How To Break into Media Composition

A Great Article that you need to read if you are trying to Break into Media Composition

Trying to break into Media Composition?

I think what becomes awfully clear that when you take this root is that their is no set way in how to go about this. But hopefully this little article will give you some tips on how to get started and some inspiration that it can actually be done.

I think the best piece of advice given to me was "If you want to compose for media you will compose for media" Paul Farrer (composer of Weakest Link, Gladiators, Dancing on Ice and many others) said this when I went to interview him for a college project. I think it demonstrates that there is no set way of going about it and if you have the passion to stick at it and keep finding out contacts and work you will eventually get noticed and be able to produce paid work for companies.

Although I am no where near the level of Paul Farrer I have enjoyed doing a number of scores for different companies and people, as well as a few unpaid jobs that have helped build up my portfolio. Networking is so important in the music industry in general but is invaluable when it comes to media composition. I have been surprised the amount of times my name has been passed on and some one else has got in contact to ask for a rate or interested in me scoring their project. Their is a ridiculous amount of budding composers out their all fighting for the same thing and at times it can be quite unsettling knowing that you are competing for one job with thousands of other composers but when you do start building up a portfolio of networks it does seem that bit easier as hopefully you will be passed along and then called back to do future work for them again. Getting these contacts can be tricking in the first place and I have found some what unorthodox methods work well here.

I don't usually just apply to the composer needed threads I am often somewhat one step ahead of the developers/producers as I will see that a new film or game for example is starting up and their shall be posts for lighting crews, cameras and every other type of job but no call for composers. I will always drop a quick email saying that if you are looking for a composer I would be more than happy to help and in my experience I have had a number of responses saying we never though of that yet and we would love to welcome you on board.

Do not underestimate the power of Facebook and twitter either, you can easily do world searches for "composer needed" and although I have found it a rarity but people will actually post things like this on their social networking sites. My first paid job was for a company in America because the lead developer posted they were looking for a composer on his Facebook site. I have found that students are great contacts to have as well to build up while you are at college especially film students. I have done a number of bits of music for student film projects and although unpaid at the time and being broadcast to a fairly small audience you never know who is going to see your work and you hope that one day you will be called on again to work for these people.

At times it can be quite soul destroying if you have no work coming in, but you can never lose focus or passion for your art. I have found the best way to do this is to keep practicing scores for example I have re-scored a few student films a number of times in all different styles not only does this hone your skill but keeps you inspired and eager to work on new projects. Also watching interviews by other composers is essential I find, I could quite happily sit for hours watching interviews with Hans Zimmer, it keeps me inspired and you never know what tips and tricks you will pick up along the way.

Lastly a quick word on marketing, I find it advisable to have a professional website set up, some nice business cards printed up and a good all-round manner. I've found people to be a lot more friendly and helpful if you address them politely either face to face or by email. This may sound a basic thing to do but looking through tons of different forums I was surprised to see people replying to posts with just a short word about them selves like it has been copied and pasted to every one on that website or just a link to a website, it really docent post yourself in a professional light.

I hope this article has helped, I know how frustrating this business in general can be so hopefully this has given you some motivation and tips. Thanks a lot for reading and good luck.

Written by Harsh.TV' s Music Expert James Monk