What Computer Software Should You Use to Edit Your Dressage Freestyle Music?
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PHoto Credit: KiMBERLY CHASON
Wondering what kind of software to use for your musical freestyle? The internet has made the creation process a lot easier, with more programs and tools being added all the time. Here are some popular programs that are used by amateurs and professional freestyle designers.
Music Editing Software
Audacity The most popular, FREE software that will work on all computers. I recommend this as the top choice for everyone to start with unless they have a Mac…in that case use the next choice listed below.
Garageband My current software of choice. It is included on a Mac computer or laptop so this is the best choice if you already have this kind of computer.
Logic Pro X The next step up from Garageband. It is used by songwriters and music professionals who want to create and mix their own songs. Only available for Mac. They have a free trial but then you have to purchase the software (currently $199.99 in 2023).
Adobe Audition If you are familiar with Adobe products this might work well for you. This is another professional editing tool that lets you create in the cloud. There is a monthly fee (currently $20.99 a month). If you do not have a Mac computer this would be the higher end choice for you.
Need More Help? Try these Local Resources…
In addition to online resources, I encourage you to look into options that might be available to you locally.
Photo Credit: Spotted Vision Photography
> Family & Friends: Perhaps your son/daughter/husband is really good on the computer? Check with your horse friends and see if any of them are tech savvy. Maybe you could barter some riding lessons for their editing skills! Be creative!
> Local High School: Meet with your local music teacher to see if they have the ability to edit music. Your school may have a computer class that could include your freestyle as a class project.
> Nearby University: Pay a college student to edit your music. Try posting a want ad on a local community board or coffee shop where the tech-savvy folks hang out. There could be a student who would appreciate the opportunity to earn a little extra money.
> Professional Musician: If you know someone who records their own music they will certainly have the skills to edit music. Check out some local bands in your area. Don't worry about the genre of their music, it is the editing skills that you need.
> Freestyle Designer: Reach out to a few professional freestyle designers and see if they would be willing to edit your music separate from the choreography. Some designers may not agree to edit music if they aren’t involved in the entire process but it is worth a try! If you have all your music choices they may not mind doing the editing for an hourly or project rate.
Photo credit: Spotted Vision Photography
Learn from YouTube Tutorials
I regularly save freestyle videos and tutorials on my YouTube channel. If you find a video that I have not saved to a playlist please send me an email (beginthedance@gmail.com) so I can add it.
> How to Edit Music using Audacity YouTube playlist with Video Tutorials
> How to Edit Music using Garageband YouTube playlist with Video Tutorials
In Conclusion
I hope this list of resources helps you get started on your musical freestyle! I have a FREE Freestyle Facebook Group where you can ask questions and connect with other equestrians who are on the same journey.
Download My Free Resources
Stay organized with my Musical Freestyle Checklist and begin sketching choreography with my Blank Arena Diagram Page.
Browse my Freestyle Book Store
Learn how to create a musical freestyle from start to finish or choose an e-Book with choreography ideas just for your level.
Click here to view all Freestyle Books & e-Books.
