I do a music Tech course so lucky I came across this. The industry standard for recording and doing MIDI editing is Logic Pro 7.2 . It costs under £1,000. You also need a MAC computer because it does not run on ordinary computers. I've used this program alot and it is nice for recording.
The alternative one is Cubase, I don't know alot about it though. So you'd have to investigate it yourself. Its meant to be Logic Pro's equivelant but you can use it on PC. I think this is cheaper also.
If you have tons of money you can get Pro-Tools. But thats going beyond industry standard so I wouldn't bother with it =P
Your best bet though is Logic Pro. Its pretty easy to use in my oppinion ( aslong as you know what your looking for musically ). Check there website ^.^
Logic Pro
http://www.dv247.com/invt/31585?gcli...FR8iEAod4AP6_w
Cubase
http://www.steinberg.net/24_1.html