.95. | Muse Score Pricing: Free
DO CLASSICAL COMPOSITION STUDENTS OFTEN USE THE LOGIC PRO MIDI PROGRAM?
The Logic MIDI program is often used by classical composers and students.
Logic Pro offers a variety of useful features for working with music, including MIDI editing, using virtual instruments, and writing and recording scores. However, Logic Pro is primarily known as professional software for music production and recording, and can offer more features than other MIDI programs. Therefore, whether classical composers and students use Logic Pro may depend on their working style and personal preferences.
So, let’s take a look at what are the best must-have items for classical composition students to carry in their backpacks when going to school?
Below, I will introduce 10 music accessories that I carried with me when I went to school and are helpful to classical composition students! 🎹 🍀
BEST 10 MUST HAVE ITEM FOR COMPOSITION STUDENTS
1. Lujex 61 Keys Roll Up Piano
Undine's Recommendation
Lujex 61 Keys Roll Up Piano
- It is highly portable.
- Smooth and easy to play.
- It's pretty stylish.
- Although it is silicone rubber, it feels luxurious.
- There is a headphone jack and a record button.
- Advanced playing is not possible.
- If you play fast, the notes will be missing.
🎵 In the composition department, composing music is very important. So, you should be able to compose music wherever an idea comes to mind. If you carry a roll-up keyboard piano in your backpack, you can conveniently listen to the notes and compose music anytime, anywhere.
This Lujex 61 Keys Roll Up Piano features a high quality, environmentally friendly silicone keyboard that is soft and durable. You can enjoy vivid sound through the built-in speaker and supports external headphones. Equipped with recording and playback functions, it can be conveniently used by anyone who plays music.
🎵 Color : Color: Black, Silver, White | Product Dimensions : 11.46 x 7.76 x 3.58 inches | Item Weight : 2.59 pounds
2. Moallia Laptop Stand with 360 Rotating Base
Undine's Recommendation
Moallia Laptop Stand with 360 Rotating Base
- It can be easily moved to various angles.
- It's sturdy and doesn't slip.
- It helps you maintain a comfortable posture by moving the height.
- It can be folded compactly.
- The folding arm is very sturdy.
- Because it is portable, it may shake slightly.
🎵 As a laptop is essential for composition students, a laptop stand is very important. In particular, I recommend a laptop stand that rotates 360 degrees. This is because turning it 360 degrees makes it very convenient and increases usability when viewing sheet music or MIDI files on a laptop.
This Moallia laptop stand offers versatility with a base that rotates 360 degrees. The 360° rotatable axis makes it easy to share your screen or collaborate with others. It corrects your posture by lifting your laptop to eye level and reduces neck and back fatigue, and because it is portable and foldable, it can be used in a variety of environments such as cafes and schools. The unique Compatible with laptops ranging in size from 11 to 16 inches, it is the perfect laptop stand accessory for schools.
🎵 Product Dimensions : 11.42 x 2.36 x 1.87 inches | Item Weight : 1.98 pounds
3. Logitech M185 Wireless Mouse
Undine's Recommendation
Logitech M185 Wireless Mouse
- Compatible with USB C.
- This is a trustworthy Logitech product.
- The click sound is quiet.
- It's easy to set up.
- The scroll wheel is excellent.
- If you have large hands, the mouse may feel small.
🎵 Even if you are not a music student, a wireless mouse is very important for college students who use laptops.
This Logitech M185 Wireless Mouse has a comfortable, well-contoured shape that provides a great feel for either the right or left hand and provides a superior touchpad experience. This USB wireless mouse features AA batteries with line-by-line scroll wheel, up to 1 year of battery life(2) with smart sleep mode feature. Plus, just plug in the tiny nano USB receiver and you can start making music right away with a wireless computer mouse up to 33 feet/10 meters for a simple, reliable connection.
🎵 Color : Black, Blue, Red, Swift Gray Product Dimensions : 1.54 x 2.36 x 3.9 inches | Item Weight : 2.65 ounces
4. GREEDY FARMERS Mouse pad
Undine's Recommendation
GREEDY FARMERS Mouse pad
- Thin and light.
- It has an ergonomic shape rather than a regular square shape.
- It has a good grip.
