Music composers for television, film and games are some of the most rewarding careers in today’s music industry. You have the chance to create amazing scores and tell incredible stories as a composer. There are many opportunities for advancement, and no two projects are ever the same. This is a rewarding career that will challenge you and inspire you. Your success is directly related to your willingness and ability to work hard.
Although it may seem like the hardest part of choosing a career, it is very easy. You can easily start a career full of possibilities and creation with just a few simple steps.
Many groups argue that you don’t need a formal education to be a composer. However, it is important to make a good decision if your career is serious. It’s not about what qualification you get in the end. It’s also about the knowledge and lessons you gain while there. A composer just starting will need to be their manager. This means that you need to have a solid understanding of both business and musical theory. If you don’t have these skills, your career could be in danger before it can begin.
It is all about getting involved when you start. You can make connections with more people and open doors to new opportunities. Once you’re ready to get started, film schools and universities can be great places for you to find work. Many universities offer film courses. Even student films require music. Students creating video games are now able to access courses that require music. You never know what might happen if you reach out. Facebook can also be helpful – groups like the Australian Screen Industry Network allow you to stay informed about new projects, network and even advertise.
You will most likely need to be willing and able to work on your first few projects free of charge. These projects, especially student-oriented ones, won’t have the budget to pay industry rates, and you don’t have the reputation to prove your worth. However, you will gain real-world experience to help you build your professional portfolio.
A studio is essential for a composer. However, you will likely work from home when you first start your career. There are many ways you can set up your home studio. You will first need the software necessary to create music and video. This is called your Digital Audio Workstation or DAW. Ableton, Logic Pro X and Pro Tools are the best programs I’ve found for composition. After you’ve chosen your DAW, you should learn everything you can about it and how to best use it. YouTube videos are a great resource. There are many websites dedicated to this topic. This is where education comes in. University courses that focus on music will cover all aspects of the degree. You will be able to deal with any issues that might arise during your work process if you have some basic knowledge.
After you have completed your first project, you will have the foundations of your professional portfolio. Your portfolio is your music industry resume. Showcase your talents and accomplishments. Be humble about your accomplishments and work as hard as you did the first job. You will be able to remain humble and learn from others.
Your success will bring others to your attention but don’t rely solely on them. Social media can be a great way to get your name out there, particularly initially. A professional website should be built along with a Facebook and Instagram page. You will be able to promote yourself more effectively if you have more social media accounts. A professional website can create an online portfolio. Make sure to include links to it on all your social media accounts.
It is important to remember that there is no one way to start your career. Be willing to be a student and continue learning. You must understand that filmmaking and game production is part of your job. It is not enough to be a musician. It would be best if you were open to learning about all aspects of the industry you are joining. Don’t forget about getting involved. Get out and watch movies, play games, network, learn, and go to the movies! You will be amazed at how high you can climb if you believe in yourself and work hard each day.