Composing for a Living?

Originally Posted by Smart_A1ec

the only thing I could make out form your... frankly really random post was:
do oyu mean you can only dream your way to the top?

It was a joke reference to a thread similar to this, where the joke was that you could just, uh, have sex with influential people until you got rich.


....

I'm clearly not endorsing this, however.

So, uh, don't do that. It's filthy.

However, Corbin endorses it full packagedly... uh.. with all of his heart.

lol SSC i can't believe that I didn't get that... I mean... I am usually the ones making werid and perverted jokes

Hey,

As someone who has made the transition from hobbyist to amateur composer and then finally to professional composer- I thought I could throw out some advice. First thing to understand is that you need to have many vital skills and personality traits in addition to being a fantastic composer. Some of these skills or traits are:

1) Great computer skills- you need to know how to work with various audio formats, programs and set ups. This includes hardware and software. I know how to work with Reason 4, Sonar Producer 7, Pro Tools 7 HD, Finale 2006, Cool Edit Pro, Logic 8, Digital Performer 5.12 and Acid Pro 4. I've also worked some with Cubase, but not as much as these other platforms. Knowing a good deal of setups make me a marketable choice for an in-house studio that may have set-ups rigs. Sample-wise I can work with Kontakt, East West and VSL at a high level. I've also made my own samples. Besides music-related skills just being able to work with a computer and trouble shoot in times of trouble is very helpful. I can work comfortably with Windows XP and Mac OSX Leopard. This makes me more marketable than a guy that only knows one program and one OS.

2) Great people skills- you will be working with crews often under tight deadlines. You need to be able to take criticism well and be able to relate to a wide variety of people. You'll need to be able to not get offended when someone doesn't like your music and (more importantly) be able to make the changes needed (or requested) so the music fits the project. Remember not everyone knows how to talk about music and it will be your job to "translate" their wishes into sonic goodness. Sometimes creative people are not the easiest to work with. You need to be able to disarm tense situations to best ensure production stays on track. Egos can also get in the way sometimes- so if conflict isn't your thing- this may not be the right job for you. The key is to always be the person reaching and pushing for the solution. Start working on the inter-relational skills (or people skills) now so you can become a pro at it later.

3) Great organization skills- if you land an in-house gig you will be working with a large amount of content, sometimes for various projects. You need to be well structured and always have a plan of attack. This way you can best ensure that you'll meet deadlines. If you get enough clients as a contractor, organization is still extremely important.

4) Great problem solving skills- problems WILL always arise. You will stand out and serve yourself well if you can become a problem solver instead of a whiner. Know how to think outside of the box and around the blocking wall.

These four traits on top of being a great composer will ensure you a bright future. The final two traits are also important:

5) Always be willing to work super hard and push forward. NEVER give up! You can make the jump from amateur to pro- but it doesn't happen over night and it doesn't happen with just a few projects. It takes constant work and perseverance.

6) Know how to present and manage yourself. Most people don't have agents and really..... you don't need one. I've landed all of my jobs on my own- which is great because I get to set the terms and don't have to pay a cut to an agent. Good PR is vital to getting your name out there and getting the kind of rep that will keep the clients coming.

Finally- you mentioned college in a few years so I would suggest learning everything you can about music and different ensembles. I was in symphonic band, marching band, jazz band, jazz combo, saxophone quartet, male choir (TTBB) and mixed choir (SATB). Expose yourself to as much music as you can. It will come in handy later! LISTEN LISTEN LISTEN!

It worked for me! I hope that helped and inspired some!

Thanks,

Nathan

If you're composing and are a composer, you're living .

Until you're on the streets because you have no money for rent, food, or a phone call to call anyone. Then you die ...

Nathan,

wow! what great advice! I will keep everything in mind- there are some of those things I need to work on..
hmm, let's just give myself an evaluation:

1) Well- I do sorta wanna be a programer, I am sorta a computer whiz (but not for windows- that's the devil =S)

2) I am a people person but at the same time I'm shy.. depends on where I am at sorta.. if i'm at a party, well.. I hate parties.. I'll just sit arond and eat, and eventually make a lot of friends but whatever..
I usually start off the school year all organized and whatnot, but then after Christmas break I am a cluttered mess.

3) Organization- hmmm... let's take a look around my room here... uhm.. yeah I'm an organized mess XD but I should work on that.
I usually start off the school year all organized and whatnot, but then after Christmas break I am a cluttered mess.

4) I am a GREAT problem solver. especially word problems when it comes to math- but I've always been good at solving problems..


5) Yeah, need to work on it. I usually start off strong, persevere, can't wait to finish, love it, then, nearing the end I...... quit.
I need to stop that.
Now.
I mean played the piano for 10 years now- have NEVER finished a song I've started..
Wow.
That will end.
Now.

6) I'm good at presenting myself, and pretty good at managing myself, I mean i had a neighborhood wide grass cutting business going, cutting 18 lawns and making around $720 a month.. but I quit that once I started piano teaching (the reason for saying that is I had to present and manage myself gong door to door)

7) I am in Symphonic AND Concert bands, jazz band, marching band, hope to be in Choir this year, next year music theory

once again thanks, it sure helped and inspired me!

-Mathieu

I havent read all the pages, but...

Ok. i have nothing to say. Just go for whatever you think is best. Pray about it.

Originally Posted by goodridge_winners

Ok. i have nothing to say. Just go for whatever you think is best. Pray about it.

lol, cuz that statement isn't going to cause raised eyebrows at all...
(the praying about it i mean...)

I totally agree with it though, "follow your heart!"

*awaits raising of eyebrows*
to see eyebrows raised means nothing to me really. *not having a go at you Chicken* i offered my opinion on what the guy can do, with the hope that it is seen purely as my opinion.

ill just shave them eyebrows off.

Originally Posted by Verdi_Lver

Until you're on the streets because you have no money for rent, food, or a phone call to call anyone. Then you die ...

You can always hold up a cardboard sign saying "Will compose for food."