- It has excellent water resistance.
- It doesn't look cheap.
- The pad may move around on the table.
🎵 When carrying a mouse, you should carry a mouse pad with you to prevent the underside of the mouse from rubbing against rough surfaces.
This GREEDY FARMERS mouse pad has a high-quality soap liquid pad with high heat resistance attached to the back, providing stable and convenient use. It combines design and function by using leather-like fabric on the front and a practical soap liquid pad on the back. In addition, the pad made of premium PU leather provides a soft and comfortable use experience, and is ergonomically designed with an optimal angle for comfortable use. This mouse pad comes in 19 color options to suit artists’ tastes to fit any space.
🎵 Color : Colors: Baby Blue, Blush Pink, Vanilla Cream, Dark Grey, Diva Burgundy, Forest Green, Honey Yellow, Lavender Purple, Misty Rose, Moroccan Camel, Smut Blue, Tangerine, Charlie Chocolate | Product Dimensions : 8.66 x 7.09 x 0.12 inches | Item Weight : 1.76 ounces
5. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones
Undine's Recommendation
Sony WH-1000XM4
- It has the best noise-cancelling function among existing wireless headphones.
- It pauses when you remove the headphones from your ears.
- You can have a conversation without taking out your headphones.
- Bluetooth range is excellent.
- Battery life is good.
- The ear pads are soft and fluffy.
- Touch controls may be inconvenient.
🎵 It is helpful for music students to listen to a variety of music on a regular basis. Therefore, it is a good idea to listen to music in detail using headphones with excellent sound quality and noise canceling.
These Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones feature industry-leading noise-cancelling technology. Dual noise sensor technology provides perfect sound, up to 30 hours of battery life and fast charging. The sound quality developed with Edge-AI has been further improved through collaboration with Sony Music Studio Tokyo. The touch sensor also lets you pause music playback, skip tracks, adjust the volume, activate the voice assistant, and answer calls. It also features Wear Detection, which pauses playback when the earphones are removed, and Speak to Chat technology, which automatically reduces the volume during conversations.
🎵 Color : Black, Blue, Silver | Product Dimensions : 7.27 x 3.03 x 9.94 inches | Item Weight : 9 Ounces | Frequency Response : 2.4 GHz | Sensitivity : 105 dB
6. Music Notebook 2 Pack, 100 Sheets
Undine's Recommendation
Music Notebook 2 Pack, 100 Sheets
- Light weight and good quality.
- The paper quality is excellent.
- It consists of 100 pages so it can be used for a long time.
- It looks cool with the treble clef on the cover.
- It's highly portable.
- It may not be suitable for people with limited musical knowledge.
🎵 Music Notebook is essential for most musicians, including composition students. Music notebooks are especially necessary for composer students because they need to write down melody ideas, orchestration, chord charts, etc.
This Music Notebook 2 Pack, 100 Sheets consists of 2 music notebooks. Includes 200 sheets/100 sheets of loose leaf paper each, and the sturdy cover protects your notes and provides a sturdy writing surface. It can be used for a long time thanks to thick paper, non-spill ink, and smooth writing. A must-have for pianists, guitarists, musicians, composers and amateurs.
🎵 Pages : 200 pages Product Dimensions : 10.31 x 7.87 x 0.4 inches | Item Weight : 15.5 ounces
7. LEGILINER- Music Staff / Self-Inking Stamp
Undine's Recommendation
LEGILINER- Music Staff / Self-Inking Stamp
- The ink does not bleed.
- It works smoothly.
- You can create huge notes.
- Great for taking notes in music class.
- It is also great to use when giving music lessons to children.
- The ink may be too thick when you first press and roll it, then thin out as you draw.
🎵 If you’re a composition student, you should be able to take music notes wherever you are in class. Music Stamps allow you to immediately note notes.
This LEGILINER- Music Staff offers excellent features for music composers, music teachers, and music students. It is a must-have item for composers as it allows you to quickly and easily draw music staff lines. An original product invented, created and distributed in the United States by an OT school teacher with decades of experience, each stamp housing is color coded for pattern distinction and line size. The product supports America’s small businesses and occupational therapy, with 10% of profits donated to special education.
