How to become a Music Composer and Arranger

Music is now an integral part of not only films, but also television and advertisements. Music composers are people who write and occasionally arrange music for different purposes. It is a field where you can showcase your creative potential. This field gives you a certain sense of independence in your work and allows your mind to run free and create something that resonates with you. However, before you can begin writing original music, make sure that your skills as a musician are solid.

Job description, Profiles, Roles and Duties:

• Learning to read and write music are the pillars for progress in this field.
• Perform film scoring for motion pictures or television shows, or you may compose pieces for an orchestra, jazz ensemble or theatrical production.
• Create musical arrangements using accords, melodies, rhythms and tones.
• Strong creative talents in writing original lyrics, harmonizing sounds and playing musical instruments.
• Piano and guitar are particularly viable and valuable for composition, and most composers are proficient at playing at least one of the instruments flawlessly.
• Familiarity with music theory, its history and understanding of how different instruments sound together.
• Having good listening skills is mandatory to differentiate sounds and detect off-key notes.
• Amalgamation of a certain mood or emotion with the piece. For example, a fun scene may require joyful, upbeat music.
• Composing for a symphony, jazz performance or musical play involves conducting an orchestra and writing scores for instrumental and vocal artists.
• Strong leadership and coaching skills to help you direct an orchestra, inspiring and guiding musicians to give their best performances.
• Participation in a choir or join a band to get experience playing music. It helps you to keep up with the musical knowledge and increase your understanding of how it works and what it takes to play it.
• Being self-disciplined and detailed-oriented is also important to perfect your craft and compose flawless arrangements.
• Watch movies that you like to get ideas.
• Good knowledge of music composer’s software to synthesize, compose and experiment with sounds.
• Learn the language of the form of media (film, tv, advertising, or video games) that you would want to compose for, so that you can better communicate with people in the industry.
• Exploring different styles of music. Whether your preference is classical or rock, exposing yourself to different forms of music will enhance your understanding and ability to write and arrange music.
• Watch tutorials on how to use sample libraries. Music composers online use sample libraries to create music instead of than live bands.

As far as education for becoming a music composer goes, you should get a bachelor’s degree in composition (Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music Composition or a Bachelor of Science (BSC) in Music Composition). However, this education is not necessary for you to become a music composer but having proper schooling in your field of choice will always add value and come in handy for future prospects. Common bachelor's programs comprise those in instrumental performance, music theory and sound recording equipment. These programs teach you about different types of music, helps with the performance on stage and working with a group.

To further your personal style, you may also get a master’s degree in composition. You'll most likely be asked to compose a 30-minute piece here and then perform it before graduation. Aspiring composers may want to specialize in such subjects as composition, writing songs or scoring in films. Doctoral programs in composition or related areas, which lean towards innovative research and analysis are offered as well.

This is a career that involves a substantial investment in education. With the help of formal lessons and rigorous practice a composer spends a lifetime mastering their abilities at an instrument. When choosing a college, the most important thing to remember is to look for an industry-related program and find a location that will enable you to connect with producers, creators, advertisers, and artists. These relationships can pave the way for your first job opportunity.

Besides this, being exposed to music continually helps you improve your skills and keeps you in constant touch with the field. It's highly difficult to become a professional composer. You will need to refine your music and business skills as well. Taking business classes can also help you develop financial management and marketing skills which are key to customer and project management.  

Becoming a successful composer will entail networking. This intimidating profession also needs patience, persistence and the ability to network and market one's talents. Effective communication with customers to understand the type of music they are looking for is also a skill you will need to learn to make sure you are on the same page with the customer.

Composers must be detail-oriented, adaptable, have a strong work ethic and be quick writers. Many a times the scenes are constantly being rearranged or cut, thus, composers have to adapt to the situation accordingly.