If music is a universal language, then Music Composers speak to audiences worldwide through their melodious creations. Whether instrumental or vocal, their compositions span diverse genres and are used in various contexts. Continue Reading
USA 
UK 
Explore Career If music is a universal language, then Music Composers speak to audiences worldwide through their melodious creations. Whether instrumental or vocal, their compositions span diverse genres and are used in various contexts.
What are the typical responsibilities of a Music Composer?
A Music Composer would typically need to:
Since the process and methods of composition are unique to each Music Composer, work environments can vary greatly. Depending on the genre or context of their work, Music Composers may work from home, in their employer or client’s offices, rented spaces, or hi-tech recording studios, and at performing venues, opera houses, theatres, or clubs. They may even compose on the move. Music Composers do not always need an instrument while creating music.
Most writing, editing, and listening activities are carried out independently. However, you may also need to collaborate with musicians, performers, other Music Composers, lyricists, music directors, producers, and conductors to put up live performances or record them. If you work as part of bands or other groups, you will improvise, create and rehearse new compositions together. When working on assignments, you must also work with clients, receiving and using their feedback to revise and finalise a piece.
Music Composers who use software to compose or test their creations may spend considerable time on their computers. However, those using traditional approaches may test samples of their work on their instruments, jotting down notations on paper.
You may need to travel to meet artists or publishers and attend rehearsals, recordings or performances. Depending on your additional responsibilities, you may also need to go on tours, requiring you to spend time away from home.
While Music Composers typically work more than 40 hours a week, specific work schedules can be long and erratic, depending on when they feel inspired and also when collaborating with clients and other creatives across time zones. Working hours may also be based on weather conditions for outdoor events, production demands or contract duration.
Although rehearsals and recordings may take place during business hours, you will typically need to work in the evenings and on holidays and weekends if required to be present at performances.
Freelancing Music Composers have greater flexibility in setting up and managing their schedules.
Research suggests that flexible hours and generous telework policies appeal more than salary to the younger generation. There has been an incremental increase in employers willing to give promising employees a chance to adjust their schedules per the work pressure.
Finding a new job might seem challenging. Music Composers can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, attending job fairs, leveraging social media and inquiring at staffing agencies.
Music Composers may freelance or work in part-time jobs.
Music Composers are generally employed by:
Professional associations and organisations, such as the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC), are crucial for Music Composers interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation.
Professional associations provide members with continuing education, networking opportunities and mentorship services. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.
Aspiring Music Composers can start early to build their experience and portfolio by getting involved in musical activities around them and composing music in the genre they like listening to and for an instrument they play. Experimenting with different genres and styles will help your unique style evolve. Begin by using a pencil and paper or even a computer or synthesiser.
While in high school, you can check with your music or drama teacher if you can help with the musical component of school productions. Such opportunities enable you to apply any vocal or instrumental training that you receive to real-life work. You may also join choirs, orchestras, or bands or volunteer with an appropriate organisation in the community.
Research and identify reputable music schools and training programs for you to join after high school. Read about the profession and interview/shadow expert Music Composers to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.
It is helpful if your academic program entails mandatory or elective internships so that you can learn about the industry and connect with experienced professionals. In addition to benefiting from tasks outside the classroom that align with lessons inside it, interns may also get college credits that help with early graduation, GPA, and tuition fees.
You may take up summer internships in studios or short-term paid/voluntary work, assisting Music Composers on their projects and observing their composition techniques and creative processes. Such experiences offer a taste of the career and valuable insight into music industry trends and other issues, such as copyright legislation. They also help you build useful contacts and improve your prospects of getting a permanent job. Besides, you will get the chance to hear countless stories and obtain valuable hands-on experience from more experienced Music Composers. Your educational provider’s career service department can provide information about viable work placements, internships and voluntary work opportunities in diverse sectors.
One way of acquiring experience in musical notation is to transcribe pieces of music by listening to them and notating them, accurately capturing their notes, rhythms, and nuances. For instance, you may transcribe a jazz musician’s improvised performance.
