I have no background in music, theoretical or practical, so I'm doing what any unsane person would do: Look for tips now that I've failed miserably several times. Any advice would be appreciated be it basic information or specific to my software (FL Studio 5).

PS: Some might scoff at my using software only, but I ask you, how many people are going to spend a large sum of money on a good instrument that they haven't the slightest clue how to play properly?

yes but i however dont. i live like right next to you can can play 2 insturments well and another enough to get through a basic song or progression. just im me if you want me to help out or teach you.

Do you have a MIDI Controller? (aka keyboard, synth..) If not, how exactly are you creating your soundscapes? I'm in the Recording Arts program at Tri-C right now; we're learning the ins & outs of music from the recording & mixing points of view. Can't say that I've heard of your software (we use Pro Tools, Digital Performer, and Reason pretty standard), but the actual audio editing bit in it seems to be similar across all software. What's your goal here?

Basically I'm looking for ways to make it not sound like utter utter shite. I know that FL is generally best suited for making techno and the like, but I'm willing to try anything. Hell, even explaining how scales and chords work in language a noob would understand would help. Make it as detailed or as general as you please.

Heh, actually we havn't been taught any music theory; the best they've done is told us to play around until we get something that sounds decent. So yeah, I'm actually interested if anyone can explain music theory basics too. Anyone? *hears crickets* ...^_^;;