How to Become a Music Composer
Introduction â—‹
There have never been as many composers in the world as today. And the number is steadily growing. A composer creates and writes music, may it be for performances or recorded media. It is not required for a composer to have a vast knowledge of music theory, but he/she needs a unique style.
How to Become a Music Composer ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
It can never hurt to know music theory, but it is not a requirement Listen to a lot of different styles of music. Try to understand how songs/soundtracks a built Try to imagine how your final pieces should sound. Record that on your cell phone or other device. Use a piano or guitar to come up with the basic melody or chord progression. Utilizing a DAW (digital audio workstation) will help you keep track of your ideas Try to figure out which instruments you want to use. Create counter melodies Come up with an arrangement
Playing an instrument is not a must â—‹
Playing an instrument is helpful by by all means not necessary. Please do not assume piano is the only way to go. Yes it is conventional, but many composers have begun their compositional careers on instruments such as the guitar, oboe and clarinet. But there are plenty of composers who have never played an instrument.
Learn the musical scales â—‹
Learning scales can help you understand harmonies better, but again you can figure most things out by just using your ears.
Melody, Harmony, Uniqueness â—‹
As much as music theory is a helpful tool, sometimes it is also good to go past musical conventions and find what works for you. There is a saying there is no wrong in music.
Sit at the piano or pick up a guitar and have fun â—‹
Play things and see if they sound good together. A recorder or midi based computer program, like Logic, Cubase or even Garageband can help you to save your ideas. Some movie composers are actually recording a whole string of ideas into one documents and then pick later themes from this track.
Work with movement â—‹
Experiment with different melody movements, harmonies, ambient sounds, sound effects, chord progressions and timbres. Create you own sounds or combine existing sounds to new combinations.
Technology has leveled the playing Field â—‹
Music software has become so available and affordable, that if you have a desire to compose music, you can do so. A simple app on your phone can help you to put together ideas for less than $2 or $3. It that sense creativity has become the only determining factor to a composer’s success.
Moods of Chords, Patterns â—‹
There are some basic moods of chords and chord patterns. There used to be a saying that songs in D maj have usually an uplifting mood, while for example a C minor will have a much more somber feel to it. Movie composers also use chord combinations to convey a certain emotion. So protagonism, sadness, fantasy etc. are connected to certain chord progressions.
Simplicity is Key â—‹
Don't overdo and try to "display all your talent�. Restrain is probably one of the most important talents of a composer, especially when working for film or TV. Remember that music is only one aspect of the whole experience and should therefore not overshadow, the acting, the dialog and the visual story.
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TIP: Try to take notes out of your melodies, so that the melody is not too molded, so the listener can finish lines with his/her imagination.
Who I Am‌. ○
Michael Tatzber is an Austrian born music composer and entrepreneur who has been working off and on in the music industry, Film and TV for the last 20 years. He currently resides in Hawaii (United States).