I opened my Sonar x3 for months and it took forever to load. So I decided to install Sonar Artist. Now, it's taking IT forever to load. No other program seems to do this but these two.

Difficult to say without knowing more about your system. Could be a software conflict, could be a driver issue, could be something with a plug-in, etc.
 
Try following these step and see if you get any improvements.
 
http://www.cakewalk.com/Support/Knowledge-Base/2007013376/Windows-Optimization-Guide

Do you have an SSD drive?  Those can become insanely slow when they start to go.
 
There's a tool to check, grab a demo of HD Tune Pro or other disk utils like it, click the Error Checking tab, and run the handy Speed Map.
http://www.hdtune.com/
Anything in red is slow and potentially indicating a need to consider a new SSD.
 
In the interim, make sure the SSD has sufficient free space so it can better wear balance. That may get you some extra usage.
 
Keith