On IRC, Scipi told me I should make this tutorial, so I will.
1. download musescore: It's free and just as good as Finale (which costs $300)
http://musescore.org/2. download a better soundfont and configure it: google for soundfonts, because this is all about personal preference. To configure: reference the musescore website
3. learn the interface before you start composing. Read up on musescore's website
4. come up with a motif: a melody that repeats itself in the piece at several points (tip: have an instrument you play handy so you can test melodies on an actual instrument)
5: create the rest of the melodies around that motif
6: add countermelody and harmony
7: add percussion if needed
Some useful tips:
Your first piece is almost guaranteed to be terrible, get feedback on how to make it better, and keep composing
Don't give up!
If you get stuck, listen to your piece so far and think what will come next. This works really well.
Harmonizing requires a bit of music theory knowledge. Learn it.
Have fun!
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