Composers are expected to be familiar with recording, composition software, and of course music business. A bachelor’s degree is not only relevant in this field, but crucial to a composer’s success.

Although for you to really advance and set yourself apart, I have to recommend that you attain your Masters in Fine Arts. Composers customarily have dexterity in the business due to industry focused based education. Therefore competence in music theory, composition, and performance is imperative.

On a typical day in this position, what do you do?

My studio is behind my house and I usuallywork 9-5, Monday through Friday. I’msimply more productive if I have thatevening and weekend break.

I recommend that you dedicate an entireday to a specific project. It seems to keepme more focused. My normal pace is 2-3minutes of finished music each day, eitherready to be dropped in the gamepermanently or sent off for parts destinedfor the recording stage.

What steps did you take to get this job?

The focus here is not just getting hired on a project no matter what. The focus here is on getting hired on a really great project that's right for you.

STEP 1:KNOW YOUR

FORTE; WHATS YOUR

STYLE?

STEP 2: FIND A GAME AT

THE RIGHT STAGE; COMPOSER

NEEDED

STEP 3:FIND THE

GATEKEEPER; WHO’S IN CHARGE?

STEP 4:MAKE CONTACT

WITH AUDIO DIRECTORS

STEP 5: GET SOME IN-

GAME FOOTAGE (1 MIN.)AND OFFER

TO SCORE IT

STEP 6:PREPARE

PRESENTATION; MEET WITH DEVELOPER

STEP 7: NEGOTIATE CONTRACT

What entry level jobs are bestfor learning as much aspossible?

The standard path toward becominga full-fledged composer was toapprentice under a professional tolearn the trade techniques; traineecompose cues for their mentor-employer (usually for televisionshows) which are credited to themore established composer.

However, the Society of Composersand Lyricists has instituted analternative apprentice program togrow the talents and experience ofassociate members.

What are the salary ranges for the various levels in this field?

1-5 instruments – $300 per minute

6-10 instrument – $450 per minute

11 instruments upwards – $600 per minute

Specify EXACTLY what you are doing for the price.“You will get X amount of free changes, X amountof music, within X amount of time”. Sign a contractwith the above agreed details.

Ask the client if they have a budget in mind. Thenumber they give might be smaller than their actualbudget – that’s where negotiation comes in.

Breakdown your estimate to show what expensesyou will incur and how many hours it will take tocomplete. It makes it a little easier for the client totake it in.

How do current economic conditions affect your

business?

For the most part my business hasremained relatively stable. I believe therecording and broadcast performing artsshould continue to proliferate anddiversify.

Although the Internet's ability toproduce sustained profitability remainsto be demonstrated, it is alreadyreaching far-flung audiences andcreating healthy markets for art formsthat had previously been economicallyinsignificant. In the future, niche artsmarkets may be not only possible, butprofitable.

What are the prerequisites for a job in this field?

It is a precondition that you become familiar with the laws concerning copyright, licensing, and the role of music publishers. Above all, a composer has an inherent talent, distinct creative voice, and well-tuned ear

for melody.

From your perspective, what are the challenges working in

this field?

There are many challenges to writing an original musical composition. The first one is

creating a great melody or melodies for each piece.

Another challenge is to compose a piece that is beyond your comfort zone. There are so many styles of music by great composers that are inspiring and you have to consider the myriad of ways to make your composition interesting.

Final challenge is not to be predictable with the music. You want the audience to be surprised by what key is used or how you end the piece.

Which professional journals and organizations would help me learn more about this field?

Get affiliated with BMI, ASCAP, or SESAC to registeryour works for 100% of the writer's share (if you'rethe sole composer). Membership with a performingrights organization like BMI is a must in order toreceive performance royalties. When I got started Idid my detective work at the following websites:

• Go to the GDC Game Developer's Conference

• bmi.com -- click on the Join tab which will lead tolinks to learn more about them.

• ascap.com -- click on the About ASCAP tab.

• sesac.com -- mouse over the writer/publisher tabinformational links.

• GameSpy release dates index

• Adventure Gamers release calendar

• Gamasutra

With the information you have aboutmy education, skills and experience,what other fields or jobs would yousuggest I research further before Imake a final decision?

Many composers have evolved into the role through work as a copyist, arranger, or orchestrator. Other fields would be a film composer and sound designer.

Prior employment in audio programming or as an audio lead is beneficial, as is work as a Foley artist, recording engineer, mix engineer, or production sound mixer.

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