software for midi editing and recording

[cdrive2002]

I would like to be able to record to the computer through my keyboard (MIDI), be able to correct mistakes without re-recording everything (preferably by editing score) and then be able to burn a CD. I used a Roland sequencer (MT-200) when I was a public school music teacher and accomplished part of that with the punch-in and out system but without editing software other than sequencing. I would like to use software would allow me to do some editing on recordings from something like the Zoom H2 or H4 also. I know that I will need a usb interface since I do not have MIDI capability on my integrated sound card.

I will not be doing extensive sequencing or multi-instrumental compositions and I really need a very user friendly program, since I will be new to recording to the computer. I am completely comfortable with the computer (A+ certification) but music software is out of my realm right now. I've been looking at Sonar 7 academic edition but it may be beyond what I need.

I think this is probably a lot to ask but even after reading a couple of books, I still want to be sure before I buy anything. I need to keep the cost way down so if anyone could make recommendations it will help me get started.

[altitude909]

Reaper is a good start and it is free to try. Sonar is probably overkill.

[TimOBrien]

Reaper is a great sequencer and has an adequate piano roll editor (but no notation).
www.reaper.fm
Well worth the try....

You CAN add an external notation editor to it.
Melody Assistant ($85 full-page editing) and Harmony Assistant ($25 single-line at a time editing) from http://myriad-online.com
I use the two together easily.
Free demo you can try on their website too...

[cdrive2002]

Reaper and Harmony Assistant sound like what I would need. When you "add" Harmony Assistant, is it as a plug-in or used as a separate editor?

[mikemorgan]

Cakewalk/Sonar Home studio is very user friendly and about $99 street. If you use a Mac, there's Garageband.