Feel like you need a solid foundation to start? This guide offers practical steps for those aspiring to become working media composers. It covers aspects like networking, skill development in music and business, effective communication, and maintaining a balance between creativity and administrative tasks. Treat this as a simple road map to help you build a successful career as a media composer!
1. Embrace the Power of Networking
In the composing industry, connections are like currency! Building relationships with fellow composers, filmmakers, directors, and industry professionals is crucial for opening doors to unexpected work opportunities.
🎥 Attend virtual conventions
💻 Engage in online forums or communities
🎭 Actively participate in industry events to expand your network
📱 Stay connected with potential collaborators
You don't have to live in LA to make it as a working composer! Sure- live meetups are fantastic but you can still make a living doing what you love from where you are now!
2. Hone Your Craft and Master the Business Side of Music
While musical talent is the foundation of a successful media composer, don't underestimate the importance of the music business. You're already expected to know the craft. So to effectively promote not only your work but YOU as an artist, you'll have to develop skills in:
📈 Marketing
🗣️Communication
🤝 Networking
Remember that if you can't draw in clients or find other people to work with in order to make money, then composing is just a hobby!
3. Communicate Your Music Effectively
Effective communication is the key to unlocking opportunities and attracting clients. More importantly, communication is key to building trust with others! You're not just going to be talking to other musicians- you're talking with film makers, designers, and other collaborators who might not know a single thing about music!
😞 What does "sad music" really mean?
😁 What does "happy music" really mean?
Clearly articulate your musical style, genre expertise, and understanding of storytelling by asking questions! Showcase your versatility and ability to adapt your music to different narratives.
4. Strike a Balance Between Creativity and Administration
The life of a media composer is a balance between the creative process we fell in love with and the mundane administrative tasks that come with running a "solo-business". Learn to manage your time effectively, juggling deadlines, networking activities, and marketing efforts without sacrificing the quality of your creative output!
One of the BEST ways to do this is by batching your tasks. This is a technique that involves grouping similar tasks together and completing them in a single batch rather than addressing them sporadically. By task batching, you can focus on one type of task at a time, reducing context switching and improving overall efficiency!
✅ One day is dedicated to writing the music
✅ Another day is dedicated to managing your finances & general bookkeeping
❌ Don't go back and forth between the two
5. Enjoy the Process and Set Realistic Goals
Building a successful career in media composition takes time, dedication, and a genuine passion for the craft. Success won't happen over night and you will probably make a ton of mistakes!
🚌 Embrace the journey
📖 Enjoy the process of learning and connecting with others
🎯 Set realistic, attainable goals along the way
Dreaming big is important, but having practical targets will keep you motivated and focused over time!
The idea is to be proactive in creating opportunities for yourself instead of waiting for them to fall into your lap! Take initiative, build your own brand, and actively seek out projects that align with your skills and goals!