I was hoping to get some advice/help here and I THINK I'm in the right spot...either way, I used to "make" beats off of store bought programs on my PC, but I am looking into actually making beats where I can produce a song(ie get an MPCxxxx etc to record at home or at a "studio")...so I was hoping that someone here could tell me what I need to get started. I have a windows based computer w/ plenty of memory and my daughter has a nice keyboard(w/ MIDI) that she is being kind enough to let her old man borrow if/when needed So other than that, what should I get? Again, I'm just a newbie, but I have a good ear and I grew up at jazz clubs listening to my grandpops play drums, so I have a thing for it, now it's time to get my feet wet for real....
Thanks in advance for any help/advice etc...
if you are just starting out, i would suggest downloading some demo software. i use fl studio myself. its inexpensive compared to a lot of the so called "standard" programs. it has a learning curve, but so does music production in general.
this would be my first step, to see if its really what you want to do. you can hook up the keyboard through midi cables or usb, (midi if your soundcard has midi inputs, which i doubt since you are just starting) and usb if it is an actual midi keyboard. if neither fits your current setup, you can use your typing keyboard to generate notes. this way you dont buy anything until your sure.
next make sure that you have a way to listen to it obviously. if you are just starting i wouldnt recomend going out and purchasing a pair of studio monitors because you might lose interest next week, month, year.
i would just start with that. if you decide you want to continue, you would want to puchase some software, possibly a midi keyboard, if your going to mix(if you dont know what that is, you will once you start finishing songs

)you are going to want to pick up a decent set of monitors. and since your here, you'll want to pick up an mpc
my suggestion is to start slow and inexpensive. i used my typing keyboard and mouse with my software for about six months before i started buying stuff. learn the software if you go that route, or learn your hardware(mpc, keyboard) before dropping a lot of money.
just my thoughts