Music composers create music for various media, including films, television, and other entertainment. They are experts in music theory and composition.
Education and Qualifications
Most have a bachelor’s degree in music theory or music composition. Some pursue master’s degrees in music composition or theory as well. Working for another music composer or professional to gain experience is recommended but not necessary.
Responsibilities and a Day in the Life
Music composers work in various settings; while some are employed by one organization, most work freelance. So, they typically have a flexible schedule. But to meet the timeline of a film or television episode, they may have to work long hours. Many travel significantly to attend music performances in various cities or countries. Though composers work alone, they usually work with other musicians, singers, etc., for rehearsals and recordings. Many also teach music either at schools/universities or to individual students.
Some of the daily responsibilities include the following:
- Working with directors and other stakeholders to understand the overall project and what genre of music has to be composed.
- Writing music and lyrics to match the movie, television drama, or advertisements.
- Hiring musicians to be part of the orchestra/band.
- Performing/rehearsing with other musicians.
- Recording music using various computer hardware and software tools.
- Editing recordings.
- Meeting with directors and producers to discuss the project timeline, contract, and other relevant details.
- Closely working with the director about the progress and any issues.
- Planning details, preparing presentation material, and teaching music theory to individual students or groups of students at college/university (if involved in that sort of thing).
Other Necessary Skills
- Creativity
- Collaborative skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Networking skills
- Time management skills
Salary
Salary could vary based on experience, reputation, etc. According to BLS, the median salary is about $65K. For freelance composers, this could vary significantly based on demand and reputation.
Job Growth
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were about,
- 56K composers in 2021
- The job outlook from 2021 to 2031 is 5% which is on par with the average job growth.
- Employment change 5.8K (2021 to 31)
Summary
If you possess the following characteristics, you may enjoy a career as a music composer.
- Passion for music
- Creativity in composing an original score
- Ability to work independently and also collaborate well with other musicians
- Work well under pressure within a very short time to complete compositions.
