Beyond YC .... ?

Hey young composers, been busy writing? I'm starting this thread to gather your thoughts on, what's beyond YC?

Some of us are professionals or aspiring pros, some are amateurs, others may be just curious onlookers. I'm interested in learning what YC means to you, and what career path, if any, you have in mind beyond YC.

As for me, I'm an amateur who recently discovered the fun in writing music, encouraged by the relative ease of realization using digital sound samples. YC is pretty much the only venue for me to share music and get feedback, so I really appreciate this community. I haven't put much thought about future directions in my dabbling in music, but the idea of self-publishing (e.g. lulu.com) has crossed my mind. Also, it's easy (at least used to be) to get your music on iTunes or other subscription services if you want to go that route.

Your thoughts?

Well... my future plans are studying performance on 'cello at a conservatorium, hopefully leading to a career in performance, I want to compose, too... but I've just played all my life, performance couldn't really become something on the side for me, and I'm pretty sure it's far more difficult to have performance on the side than composition.

Plus I think it's far more worthwhile being taught to play an instrument than being taught to compose, which is why I chose performance major over composition.

Every piece I've posted on here has been played, even if just in rehearsal, and one has been work-shopped with a professional ensemble, so YC is sort of just for extra feedback. In fact often it's not that useful in that way because I've never posted anything I'm still working on or that I'd be bothered revising. So it's more just to see what people think for future reference when I'm writing.

Also it's just good to come on here when I have nothing to do and such or to chat to people on the side of working and such!

That's basically it, I guess!

I discovered YC when I first became interested in composition, posted drafts and then my completed first piece on here, and thanks to the positive feedback I got then I'm still here two years later, still writing, and hoping to make a career out of music. YC is a major part of my life; pathetic though it may seem this is the first and only community I've felt a part of, and I've met people on here who I'm closer to than most of my friends IRL.

It's currently my ambition to go to the Guildhall School of Music and Drama to study composition; having been to an open day there recently and found it to be an amazing place, full of decidedly excellent people (like Jujimufu :)) and definitely somewhere I'd love to study. So for the next 6 months I'm working like hell to build up a decent portfolio to submit.

That's about as far ahead as I've thought, really =)

I want to be Ives when I grow up -- make crazy music while still working a job.

I might do policy analysis. Let's see how next semester goes.

I would like to combine making a earning with music, with making an earning with a more regular job. I study psychology so being a therapist for 20 hours a week and making music for the other 20 will be very fullfilling. I already earn some money making music, by performing piano music in bars and restaurants.

My aim is to make money with my compositions or maybe a combination between composing and performing. At the moment i mostly perform my compositions, so i quess it's an combination already. What i mean though i making money with my compositions solely.

I have not realy figured out how my composition alone can give me a decent income. I've been thinking and experimenting with lulu.com and a homepage. I think though that you ought to be known a little and therefor make outstanding music. I'm not there yet i think. I mean, my music isn't outstanding enough for people to want to buy it in stead of just listening to it online.

A new path i'm walking is trying to get my music performed in a more professional setting. I'm currently doing voluntary work for my local theatre. I'm hoping to get to know some people there who i can hand over some scores when i think my music is ready to be aplauded.

My general view is that i might boil down to a combination between all three options mentioned above. Performing my composition in public places, as i already do, performing them in theathers and selling some online or in a store.

I'm very curious were this all will go. It' so nice to have a hobby with such possibilities.

lol, I only actually come onto YC to hear other peoples compositions (there are so many talented composers on here). I sometimes compose my own stuff (although very rarely) and I definately don't plan on making a living out of composition (will probably just do it as a hobby). In fact, I don't plan on doing anything relating to music as a living - I just want to keep it as a hobby (even though I've spent YEARS studying music :rolleyes:). My main plan is to emigrate to Japan and teach over there. Further than that I haven't thought of yet :P

I've always considered becoming either a janitor, tram driver, or jail inmate, as a foundation for composing. So far I'm only studying music and have yet to decide between those three options. I guess the last one would be the easiest to achieve, but I'm not sure whether I'd like the food.

Being a (grumpy) janitor in an old people's home would be cool though.

Hello!

I'd really like to compose professionally and plan on studying at a conservatorium. That said, I do realise there's a very slim chance I'll be able to have it as my only source of income, but I may well try at it and see where I get taken in life.

The good thing about composing, is that I can do it regardless of whatever else I'm doing in life, really.

I came to YC when my girlfriend recommended it to me. That said, I've only just posted a couple of pieces on here, but I like to listen to works and comment if I feel I have something valuable to add. It's always good to see how everyone interprets music that little bit differently.

Plus, there are certainly some amusing times to be had on the forum, regardless of if you're into music or not!

Young Composer for me is more about networking with young(er) composers and helping those that want to follow in the same career path I've laid out for myself. I try to give helpful advice and answer questions when possible. I've also had several very "interesting" conversations with folks about a flurry of topics which is always fun.

I work in web and graphics as a viable means of sustenance. Hopefully I can get a book of exercises published. I came to YC in hopes of joining a community and being able to have some intelligent conversation about music and notation decisions, get feedback on my pieces and see what other people are doing.

I'm personally trying to quit music. No support from friends, family, or YC - and very little support from people on the internet in general - so I'm going to try to just go for the standard business-economics-degree-from-UCLA approach to life. The only thing getting in the way is how addicted I am to writing music. *sigh*

Business/Ec will feed you/family/pets, afford you a house or a non-cramped apartment and support your music composition. It's a smarter choice because if you have the drive, you can always make time for music.

Financial stability is a smart smart move. Music is brutal. It's better get your self established first, then move into the music industry.

However you can always teach composition at a university if you're willing to move anywhere in the world for it.

I want to become a composer, accept commissions, write and compose my own operas and give concerts.

Or I shall die trying.

That's the spirit Berlioz!

I decided to start a second master in composition next year. If i get accepted that is.

I don't really see YC as a "step" to moving ahead.. it's just a thing, it's here and people are here, and threads are here, and we are all here...

Let's sing! :dance:

I've always wanted to be a biologist (or maybe a chemist, we'll see) in an academic setting. I plan on getting my PhD (maybe MD/PhD dual program) while composing on the side. Maybe, like Ferky said, I could be like Ives (or, more appropriately, Borodin, who actually was a scientist). YC is helping me with the composing part of that, since, as a high school student, I have little theory and no composition training. I plan on continuing to play viola, but not professionally, of course. I'll have to find some way to get time to do these things on the side. (Also, like Ives, I'd love to find a way to combine the "popular music" of our time with classical music (both of which I love), but not in a creepy postmodern way.)

i like yc.

i like my job, it's only four months ayear.

the rest i can spend on doing crazy things.

i even started to learn some official music writing conjenctures, because of yc.

it's fun, though pretty much bias, especially when you've been all your musical life in the land of nowhere.

and, yes, if i get a chance, i'd love to become a porn star :D