Where is new user info and help

[mgrey]

Totally new, and just DLed v3.6.1 None of the tutorial vids have this user interface, no help docs were with the install, and there are no useable docs to be found on the site. Any clues greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[musicdevelopments]

Hi mgrey,

Welcome to this forum
Thank you for downloading the demo!

I include some resources below, but if you read the following about the key concepts, you won't need the manual at all:

• phrase based editing (with the possibility to modify phrase notes of course)
• phrases have chord and scale-relative notes, so they automatically change when the master track chords or scales change
• it is possible to apply variations on phrases (or even whole tracks). The variations modify the rhythm or notes or both.
• this means you can replace the chords on the master track even when you finished composing to listen to it using another progression or another key, etc
• RapidComposer can auto-harmonize melody lines with many options
• the Idea Tool can generate a multi-track composition for a single click. All you need to do is throwing a few phrases, rhythm patterns, variation, and tell the program how to generate the chords on the master track. Its usage requires some experimentation, but it is worth it.
• RapidComposer is not a DAW, not meant for mastering or audio effects, with basic audio import functionality. MIDI drag-and-drop, and MIDI file import/export is available.
• most operations are non-destructive, which means you can disable the changes, your original phrase will be untouched (e.g. adding variations to phrases or tracks). Changing settings in variations will update the phrases real-time
• you can right-click on tracks, phrases (or the workspace), master track chords, timeline, etc to open an inspector where you can set properties and execute actions.
• inserting phrases happens by simply double-clicking on the workspace, or by dragging phrases from the phrase browser. Phrases always conform to the master track chords and scale. Clicking on a chord will give you suggestions.

There is a wiki which is up-to-date: http://www.musicdevelopments.com/wiki
You can download a PDF manual generated from the wiki pages: http://www.musicdevelopments.com/manualv3.pdf

The videos are not up-to-date, because the user interface is continuously being improved and modernized. Due to the many changes it is impossible to keep the videos up-to-date, so the UI looks differently in them, but the content is still valid.

You'll find some tutorials our website: http://www.musicdevelopments.com/tutorials.html

There are fresh videos made by HiEnergy recently: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z--HqBf ... soYmdQQ-OK
There a lots of videos created by yellukhan that are available in the User Videos section, or on this forum.

I hope I could help.
Please let me know if you have questions.

Best regards,
Attila

[mgrey]

That is quite a list of things the program can do. The "how" is what I am trying to find. A new user coming in cold could use example exercises with a list of steps to follow to create a simple composition to learn from. I have been able to get chords on the screen with quarter notes and a piano sound. Can it be set to do other length notes or do they have to each be dragged out? Where are other sounds besides piano? Thanks.

[musicdevelopments]

"how" is either standard drag-and-drop operations, or right clicking on things.

e.g. if you want to change the instrument of a track, you right-click (secondary-click) on the track to open the Track Inspector. In the Track Inspector, you will find track properties and actions associated with tracks. To change the rhythm pattern for a phrase, you right-click on a phrase in the composition, etc.

[musicdevelopments]

There is also a built-in tutorial where the UI and usage is explained. Click on the small 'book' button at the top right corner.