🎵 Product Dimensions : 1.5 x 1.5 x 2.5 inches | Item Weight : 4.2 ounces
8. MIDIPLUS AKM320 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
Undine's Recommendation
MIDIPLUS AKM320 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
- You can easily record your ideas on the go.
- The price is affordable and the quality is excellent.
- It can be used in various MIDI programs.
- It can also be used for playing.
- It has the basic functions required for a keyboard.
- The key may be small compared to your finger.
🎵 A compact portable keyboard is a must-have item for all composers. There are roll keyboards that roll up, but keyboards that connect to a computer allow you to input notes directly through MIDI.
This MIDIPLUS AKM320 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller features 32 mini keys and velocity detection, allowing for a variety of musical expressions even in small spaces. Various adjustments are possible, including pitch, modulation, octave, and transposition functions, and connection to a computer is easy through USB type B. It’s easy to use, plug-and-play with Windows and Mac devices, and lets you play long notes without using a pedal.
🎵 Product Dimensions : 18.11 x 4.92 x 1.18 inches | Item Weight : 1.32 pounds
9. MECCALINE Sheet Music Folder
Undine's Recommendation
MECCALINE Sheet Music Folder
- It is double-sided.
- It is very convenient to read sheet music while playing the instrument.
- There are flaps on the top and bottom to keep sheet music in place.
- Prevents glare.
- You can write directly on the sheet music.
- The plastic may tear during the process of taking out and putting in sheet music, so use it carefully.
🎵 For all music students, a binder folder for taking notes on sheet music is a must-have item.
This sturdy sheet music binder is made with strong twin springs so it can unfold 180 degrees and lie flat on your piano music stand for a comfortable viewing angle. This luxury sheet music holder is lightweight, easy to use and has a luxurious design, making it ideal for adult artists, orchestras, school choirs and a variety of musicians.
🎵 Product Dimensions : 11.61 x 9.8 x 0.75 inches | Item Weight : 10.5 ounces
10. Apple iPad
Undine's Recommendation
Apple iPad
- Experience clear images through the 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display.
- Touch ID provides excellent security and convenience.
- This is a very convenient tablet PC for composers who use Logic Pro.
- It is highly durable.
- The price is somewhat expensive.
🎵 Modern musicians often read sheet music on paper, but they often carry sheet music on tablet PCs. This is because viewing sheet music on a tablet PC has the advantage of not losing the sheet music and being able to find the sheet music right away on the sheet music website. The iPad helps composers conveniently read sheet music, allows them to take notes with a pencil, and can be used as a remote control when connected to Logic Pro. At first, I only brought a laptop to school, but since I brought an iPad with me, I have been able to use the iPad every class, improving my class efficiency and finding it very convenient when working on music. I recommend the iPad, which can be used for a long time, to composition students who are interested in reading sheet music on a tablet PC.
🎵 Height : 9.79 inches | Width : 7.07 inches | Item Weight : 1.05 pounds
PAPER SHEET MUSIC
VS
TABLET PC SHEET MUSIC
Many music students are wondering whether it is better to read sheet music on paper or on a tablet PC.
Paper sheet music and tablet PC sheet music each have their own pros and cons.
Paper sheet music
- It has been used traditionally and is a familiar form.
- You can quickly give feedback or edit your score.
- They are relatively inexpensive compared to electronic devices.
- You can use it without any power or technical issues.
- It is generally preferred for piano or concert performances.
Tablet PC sheet music
- Multiple sheet music can be stored on one device, making it highly portable.
- You can adjust the screen brightness and size to make it easier to read.
- There is a function that allows you to automatically turn pages or zoom in on the page.
- It is less affected by the environment and is more environmentally friendly than paper sheet music.
- You can easily manage your practice and performance records.
Therefore, you can choose between paper sheet music and tablet PC sheet music depending on your personal preference and situation. Paper sheet music is a traditional and familiar method, while tablet PC sheet music is highly portable and functional.
🎵 Tip. Which tablet PC is most used by music students? Some of the most popular tablet PCs used by music students include the Apple iPad and iPad Pro, Samsung Galaxy Tab S series, and Microsoft Surface Pro. These products help music students read and work with sheet music, take digital notes, and run music apps. 🎶
TYPES OF MIDI MUSIC PROGRAMS FOR WINDOWS AND MACBOOK
Music programs for Windows and MacBook are optimized for each operating system and offer a variety of functions and features.
