17 Skills That Make You a Great Composer
Becoming a great composer is not an easy process as it does require that you have a large number of skills. Once you can hone those skills, you will be able to secure more work and be perceived as a professional in the industry.
1. A passion for music
There is very little that anyone could ever say to go against the importance of being passionate about what you do. This may not seem like a “skill” per se, but at the same time, it’s one of the most important things any composer needs if they want to be successful.
2. Reading music
This is essential for composers as they are going to have to share their compositions with other musicians in many situations. Learning to read music is going to play a major role in many types of jobs for composers.
3. Playing several instruments
Being able to play several musical instruments is going to prove to be extremely valuable for a composer. This is very useful for helping you gain a better perspective of the compositions you want to create.
4. Having the perfect pitch
The perfect pitch is to easily recognize any note that is being played without having an instrument around you. This is something that many musicians consider to be very difficult and the truth is that most people never manage to achieve the perfect pitch. It is not impossible by any means as there are techniques that can help you achieve this.
5. Adapting to the trends
Just as it happens in many other industries, there are certain trends when it comes to the kind of music people like to hear. While it is important to stick to your style, it is also a good idea to learn about the kind of music that is trending in the industry. Don’t close yourself to music you don’t like.
6. Learning the basics of music production
This is also a huge deal when you are a composer that is working on small projects. When the budget is low, the composers are often asked to record and produce the content they will be creating for their clients. Knowing how to record and mix music is going to be a great way to gain credibility.
7. Understanding music genres
Be it rock, blues, jazz, heavy metal, classical, or even techno, you need to be aware of all music genres and you need to understand why they appeal to a certain audience. This is a great way to broaden your horizons and ensure that you can become a composer that can cater to many audiences.
8. Understanding your audience
A great composer is always going to understand how their audience thinks and what their audience wants. It should never be about what the composer wants, but about what the target audience is looking to hear.
9. Understanding your industry
This is just as important as understanding your audience because it gives you a core foundation[SW2] for all the work you do in this field. In general, the music industry is constantly changing, and composers need to know how to fit into those changes.
10. Understanding music theory
There are several things about music composition that can be very difficult to handle if you are not invested in learning the complexities behind it. If any musician needs to be good at music theory it has to be the composer without a doubt.
11. Learning to say no
This is about your ability to learn to say no to deals that don’t seem to be a good fit for you. Not everything you can do in this industry is going to be good for your career. Learning how to say no to certain gigs and proposals is going to be important.
12. Having networking skills
Your ability to engage in conversations with other people in your industry and to create alliances is crucial for your success. Never forget about this as you plan to make your way into this industry. Your social skills will help you land the best jobs just as much as your skills as a composer.
13. Turning ideas into music
Some composers are great at creating amazing melodies in their heads, but they have a hard time translating those ideas into an actual score. It’s important to learn how to interpret your ideas so that they can be translated to an instrument or a music score.
14. Adapting to change
This is also essential because the music industry is always changing as we mentioned earlier. This means that it is extremely important for anyone who goes into this industry to understand those changes and to adapt to their surroundings.
15. Being open to constructive criticism
One of the most common mistakes that composers make is to never let anyone criticize n their work. This happens very often in artistic expressions such as music, but a great composer is always going to be open to this type of criticism.
16. Stand your creative ground
In contrast to being open to constructive criticism, it is also important to stand your ground when you know your ideas are solid. Some composers will let their best work be compromised in some cases when those changes are not going to be good for the composition. Knowing when to stand your ground in that sense is crucial.
17. Keep an open mind
Many people seem to be unable to keep an open mind when they are working in the music industry, which can be a huge problem. You need to stay open to new ideas and new musical genres even if they seem ridiculous to you. The best composers can create music for anyone and any type of mood.
Final thoughts
The process of becoming a great composer is a long journey, but those who take the time to learn everything related to this profession are going to see the biggest rewards in their career. It is all a matter of discipline combined with a passion for what you do for a living.
