How to Be Commercial Composer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aug 28, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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The rise of commercial composition has had a major impact on the music industry. More composers are able to produce original music for TV, film, and video games, which has led to increased demand for their work. This in turn has driven up the cost for licensing music, resulting in higher prices for consumers. Furthermore, it has created more opportunities for composers to make a living off their art, and has increased competition among composers, making it more difficult for any one artist to stand out from the crowd.

Steps How to Become

Develop a comprehensive understanding of music theory and composition. This includes learning how to read and write music, as well as developing your own musical style.
Take composition classes or lessons with an experienced teacher. This will give you the opportunity to learn from someone who is experienced in the field and can help you develop your craft.
Learn production software and recording techniques. As a commercial composer, you will need to be able to produce and record professional-sounding music.
Create a portfolio of your best work and make sure it is available for potential employers or clients to review.
Network with other composers and industry professionals in order to get your name out there and to find potential opportunities.
Don't be afraid to take risks and try new things. Keep pushing yourself and developing your craft so that you are always improving and staying ahead of the competition.
Develop promotional materials such as press kits, websites, and social media accounts in order to market yourself effectively.
When you start getting work, make sure you are mindful of copyright laws and that you are being paid fairly for your work.

Being a competent commercial composer requires a combination of idealism and professional know-how. To be successful, one must be able to create music that is both technically proficient and emotionally resonant. It is necessary to possess a thorough understanding of music theory and the ability to use various software and hardware tools to create a unique sound.

it is important to have a good ear for what works, as well as the ability to quickly adjust to changing trends and styles. With the right combination of knowledge and skill, a commercial composer can create music that is both successful and enduring.

You may want to check Gospel Composer, Choral Composer, and Opera Composer for alternative.

Job Description

Orchestrator: Arranges and edits musical scores, typically for a large ensemble or orchestra.
Music Producer: Creates and records musical compositions and soundtracks with the use of audio software, instruments, and other equipment.
Music Supervisor: Responsible for selecting music for films, television shows, video games, and other media.
Music Editor: Edits music recordings and mixes audio files to create a desired sound.
Arranger: Creates original arrangements of existing songs or compositions.
Composer: Writes original music for film, television, video games, commercials, and other media.
Sound Designer: Creates sound effects, foley, and atmospheres to enhance film, television, and other media.
Mix Engineer: Mixes sound from multiple sources to create a desired audio mix.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of music theory and composition techniques
Understanding of copyright and music publishing
Creativity and the ability to write music in a variety of styles
Proficiency in a variety of musical instruments, especially keyboard
Knowledge of recording, mixing and mastering techniques
Ability to read, write and arrange music notation
Knowledge of music software, such as Logic Pro, Pro Tools, and Ableton
Ability to work in a collaborative environment with multiple stakeholders
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Time management and organizational skills

Having a good ear for music and an understanding of composition are essential skills for a successful commercial composer. Developing the ability to compose a catchy melody, use engaging rhythms and incorporate interesting harmonies into a piece of music are all crucial components of creating a commercially viable composition. Being able to recognize when a composition works and when it doesn't is also important for a commercial composer.

Knowing how to use technology to create and record digital music is another key skill, as is having the ability to work with musicians and producers to bring the musical vision to life. Lastly, having the right attitude and determination to succeed is also essential for any commercial composer. A combination of these skills will help any aspiring composer create music that stands out and catches the attention of potential buyers.

Film Composer, Electronic Music Composer, and Pop Composer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What prior experience do you have composing music for commercial use?
How do you stay creative and inspired when composing music?
Can you provide examples of prior works composed for commercial use?
How do you collaborate with clients and other professionals in the industry?
What techniques do you use to ensure the music you create is in line with the clients needs and expectations?
How do you ensure the quality of your work meets industry standards?
Do you have any experience working with producers, directors, or other creatives?
What strategies do you use to stay organized and manage deadlines?
How do you handle feedback from clients or other professionals?
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in commercial music composition?

Common Tools in Industry

Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). A software used to record, edit, mix and master audio. (eg: Pro Tools, Logic Pro X)
MIDI Controller. A device used to send and control MIDI signals to other instruments or software. (eg: Akai Professional MPK Mini mkII)
Sampler. A device used to capture, manipulate and play back audio samples. (eg: Native Instruments Maschine)
Synthesizer. An instrument used to create and manipulate sound electronically. (eg: Korg Minilogue XD)
Digital Audio Effects (DAFX). Plugins used to add effects to audio recordings. (eg: Waves Audio Reverb)
Music Notation Software. Software used to compose and edit music in standard notation. (eg: Sibelius)
Sequencer. A device used to arrange and control MIDI data. (eg: Ableton Live)
Music Production Suite. An all-in-one suite of tools for creating, recording, editing, mixing, and mastering music. (eg: Avid Pro Tools Ultimate)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP)
Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI)
Canadian Music Centre
International Federation of Musicians (FIM)
International Music Publishers Association (IMPA)
Music Publishers Association (MPA)
Professional Musicians Local 47 (Los Angeles)
Society of Composers & Lyricists (SCL)
Songwriters Guild of America (SGA)
The Recording Academy

We also have Video Game Composer, Music Composer, and Industrial Music Composer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Production Music. Music specifically created for use in film, television, radio and other media.
Library Music. Production music typically created for licensing to media outlets.
Master Use License. A contract granting permission to use a copyrighted work.
Synchronization License. A license granting permission to synchronize music with video or other visual media.
Cue Sheet. A detailed document listing all the music used in a production.
Performance Rights Organizations (PROs). Organizations that represent composers, songwriters and publishers in collecting performance royalties.
Mechanical Royalty. Money paid to a songwriter or composer for the reproduction of their work on a physical format such as a CD or vinyl record.
Public Performance Royalty. Money paid to a songwriter or composer for the public performance of their work in a live or broadcast setting.
Song Splits. The percentage of ownership of a song assigned to each songwriter or composer involved in its creation.
Mixes. Different versions of a song that are produced to better fit a certain purpose or sound.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is Commercial Composer? A1: Commercial Composer is a powerful music production and composition software suite that enables users to create, mix, and master professional-grade audio tracks. Q2: How many instruments can be used with Commercial Composer? A2: Commercial Composer supports up to 128 virtual instruments and plugins. Q3: What file formats are supported by Commercial Composer? A3: Commercial Composer supports audio files in WAV, AIFF, MP3, AAC, and OGG formats. Q4: Does Commercial Composer include a MIDI editor? A4: Yes, Commercial Composer includes a full-featured MIDI editor for creating and editing MIDI sequences. Q5: Does Commercial Composer offer any built-in effects or plugins? A5: Yes, Commercial Composer includes a range of built-in native plugins and effects, including EQ, reverb, delay, chorus, and more.

Web Resources

Commercial Music at CSUN - California State University, Northridge www.csun.edu
Commercial Music Major | Central Michigan University www.cmich.edu
Composer background music, commercials, music libraries etc. valencia.berklee.edu