How to Become a Composer for TV and Film
If you love music and visual media, you might not want anything more than composing your own score for a TV show or movie.
To help you realize this dream, here’s a little overview of how to become a TV and film composer.
Brush Up Your Music Skills
In order to become a composer for TV and film, you first need to make sure that you can work with multiple genres, moods, and instruments. A firm grasp on music technology also goes a long way. If you are an active performer, it can also give you an edge over other acts due to your experience in producing music on-demand and not just on your own terms.
At the same time, it is important to understand yourself. It is fantastic to be aware of the trends present within the industry and to cater to that if possible. Still, knowing where you will shine will help you to head in the right direction.
Hone Your Management Capabilities
While your main goal with the job of a TV and film composer would be to write music, you wouldn’t be doing just that during your day to day activities. To bring together the score, you have to manage the production’s budget, while also taking care of management activities such as hiring players and managing their schedules. You need to be capable of pulling off these tasks to become a successful composer.
Be Ready for Temporary Scores
While learning how to become a TV and film composer, you need to understand that creating temporary or “temp” scores will be a part of your audition. In many aspects, it is like creating demos. But it is also largely different because you have to cater to the specific needs of the story, scene, and the overall theme of the media.
Find Your Calling Through Multiple Paths
Once you are sure that you have what it takes to be a composer for TV and film, you can explore the different paths that help you branch into this career. One of the most popular options is to work as an assistant to a popular composer. The second is to write music for short films and smaller projects. Thirdly, you can work your connections in the industry to find an entry to job openings.
Becoming a composer can take a long time and involve multiple responsibilities. But if you find it to be your calling, the strenuous path can be worth it in the long run.