well each program has it's different uses. i use Reason myself. it's an all round music production program - basically an entire studio on your computer. if you want to start making tunes now then it's definately a good place to start. however, you can't add plug ins to Reason so you get what your given. Cubase (i sometimes use Cubase SX) is, i believe, more for multi tracking and recording, something which you can't do on Reason. not too familiar with SoundForge myself so i can't really say anything on that.