Working as a "ghost arranger"

Hi,

It's the first time I post here :) I'm Francesco, 23 years old, an italian final-year student of electric bass / composing / arranging in a great music/theater academy based in Rome. And sorry for my english, I hope you'll understand! :D

After a lot of years spent with music theory, composing and arranging techniques, I am looking to work as an arranger, but, you know, with a CV that has almost only education infos, it's a little bit hard.

Many people suggested me to start working as a "ghost arranger" for an established composer/arranger (which could be considered, for example, like an "internship"), then, when I am "ready" to work alone, to start my freelance-arranger career. But I need some answers about this kind of job:

- Can I work from Italy as a ghost arranger for an arranger based in a random country, right? I hope this work could be done through internet...

- How should I introduce myself to the established arranger? Should I attach a score, a home-made mp3, or a midi file to the cover letter?

- Is this one a good idea, in your opinion, to convert a sum of academical experiences into a real job, or should I begin to work as my own boss as soon as possible?

I would really appreciate your advice, and thanks for your time!

Francesco :)

Most of the arrangers I know work directly for a publishing company, with their assistants working as interns to the publishing company (at least, this is the case for school music). I'd really consider applying to publishing companies offering your services as a copyist/arranger.

I don't know how jazz/pop goes, or how independent arrangers work, so I can't offer advice in that area.

I don't know how jazz/pop goes, or how independent arrangers work, so I can't offer advice in that area.

Thanks Matt :) I was just looking for information about freelance jazz/pop/rock arrangers and working with/for them :)

Hi, Izzie! Good for you for approaching your career thoughtfully.

Why wouldn't you try to create a relationship with an Italian film scorer or record producer? This idea of trying to break in over the internet seems like a stretch, even if you both spoke exactly the same language perfectly. A lot of pro arranging requires on the spot changes and tweaks to accommodate a new edit of a film or tv spot. It is unlikely that anyone would want to partner with you if they couldn't call you to say "get donkey over here now--we have work to do!"

As for what you should send, I'd say an mp3 reel of 60 second excerpts from your best work and a couple of random scores--just to show you have those skills.