Composer

Composers express themselves by arranging sounds and silence into musical works and sonic landscapes that come to life when performed. Every form of music, from cell phone ringtones and radio jingles to film scores and orchestral symphonies, was carefully crafted by a composer. In addition to creating melodies, composers consider instrumentation, harmony, rhythm, dynamics, tonality, audience, venue, mood, and more — even the smallest details make a difference in the performance of a composition.

A career as a composer demands a powerful passion for music and dedication toward improving. The majority of composers will study a primary instrument which will help them hear and create music, but some compose purely by ear, voice, or through music software. In addition to studying an instrument, composers will also often seek out private lessons in composition from a professional composer or college professor to begin their studies. College studies will include undergraduate and graduate degrees in composition for the majority of young composers, but the type of composition studied will vary based on their interests. Degrees specifically in commercial composition, film scoring, classical composition, or other styles continue to be developed by top music institutions around the world. These degrees will focus on building a solid foundation of music history, music theory, instrumentation, harmony, arranging, and compositional technique.

While some composers write purely as a means of expression and then submit their work to professional ensembles, many job opportunities are commission-based. A new building may commission a composition for its grand opening, or a musical may need a score to accompany the songs written. Most composers take on a mix of commission work in addition to their personal writing, or apply for positions in music schools as professors.