A useful way to practise your composition skills, build your network, and expand your portfolio is to freelance for diverse clients, such as independent filmmakers, game developers, and advertising agencies. Do your research to find conductors, directors, orchestras, and other groups seeking Music Composers to commission or partner with.
You can share your work, connect with audiences, collaborate with other musicians, and attract potential clients by creating an online presence via professional websites or social media platforms. Have patience, as building a community can take time and effort.
Participation in music festivals or composition contests or submitting your work for awards can help you improve based on the feedback you receive and exposure to the creations of other Music Composers. Winning can earn you industry-wide recognition and credibility and help you land jobs or gigs.
While the genre of music you wish to write and the purpose of your compositions may determine your formal training and education requirements, you must be able to play at least one instrument and write music to launch your career as a Music Composer.
You may begin your music training in one or more instruments while in school by taking a series of examinations, which typically include the theory of music.
As your next step, you may acquire an associate or bachelor’s degree in music or a related field from a university, college, or community college, which can give you a competitive edge in the job market. You may also continue your training by self-learning the skills necessary for a career as a Music Composer.
A Bachelor of Music (BMus/BM) degree integrates performance with courses in music history, theory, and composition. You may specialise in composition or another relevant area, depending on the choices available. Alternatively, you may pursue a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree with a major in music, musicology, music theory, or composition. You may also undertake a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program, specialising in composition.
Another option is to join a music conservatory for specialist degree courses that typically train students in composition and performance.
If you aim to compose for films, you may find specific degree programs useful, such as a BMus in Composition for Film and Theatre.
Coursework in music-related degrees typically includes music history and analysis, composition, musical form, harmony, counterpoint, orchestration, and music editing for movies and theatre. You may also take elective modules, such as composition for video games.
Whether you train formally or self-learn, you must ensure that you are thorough with various compositional techniques and understand different instrument types and vocal ranges so that you can write notation for them. Ear training and conducting are key skills you must develop to compose, arrange and direct original and appealing pieces. Learning about music history and being able to analyse pieces of music is also helpful.
Remember that admission into degree programs is highly competitive. Prepare well for auditions and interviews, which are typically critical components of the selection process. Your interviewers may want to discuss your portfolio of compositions and scores you will likely have submitted.
If you wish to teach musical composition at college or university, you must acquire a master’s degree or PhD.
Aspiring Music Composers would do well to take high school courses in music, theatre, film, and media studies. Studying information technology, computer science, digital media, and design is also helpful. Business courses are useful if you freelance and compose jingles for advertisements. English and speech classes help you develop research, writing, and oral communication skills.
Remember that completing a particular academic course does not guarantee entry into the profession. However, your professional qualifications and transferable skills may open up more than one door.
Do your homework and look into all available options for education and employment before enrolling in a specific programme. Reliable sources that help you make an educated decision include associations and employers in your field.
Certification demonstrates your competency in a skill set, typically through work experience, training and passing an examination. When acquired from an objective and reputed organisation, it can help you stand out in a competitive job market and carry a significant salary premium of up to 18 per cent. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.
While Music Composers do not typically require certification, those who work with digital audio workstations (DAWs) and music production and notation software may acquire credentials offered by certain software companies, such as Avid Certified User: Pro Tools.
Depending on the legislation in the relevant country, Music Composers may need to register a copyright for their composition or may prefer to do so to ensure protection and royalty payments. Infringement claims require legal evidence of ownership, which a copyright registration provides. However, take expert legal counsel to verify requirements in your jurisdiction.
Since copyright registration makes an original piece of work the intellectual property of Music Composers, it can be used by others only upon written consent from the owner or the issue of licences to use it, outlining usage and term rights. While licences have varying parameters and scope, they allow you to earn royalties from your music.
On the other hand, if you wish to use any part of another musician’s work in yours, you must acquire clearance and licensing rights from the master recording and composition of the sample.
Music Composers may also need to undergo an employment background check, including but not limited to a person’s work history, education, credit history, motor vehicle reports (MVRs), criminal record, medical history, use of social media and drug screening.
