Any program that allows you to 'rip' the music to .MP3 files can be used. Then you can use a capability like Dropbox to transfer the music to the iPad. This has the 'advantage' of not requiring iTunes if that is an advantage for you.
AVS4YOU has and audio editor that allows you to 'normalize' the music. Many CDs have music that is recorded at different audio levels. normalizing the music helps put them all at the same relative level. There are other programs that can do this also.
Having you music, videos & books on Dropbox allows you to DL them to your iPad, smartphone, or computer anytime you connect to the internet.