Ellenpoly,

I dabble at music composition, and I use a program called Mozart. I've found it to be the easiest to use among those programs I've tried. It helps to possess basic knowledge of music theory, notation and terminology, but the online tutorials and user's manual will develop one's understanding well enough to use the program proficiently. TJ can download a 30-day evaluation copy of the software at the Mozart website link below, if she's interested. Prices for retail versions are on the site (UK and Stateside). Very reasonable.

http://www.mozart.co.uk/

SND