I'm a firm believer in making a game speak through not only it's visuals but also its music, I've seen games where the music didn't quite fit what was happening and I found this jarring. So I'm asking how do you know which songs should be chosen; and where do you put them.

Also when composing music for your game how do you get started, do you go with a feeling, wing it, write out what mood your trying to set, etc.

And last would you like to see some kind of radio option within an RPG, the game I'm working on is set in the 90's, so I was thinking of having the option of allowing players to listen to some tunes from back then. Is this a neat idea or is it a waste of time?

I'll keep my reply short.

I'm trying to learn to compose my own music, but since I'm not up to that level yet, I just listen to music tracks on youtube with the thought in my mind of the feel of a particular scene I'm going for. I'm literally a perfectionist, so if something feels a bit off about it, I trash it and move on.

It's a slow way to do things.

Usually when I compose music for a game I either want the developer to be as specific as possible with his request, or I want to be able to play the part of the game I am composing for in silence, so the music ideas usually come in my head. It helps better to do the latter, since most of the time requests get to be too messy and vague. I like to think of styles of music to fit the area, for example with a forest area I tend to use very peaceful/nature type ambience, and add in bits and pieces of my own style. I try to keep my own style and not appease to what specific developers want. I know that sounds stupid, but in the end its easier because you tend to get listeners use to your sound approach.

In composing music for my things I've had to come up with a rather odd way of composing since I actually cannot read music. But I can hear it and find the notes I'm looking for well enough. My problem is that I hear a melody in my head but it doesn't last long enough for me to write it down.

So I came up with this.

Sometimes I'll just start singing something often I'll turn on a recorder and I'll just sing whatever comes to mind. Its always drawn from my emotions at the time so I've found it always fits a certain mood. Then I find a part of my game that I want to use a piece for and I start actually composing it, using the recording as a base to work from.

I write music by ear, so what I usually do is: make the maps, get an idea for the atmosphere I want to convey, and then get to writing that particular area's music. If you wanted something to get across danger, usually a song with 200 tempo, with lower notes would get that across. Or, if you want an area to be serene, a song with around 120-140 tempo, and with some high to mid notes would work..also for something serene would be best at maybe 3 or 4 instruments max.

If you wanted to do something mysterious, you could maybe leave the song at 2 instruments, and have them interweave each other throughout it.

Generally, get an idea for the music when you are test-playing an area, what you'd hear playing in your head for it, and compose it. Basic trial and error's worked best for me...but it's not for everyone.

These are only ideas and suggestions. Only you have the power to decide the music for your game.

As for the radio idea, I think that would be cool to do. It all depends on if you're going to add multiple genres or just stick to one. You could have different stations for different genres, too. Just my input.

Ending this reply, I'm just going to say..do what suits you the best. It's your game, so make it more unique with your ideas..

Since I'm only making music for my own game, I can go in whatever order I like; so I compose songs, and match the scenery of the stage to the song.
For my better (at least what I suppose are better) compositions, the whole piece just kind of flows together, and if I'm lucky enough to get an idea after school, I can hop on computer and make it a song.
Though... sometimes, when I hobble out of bed on school days at about 6:00 AM, I get really sweet song ideas, but I have absolutely no time to write down what I imagined; which sucks.
>:c
Other times, I usually just build up in an arbitrary manner; starting with a tune, then on to a beat, then to accompanying harmonies, then on to extra effects, and so on.
And I can definitely relate to being annoyed by unfitting songs.
Also, hey, look at that!
The Ruby programming guide bases its tutorials on making a jukebox as an example.
You're killing two birds with two stones here, you fortuitous guy, you.