Paper sheet music
- FL Studio: Popular music production software that offers a variety of features and plugins for professional music production.
- Ableton Live: Optimized software for live performance and music production, featuring real-time looping and sampling capabilities.
- Pro Tools: The industry standard software for music production and recording, featuring advanced editing and mixing features.
- Cubase: Provides professional music production features including multitrack recording, MIDI sequencing, and virtual instrument support.
- Reaper: An economical and lightweight solution that offers a variety of plugins and free customization features.
Mac
- GarageBand: Apple’s free music creation software with an easy-to-use interface and support for a variety of music loops and instruments.
- Ableton Live: Provides the same functionality as the Windows version, providing superior live performance and music production capabilities to MacBook users.
- Reason: Music creation software with an intuitive user interface and virtual instruments and audio editing features.
- Studio One: Software that provides professional music production features and an intuitive workflow, popular among MacBook users.
These programs offer a variety of features for music production, and you can choose one based on your needs.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN MAJORING IN CLASSICAL COMPOSITION
Some important points to consider during the classical composition process include.
- Music Theory and Fundamentals: It is important to understand and learn the fundamentals of music theory and composition. You must study and understand harmony, musical form and structure in depth.
- Ability to play an instrument: As a composer, the ability to play an instrument is very important. In particular, the ability to play key instruments such as the piano or guitar is very helpful in composing works.
- Composition Software and Tools: It is important to use professional software and tools for composition. Familiarity with and ability to use a music writing program such as Sibelius or Finale is essential.
- Knowledge of Classical Music: In classical composition courses, it is important to study and understand the works of past composers. Learn about the styles of different musical periods and composers to be inspired by your work.
- Collaboration and performance experience: Collaboration and performance experience with other musicians will greatly help you grow as a composer. It is important to find opportunities to perform your compositions in collaboration with an orchestra or choir.
🙋♂️ Frequently Asked Questions About BEST 10 MUST HAVE MUSIC ACCESSORIES FOR COMPOSITION STUDENTS
What do music students do?
Music students take music lessons and practice to improve their playing skills and study music theory and history. Additionally, students gain musical experience and prepare for performances through activities such as student orchestras and choirs.
Is music a stable career?
Music can be a stable career, but that stability may vary depending on the musician’s effort and talent, market demand, etc.
How to earn money as a music student?
Ways to earn money as a music student include performance fees, record sales, music education, and music-related content creation.
Does music pay well?
Musicians’ incomes vary. Successful musicians may have high incomes, while new musicians may have lower incomes.
Do musicians get paid by YouTube?
On YouTube, musicians can earn advertising revenue. However, your earnings may vary depending on ad revenue and views.
How much do composers get paid?
Composers’ incomes vary. Income is determined by the work’s popularity, usage rights, copyright, etc.
Does Spotify pay composers?
Spotify pays royalties to songwriters.
How much does Spotify pay composers?
Spotify allows songwriters to earn income through streaming revenue. Earnings vary depending on how many times the music is streamed, the songwriter owns the rights, etc.
Is it hard to get a job as a composer?
Getting a job as a songwriter can be difficult. The music industry is highly competitive, and success requires exceptional talent and hard work.
BEST 10 MUST HAVE MUSIC ACCESSORIES FOR COMPOSITION STUDENTS – Summary
I hope that the 10 must-have items in my backpack that I shared in this article will be helpful to music composition students. 💙
By majoring in classical composition, I was able to discover a deeper world of music and learn more in-depth things about composition. Even though it may be difficult to apply knowledge to real life, I think it has broadened my view of the world and made my ear for music more sensitive.
If you are learning classical composition or are interested in composition, I hope you have gained useful information for your daily life through this article.
If so, I will come back with a better article next time. Have a happy day with music today! thank you. 🙂
Don’t forget to share this post 🎶 🌐 😄
– This article is not sponsored by Amazon.
Undine
Hello. I am Undine, the owner of the My Undine blog. I majored in classical composition and am currently working as a freelance composer and giving piano lessons. I hope you get various information through this blog. 💙