language and framework of choice for iPad development for music sequencer

Question

I need to create a music sequencer for the iPad but have no experience yet on this platform. I have several questions about this subject, hopefully I can find some answers here.

• OpenFrameworks seems to be the way to go for this kind of things. I want my application to be able to play both synth sounds and samples. Are both of those things possible with oF? Any suggestions/alternatives?

• Does iOS have some sort of alternative to the android NDK? I don't have any experience with Objective C but I do know some C++ and I would like to do as much as possible in that language. Is it possible to do the 'heavy' work in C++ and only do the views etc. in Objective C?

• Are there any free sample packs that I could use for my sounds? I'm only looking for basic instruments like guitar, bass, drums and maybe a piano.

Any other suggestions or tips you might have are welcome!