A freelance Music Composer’s progress lies in achieving regular commissions for new compositions or arrangements. If employed in a full-time or part-time role, your performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications typically drive career progression. Employees with consistently high levels of performance may be eligible for promotion every two to three years.
Although several roles and titles exist in the music industry, they are interrelated, and you can broaden your skills and expand your repertoire if you are determined and committed to music.
If you are proficient in drafting lyrics, you may become a Lyricist/Songwriter, writing both melodies and the lyrics to accompany them. You can compose in different genres and also work with other artists and groups.
As an Orchestrator/Arranger, you may adapt pre-composed pieces to different instruments or settings. You may also work with orchestras, ensembles, choirs, or bands to help them perform or record their work.
You can also expand your influence by singing your compositions and taking on the role of a Music Director, Music Producer, or Music Conductor for projects and performances featuring your compositions or those of others.
You can also diversify your portfolio by writing music in new genres and for new contexts, including television, film, advertising, and video games. Working for media requires collaborating with directors, producers and other creatives to generate original scores or jingles that enhance the narrative and visuals.
As you acquire experience, you may supervise other Music Composers or negotiate terms with musicians to be hired.
Establishing yourself as a Solo Artist or Instrumentalist by performing your compositions or arrangements at concerts or on tours or releasing records can help you create your niche and following in the music industry.
Music Composers may also become Music Educators at music schools and conservatories or tutor privately. If they wish to enter academia at universities, they must typically acquire a PhD in musical composition or a relevant area. You may also opt to become a Music Therapist.
The desire to accelerate career growth and personal development has an increasing number of millennials choosing to job hop and build a scattershot resume that showcases ambition, motivation and the desire to learn a broad range of skills.
Studies prove that job hopping, earlier dismissed as “flaky” behaviour, can lead to greater job fulfilment. Employees searching for a positive culture and exciting work are willing to try out various roles and workplaces and learn valuable and transferable skills along the way.
Versatile candidates who can write music and lyrics, perform, direct, produce, and conduct have the best job prospects. Formal educational qualifications in composition and related areas and proficiency in using music software and hardware also give you a competitive edge in the job market.
Music composition requires practitioners not only to love and appreciate music but also to engage in continuing professional development (CPD) to build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning.
Build and diversify your portfolio by exploring new genres, such as classical, jazz, blues, pop and electronic music. You may also experiment with different styles and contexts for their work, such as advertising, films, video games, theatre, and TV shows, and develop innovative composition techniques. Your portfolio must showcase your new projects and best compositions to prospective employers or clients.
You can learn instruments in addition to those you already play or develop your skills in singing, directing, producing, and conducting if you wish to take on additional responsibilities at work for career advancement.
Taking online or in-person courses to learn the latest digital tools and technologies related to music is useful to keep pace with the times and fulfil clients’ needs.
Those without a formal degree may pursue a bachelor’s degree in music composition or other relevant subjects. Music Composers who hold a bachelor’s degree and wish to advance their career with deeper knowledge and specialised skills or enter academia or research may acquire a master's or doctoral degree in composition or related areas. However, since career progression is also possible based on your experience, skill and industry network, you must carefully evaluate your career and personal goals, as well as the time and cost involved, before deciding to pursue higher academic qualifications.
What Is Music Composition?
The term “musical composition” refers to both the process of creating music and its outcome, which is a piece of music, vocal or instrumental, written in musical notation. It is unique and may or may not derive inspiration from original musical compositions. The music notes and other symbols, written or drawn in Western music on a stave (staff) comprising five lines, guide musicians as they sing or play the piece. Music Composers create music in several genres, some common ones being classical, jazz, rock, and pop.
What is a Music Conservatory?
A music conservatory is an educational institution that focuses on providing higher studies and professional qualifications in music. It offers various music-related courses and programs, including degrees in various aspects of music, such as performance, composition or education. It is different from a university or college in that it is typically smaller and does not offer a liberal arts education or a wide variety of subjects. Instead, it offers specialised and professional training in music to prepare students for careers in the music industry. Music conservatories are typically independent institutions, although some liberal arts colleges and universities may also have their own conservatories. Whether students join a university, college or music conservatory depends on their professional and personal goals, interests, and the type of learning experience they seek.
