So I want to get into composing music, and I'm wondering programs I should check out. I don't mind paying some money, but I don't want to spend more than $100 or so.
Probably a combination of different genres, orchestral, metal, electronic.
I'm aware of FL studio, but any ones in particular besides that ?
The only one I can actually recommend is FL Studio as I myself use that, but Cubase is supposedly pretty good, so it would not hurt to try that out.
If you have the time to learn the ins and outs of Cubase then do so. Its very powerful but quite daunting at first. Ableton stuff is also decent... for me anyways.
There are a lot of good VST's available too if you know where to look. Hint hint.
if you aren't interested in FL studio check out renoise and maybe use that in conjunction with Ardour(linux/osx) or whatever for a more conventional daw.
Cubase, Reason 7. Also after you export your music, download Foobar2000 (great player)
Cakewalk SONAR I've heard good things about. Of course we've used Cubase in the studio for 15 years without any issues, so there's that.
Logic Pro X