> doing things like automating certain workflows where possible, building some custom tools, etc. The goal is to slowly transition to working as a programmer at Steinberg or Ableton or something like that, and then start my own company.

I presume you’ve contacted tantacrul[1] who is now working[2] redesigning Audacity, with a hilarious video on the hellscape of a UI that is Sibelius[3]. I am guessing becoming a UI designer for a major piece of software is less difficult than becoming a composer?

[1] https://www.youtube.com/user/martinthekearykid

[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMWNvwLiXIQ

[3] https://youtu.be/dKx1wnXClcI

Thank you for your story - it is a good reminder of the risks we face.