Types of Music Composers
Classical Composers are experts in writing pieces in the Western classical music genre for orchestras, chamber ensembles, and solo instrumentalists. They also compose vocal works, including operas, choral pieces, and art songs. Classical Composers typically create specific forms, such as sonatas, symphonies, and concertos and need considerable time at their piano or computer to compose and orchestrate their compositions. Classical Composers may also help performers during rehearsals and fine-tune the pieces as necessary to suit live performances.
Film Composers create music for films, TV shows, and other visual media. They typically collaborate with other Music Composers and producers as well as film directors and producers, aiming to create music that fits and enhances the mood and tone of the narrative and scene and arouses the audience’s emotions. Film Composers may also help studios or live orchestras record the final soundtrack.
Pop Songwriters focus on composing music in the popular genre, ranging from rock and hip-hop to country, and may use digital software and hardware for their creations. They often collaborate with recording artists and may accompany them on tours and live shows, or they may be performers themselves.
Electronic Music Producers use digital software and hardware tools to create music. They typically explore and experiment with diverse sounds and textures for different purposes, such as for the dance floor, and may specialise in subgenres, such as techno, house, or ambient.
Jazz Composers are experts in the jazz tradition, often composing for quartets and trios, who interpret and play or sing their compositions and may improvise during the performance. Some may also be instrumentalists themselves, playing the saxophone, piano, or trumpet, or they may be vocalists singing their own compositions.
Avant-garde Composers go beyond the traditional boundaries of music and explore
unconventional techniques, sounds and arrangements to give audiences music that makes them sit up and think.
Music Composers vs Lyricists & Songwriters
Music Composers create, write, and arrange music while Lyricists pen the words or lyrics to a song. Composing music entails creating and combining melodies, harmonies, and rhythms into a cohesive composition. Composition gives structure and form to the music and details its instrumentation and orchestration. Typically, lyrics are added to musical compositions, although, sometimes, the process could be reversed. Either way, Lyricists and Music Composers make necessary changes to create the right fit between the words and the music.
Music Composers are adept in various aspects of music, such as music theory and composition, and may play one or more instruments and sing. Lyricists are more poetically and linguistically inclined and have a robust sense of rhythm and musicality, even if they do not have a background in music theory and composition. Both work in various genres and must thoroughly grasp how lyrics and music synergise to create memorable and expressive musical pieces. Lyrics narrate a story and convey emotions or a message, and the music supports the lyrics, helping build the mood and tone. Lyricists may find inspiration in their own lives or from observing the experiences of others. They may also be inspired by current events, art and literature.
Often, musicians are called upon to play more than one role, and those who create both the melody and the lyrics may be called Songwriters. However, a Lyricist may be listed as one of the Songwriters even if they only pen the lyrics, as might a Music Composer who only creates the music.
Music Producers, Directors & Conductors
Music Producers incorporate musical compositions into visual media for different purposes, following legislative guidelines and using modern technology to optimise the sound and impact of the music. Music Producers manage the entire production process of songs, albums, or orchestral arrangements that may be adapted for use in a movie or theatre show, as a background theme for a TV series or documentary, or for a video game or mobile app. They collaborate with performers, musicians, and engineers to optimise the sound, arrangement, staging, and quality of the overall recording or live performance.
Both Music Composers and Music Producers must have a solid grasp of music theory and composition. Typically, a Music Composer’s work precedes that of a Music Producer in terms of project timelines. Music Producers facilitate project execution and usually accompany artists from the start to the finish of recording and may even coordinate their live shows.
Music Directors provide artistic direction and cohesion to the music programs of schools, churches, orchestras, ensembles, choirs, or other music groups. They may also work for advertising agencies or movie, theatre, and TV productions. Using their extensive knowledge of music, they choose the music genres and compositions to be performed, plan and manage entertaining performances, hire musicians and conductors, organise rehearsals, and collaborate with directors, producers, dancers, actors, and other artists, depending on the type of show.
