The software Jacob and I use to write music for our films is Eastwest Quantum Leap's Virtual Instruments, a sample library that uses prerecorded sounds of real instruments replayed in such a way as to mimic the instrument playing the notes you ask for. We've used this software on Tea and Toast, Light Reading, and I have already done a few mock-ups of ideas for our next short.
Currently, the system is on sale, most instrument packs being 50% off, and the Complete Composers Collection is still being offered. This second option is the one Jacob and I went with, it gave us all the instruments we needed to write our own soundtrack for $1000, and that includes the price of upgrading each instrument to the highest level of quality they offered.
If anyone wants to get this software and start writing their own music, or already has it and is thinking of expanding their collection, now is a good time with the Hollywood Brass and Hollywood Strings sets on sale as well.
