7 Lessons From 20+ Years as a Pro-composer
In today's issue, I want to share 7 helpful lessons from 20+ years in the media composer business.
Making a good living from writing music is a dream come true for me. I know also many colleagues and emerging composers and musicians that are even better off and are doing great with their businesses.
But I know a much bigger number of music creators that are stuck with their day job, having a hard time jumping off the cliff and taking themselves and their desire to create music seriously enough to go after it.
Who doesn’t want to earn money doing what they love? Writing music can be a very lucrative and fulfilling way to earn a living. While there is no quick way to get to this point, I packed my experience from almost 2 decades as a composer and music producer into these 7 simple to follow steps to earn a living by writing music.
So today I'm going to share with you what I would do if I had to start from scratch and show you how to accelerate your success and business growth.
Let's dive in:
Get Started
Assuming you already know your DAW of choice, there has never been a better time to start writing music. And with starting I mean, actually sit down and bring some sounds to paper.
Rather than waiting for the magical phone call, that will change your life forever, use your time wisely. If you're working a day job, just take 2 hours of your evening to produce.
there are literally 3 steps that make you a better music creator:
1. Having an idea
2. Produce from that idea
3. Finish the track
That's it. Simple, yet not easy.
But to get better you need practice. And to get practice you need to get started and do it.
Work in Adjacent Fields
My goal since when I was maybe 15 years old was: To make a living from music.
That didn't mean I was making money right away.
A buddy of mine and I started a music production company when we were 18.
That was the first time I ever made money from producing.
But I learned the most about how music is used in film, TV, and commercials by working at an advertising agency.
First as an intern, and later as an editor and account manager. That wasn't what I wanted to do forever and it sometimes took a lot out of me, but in hindsight, that job wasn't a waste of time at all. I learned some of the most valuable and powerful lessons for my composer business at that time:
- I gained a ton of insider understanding and perspective of how music is discussed and decided on by clients and music buyers.
- Experiencing hands-on the needs and problems that occur within a production. That's pure gold to this day in regard to my day-to-day marketing strategy.
- I got to know the hierarchies & who the decision-makers are, who to talk to when it comes to selling music and learned the post-production process inside and out.
Write Music You Want To Write
This one, I terribly neglected for a long time. But after taking the step to actually think about what kind of music I wanted to write, this opened up many doors for me.
Not only couldn't I be prouder to finally have something out there that is my own. But also it helped me get to know myself better and what kind of music didn't wanna write anymore. This gave me a new perspective on my goals as a composer and producer and on my career in general.
Make Friends
That is probably something most of you heard 100s of times. Make some friends and you'll get a job. Yeah, I don't think like that.
Friendships aren't about what can I get out of them. Not even in a business setting is a friendship about that.
I built my relationships under the premise of win-win.
Develop A Valuable Network
Networks can be built in many different ways these days.
There are social networks, networking groups, and people you get introduced to. You get the idea. When you start building your network, planning for the long run is important.
Do not only build a network of peers or heroes. Build relationships that will get you closer to the goal of earning a living.
Namely potential clients and fans.
Social networks like Facebook or Instagram are good tools for initial contact, but I don't recommend putting all your eggs in this one basket. By taking it a step further, and starting an email list you are owning the contact information and are not at the mercy of one of the big tech companies.
Hands-on, Real Projects
I am all for believing in yourself and being confident in your art and skill.
But it's very hard to show to a producer, director, agency executive, or collaborator that you have these skills.
What are you gonna show these potential clients of yours?
Music alone most of the time doesn't really cut it.
The most important skill for a composer is to be able to tell a story with music. And what directors and executives want to see is, if you are able to tell a story and with that enhance their film.
So the best way to show them is the music that you created for a film.
How? you ask.
There are 100s of student films produced every year.
Go to your local film school, get to know some of the filmmakers there, producers and directors and editors alike, and offer to score their project for free.
Put your pro face on, and take them seriously in their efforts, even if you might see certain weaknesses in their project. Do your very best to make their project even better.
Get Down To Business
There is no money being made without the business aspect of film music.
A few tips I have for you here:
- Don’t be afraid to talk about money. Rather be the first to mention it.
- Do not underestimate your value.
- Be reasonable in your pricing. Factor in your experience, your clients budget, the value outside of money this project could bring you
- Lead with the benefits of why the work with you would be a great fit (only if it is for you).
See you again next week!
Whenever you're ready I can help you grow your creative business.
Book a time with me here!⬇️⬇️⬇️