Music Conductors lead and direct choirs, bands, orchestras, ensembles, and other musical groups during rehearsals and live or recorded performances. With their deep and extensive knowledge of music, they interpret compositions and give cues to the performers to start or stop playing or change tempo or dynamics, using hand gestures and body language. Some also use batons. Depending on the audience and the group, Conductors may introduce on-the-spot changes. They must exercise effective communication and leadership skills to coordinate the talents of the group members and deliver cohesive and compelling performances.
In some cases, the roles of Music Composer, Producer, Director and Conductor overlap, which helps to maintain a unified artistic vision and direction for a project but also demands a broad skill set and numerous responsibilities.
Score vs Soundtrack
A film soundtrack typically consists of all the music accompanying a movie, including original compositions, licensed pre-existing music, dialogues, and other sound elements. Music Composers, music and film producers and directors, and other production team members jointly decide what to include in the soundtrack for release.
A score signifies a movie’s set of original compositions written by one or more Music Composers for a particular film or TV show to enhance its mood and atmosphere and includes diegetic and non-diegetic sounds.
However, the term “original soundtrack” or OST may indicate the film’s score or entire collection of music.
Some Licenses That Permit Others to Use a Composer’s Work
Current Scenario
The employment outlook of a particular profession may be impacted by diverse factors, such as the time of year (for seasonal jobs), location, employment turnover (when people leave current jobs), occupational growth (when new roles are created), size of the occupation and industry-specific trends and events that affect overall employment.
Music composition continues to be a competitive field. It takes many Music Composers several years to make a name and place for themselves in the industry. However, some may succeed in writing, performing, and selling a number of their original compositions early in their career. While the growth of “indie” films or films made independently of studios may have a marginal impact on boosting the demand for Music Composers, low budgets may not earn them high recognition.
Music Composers must be adaptable and versatile to take on other job responsibilities to stay in the business, including performing, producing, directing, and conducting. Higher education in relevant fields can help them earn a competitive advantage in the job market. Music Composers must also learn to use recording, editing, sampling, and other innovative software and tools creatively to leverage evolving technology.
The Role of Resumes in an Era of Accelerating Digital Recruitment
Social media has transformed how business is conducted worldwide; professional networking platforms are rapidly becoming valuable business tools that give recruiters ready access to the best talent.
However, resumes continue to dominate the recruitment field. Often used interchangeably with a CV (curriculum vitae), a good resume goes a long way in making a favourable first impression on a potential employer.
As a concise document that lists the most recent education, work experience, and abilities obtained that align with a potential job description, creating a resume is one of the most critical steps during a job search.
A clear and well-edited description of job responsibilities and quantisation of accomplishments with numbers and percentages makes a resume a first-class tool to market oneself, enabling a prospective employer to have a quick and comprehensive look at how an applicant can contribute to organisational success.
Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment
Freelancing Music Composers have more flexible work schedules and locations. They fully own the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.
On the other hand, full-time Music Composers have company-sponsored health benefits, insurance and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership and variety.
When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.
Creating music can be magical but requires highly specialised knowledge, skills, and continuous practice. Whether audiences attend a symphony orchestra or choir performance or a concert, watch a film, TV show or theatre production, play a video game, or catch an advertising jingle on any media, it is a Music Composer’s creativity and hard work that underscores the notes, harmonies, and rhythms. By training aspiring musicians, Music Composers also help keep musical traditions alive.
Listen to different kinds of music, even what you don’t like. Read scores and analyse them. Sing as it teaches you to imagine the note before voicing it. Most importantly, start writing, keeping it simple and short at first. Critique your work, but not too early. Mix and match to give audiences something new, something familiar.
Some countries, such as China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, and Russia use music notation systems different from the Western one. There also exists a Braille system of notation for the visually impaired.
What do Music Composers do?
A Music Composer would typically need to:
Accredited
$32,274
