Introduction to Music Composer

Music composers are professionals who create musical works for a wide range of platforms such as films, TV shows, video games, and other media. As a music composer, your job is to tell a story through music. Composing music is not just about having a natural talent, it’s about creating a cohesive composition that establishes an emotional connection with the audience.

Career Values, Traits, Skills

The music composer must possess the creative ability to produce original ideas with sound knowledge of music theory, harmony, and melody. A commitment to constant learning and adaptation is also necessary to create music that resonates with current audiences. A work ethic that can peruse focused and intense work for hours, days, or even weeks is also essential. Apart from these, some other values, traits, and skills that can help pave the path towards a career in music composition include:

• Patience and Perseverance
• Ability to accept and learn from criticism
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail
• Collaborative Skills
• Time Management Skills
• Openness to new ideas

Career Path

A career in music composition typically requires an education in music theory or composition, preferably with a degree in music from a college or university. It is essential to build a robust portfolio of work examples that showcase your best work as you build your clientele. Post-graduate work experience in a related field can provide exposure to valuable networking opportunities and allow for opportunities to showcase your talent. As your career progresses, you can expect to work with a variety of clients ranging from independent film producers to large corporations.

Salary Range

As a music composer, Salary can vary widely based on the scope of the project, the type of clients, and the composer’s experience. The median salary according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is $51,670 per year. It is essential to understand that income is primarily driven by the commission fees from a variety of projects for clients.

Tips for Success

• Continuously hone your skills: As a music composer, honing your skills is a never-ending process. Ensure that you stay up-to-date on industry trends and advancements, experiment with new methods, and stay on top of current technologies.
• Make connections: Networking is an essential aspect of building and maintaining a successful music composing career. Look out for opportunities to meet and collaborate with people in the industry through events, social media, and professional organizations.
• Build your portfolio: A portfolio that showcases your best work can be your most powerful marketing tool. Consider building a website, social media pages or using online platforms like Soundcloud or Bandcamp to share your work.
• Seek feedback: Feedback from clients and peers is an essential aspect of the music composition process. Always be open to constructive criticism and strive to learn from it.

References

• Berklee College of Music
• The Art Career Project
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics