Someone asked about the composers on this site. How good are they, etc. It's safe to say that most of the composers here don't have the latest Giga Studio rig, and they don't have a $10,000 string sample library. It's even safe to say that most don't have conservatory training. Some may not even have had piano lessons. But does that mean that they're not composers?
To me, being a composer means being creative. That's the crucial element. And you can be creative with a pen and paper just as well as you can be with $100,000 of knobs in front of you.
Now, I'll admit that it's easier to get a polished and finished product with the right equipment. All you filmmakers know this. But a creative person finds ways around technological limits. I'm not anti-technology. I love my studio. But sometimes I feel like I was more creative when all I had was a cheap Tascam 4-track. And I know people who can't read a lick of music who are incredible composers, even if they have to have someone else notate it for them.
Creativity is impossible to quantify or label. It doesn't depend on equipment or training. Lots of people have mountians of equipment or years of training, and yet they have no vision.
I am a composer. I've been published, scored some commercials, been the composer-in-residence for a professional orchestra, and I'm still learning every day. The reason that I'm on studentfilms is that I want the film experience, even though I'm a "professional."
The bottom line is that everyone has a first time. Filmmakers, take a chance on a first-timer. They may have incredible things to offer. Don't be sucked in by fancy websites or expensive studios (and before I get any flack, I have a website and a nice studio, so I'm talking about myself, too). There are some great composers on this list. Some have experience, some don't. Some have a lot of equipment, some don't. Anyone who has vision and creativity is a composer.

Finally, a composer that has some sense. I agree with you 100%. Problem is, I don't have the luxury of some grand studio, but I honestly don't think it matters whether you do or not. Having a studio is nothing. Having a live Orchestra to perform your pieces is nothing either. Granted, I would love to have the LSO perform my music, but I don't count on it happening anytime soon. Hell, my goal isn't to make a studio, my goal is to learn how to play the instruments I know little about, like a Harp. The more knowledge I pour into my mind, is the better I am at putting my ideas down. The training and the natural ability both play a part in this, because if you naturally don't have the skill, you generally aren't going to be that great.

If you need music, email or message me on AIM.

One person comes to mind: Danny Elfman

He is one of the top composers nowdays and yet he is totally self-taught. He didn't get a degree, he didn't study under famous composers. He started in a 9 piece popish band that was popular in the 80s, and he composes some of the most awesome music I have ever heard. Schooling is nothing, for instance, you might hire someone to score a film who has every degree for music ever created, who has studied under the best teachers, but he will compose a horrible score.

Not everyone has the latest studio, but all you need to get a slightly realistic organic sound is a $50 soundfont card, a $25 sequencer and a lot of free soundfonts. While this is good in a way, this is also bad in a way. You will come across alot of people who claim to be "composers" when they really don't have the passion or the dedication that this field takes, because they could make a little studio for about $100.

But you can hear that in thier music. There is alot of other composers on this site that I respect, and a few that I lost respect for. Overall, I think that this is a great place to find a composer for your indie film.