self promo help

Right straight to business, I've just had an idea now I'm 17 and when I leave uni I'm going to try to become a composer for video games writing soundtracks etc. Now I am aware of how hard it is to get a job as a professional musician and I guess that when people hire a composer they want someone who they know can perform and what's the best proof of this... past experience.

Now this is just what I've heard around it may not be right but it sounds right so correct me if I'm wrong.

But anyway my idea what if you had your music on a site like showcaseyourmusic.com and you got in contact with creators of free online games basically saying listen to my music I can write a soundtrack for your game (and providing none of those tunes are used in other games/tunes not used are labelled) also say and you can use a tune on the showcase, and that all you want as the composer is your name in end credits or mentioned on the page the games on. You could then build up a portfolio of real examples of your work and possibly use that to go to some company trying to get a job and say look what I've done already I can do this professionally.

Now me being 17 and still in full time education I don't feel that I could ask these free online game making people for money for my music and even if I felt I could I wouldn't know what was a reasonable amount and what wasn't also there's things like income tax etc that I have no clue about.

However if you think this idea would work, have an suggestions to help it work better or think that I could start asking for money and starting a small business as an independent composer just say.

If enough people contribute advice then this thread could be a valuable resource for aspiring composers like myself.

I also plan on doing either programming (computer game creating sort) or design (computer game graphics sort) in uni to build up contacts to help me get into composing and to help provide a backup plan in case things don't go as planned so if you'd also like to leave a passing comment on which of those two courses would be best feel free :).

An alternative is to see who among your friends is interested in film making or programming and seeing if you can collaborate with them. Getting in contact with game creators online can be tricky. They won't always work with you. Still, it's worth a shot and a good way to build up your portfolio.

Best o' luck!

-John

Portfolio, even if not a big one, is an essential part to start self-presentation. Give it a chance, definitely.

Also, don't wait for them to come to you. Actively look for jobs 6 months before you "want" one. Freelance yourself.