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

Jun 8, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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Electronic music composition is an art form that involves the use of technology to create and manipulate sound. This type of music has become increasingly popular in recent years, due to its versatility and ability to be tailored to suit any style or genre. As a result, electronic music composition has created a variety of opportunities for musicians, producers, DJs, and other professionals to expand their repertoires and create unique sounds.

The rise of electronic music composition has also had a positive effect on the music industry, as it has opened up a new avenue for musicians to make a profit. Furthermore, it has opened up new pathways for aspiring producers and DJs to express their artistry and creativity. All in all, electronic music composition has had a profound impact on the music industry and will continue to shape the future of music.

Steps How to Become

Develop your musical skills. To become an electronic music composer, you will need to have some basic understanding of music theory and be able to use a range of instruments and software. You should develop your skills by taking lessons or attending classes, or by self-teaching through books and online tutorials.
Get familiar with Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). A Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) is a software program that allows you to record, edit and mix audio files. There are many different types of DAWs available, so it is important to learn how to use one that suits your needs.
Learn about the different types of electronic music. Electronic music is a vast genre with many different styles and sounds. Familiarize yourself with the different types of electronic music such as techno, house, trance, dubstep, and drum and bass, and decide which ones you want to focus on.
Create a portfolio. Once you have honed your skills, you should start creating a portfolio of your work. This will help you showcase your talent to potential employers or clients.
Promote yourself. You should try to get your music out there and promote yourself as an electronic music composer. You can do this by creating social media accounts, posting your music on streaming platforms, attending events, and networking with other musicians.
Find work. Once you have built up your portfolio, you can start looking for work as an electronic music composer. You can find opportunities in the music industry or through freelance sites such as Upwork or Fiverr.

The importance of staying ahead and capable as an electronic music composer is key for success in the industry. To do this, it is essential to constantly learn and develop new skills, both in the technical and creative aspects of electronic music. Learning new production techniques, experimenting with different sounds and exploring various genres are all important steps to take in order to remain current and competitive.

networking with other producers and sharing feedback on each others work can be incredibly valuable in helping to keep up with the latest innovations in the industry. staying up to date with industry news and trends will enable composers to anticipate changes in the market and be prepared to adapt their approach accordingly. Finally, it is important to take care of ones own wellbeing, taking breaks when needed and setting realistic goals to make sure progress is made in a sustainable way.

By following these steps, electronic music composers can ensure they remain ahead and capable of producing top quality music.

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Job Description

Music Producer: Responsible for overseeing the production of music recordings. Must be able to manage budgets, coordinate with musicians, and collaborate with songwriters.
Audio Engineer: Responsible for setting up and operating sound recording and reproduction equipment in studios, concert halls, and other venues.
Music Editor: Responsible for overseeing the editing process of musical recordings. Must possess excellent audio editing skills and be able to work with various digital audio workstations.
Music Programmer: Responsible for creating and maintaining computer programs that drive the sequencing and performance of electronic music. Must have a strong understanding of music theory and be proficient in programming languages such as C++ and Java.
Live Sound Technician: Responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining sound systems at live events. Must be able to troubleshoot technical issues on-site and be familiar with a variety of sound equipment.
Music Arranger: Responsible for arranging music for performance, recording, or broadcast. Must have excellent music theory skills and be able to create compelling arrangements for a variety of musical styles.
Music Supervisor: Responsible for selecting, licensing, and coordinating music for film, television, or video games. Must be knowledgeable about copyright laws and be able to negotiate fees and licenses.
Music Business Manager: Responsible for managing the finances and business affairs of a musician or music group. Must be familiar with the legal aspects of the music industry and be able to negotiate contracts.
Music Agent: Responsible for booking performances and negotiating contracts on behalf of a musician or music group. Must have excellent communication skills and be knowledgeable about the music industry.
Music Publicist: Responsible for generating publicity for a musician or music group. Must have contacts in the media and know how to create effective press campaigns.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of music theory and composition
Familiarity with various music production software
Ability to create original musical ideas
Knowledge of sound engineering and mixing techniques
Ability to use digital audio workstations to compose, mix, and edit music
Understanding of musical genres
Ability to produce high-quality audio recordings
Good organizational skills
Ability to collaborate with other musicians and producers
Creative problem-solving skills

Being a successful electronic music composer requires a variety of skills and knowledge. Creativity is perhaps the most important one; it allows composers to come up with innovative ideas and inspiring melodies. Technical proficiency is also essential, as it enables them to produce the sounds they envision.

Knowing how to use music software programs is key, as it allows composers to craft their compositions and edit them with precision. understanding of music theory and the fundamentals of sound engineering can give composers greater control over their creations. Finally, having the ability to collaborate with others is important for those who wish to work on larger projects or with other musicians.

All these skills combined can help electronic music composers create high-quality compositions that stand out from the crowd.

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Frequent Interview Questions

How long have you been creating and composing electronic music?
What musical genres do you specialize in?
What kind of techniques do you use when composing electronic music?
What software programs do you use to compose electronic music?
What types of recording and mixing techniques do you use?
How do you ensure that your compositions sound consistent and professional?
Describe a recent project you completed and the challenges you faced.
What is your experience with sound design and programming synthesizers?
How do you ensure that your tracks are unique and interesting?
How have you ensured that your compositions are suitable for commercial use?

Common Tools in Industry

Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). A computer program used to record, edit, mix, and master audio. (eg: Pro Tools, Ableton Live)
Synthesizer. An electronic instrument used to create sound. (eg: Moog, Korg)
Sequencer. A device used to arrange and play digital audio samples. (eg: Logic Pro, FL Studio)
Sampler. An instrument that plays back pre-recorded audio samples. (eg: Akai MPC, Native Instruments Maschine)
MIDI Controller. A device used to control digital audio workstations and other MIDI-enabled devices. (eg: Akai MPK Mini, Novation Launchpad)
Effects Processor. A device used to manipulate and modify audio signals. (eg: Eventide H9, Strymon BigSky)
Software Plug-ins. Programs used to add effects and sounds to digital audio workstations. (eg: Waves, iZotope Ozone)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Music Software Trade Association (IMSTA)
Association for Electronic Music and Sound Art (AEMSA)
Society of Composers and Lyricists (SCL)
American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP)
Recording Academy (Grammy Awards)
Audio Engineering Society (AES)
International Association for the Study of Popular Music (IASPM)
International Music Products Association (NAMM)
International Federation of Musicians (FIM)
International Music Managers Forum (IMMF)

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Common Important Terms

Synthesizer. An electronic musical instrument that creates sound by generating electrical signals.
Sequencer. A device used to create musical patterns by arranging and playing back musical notes.
Sampler. An electronic musical instrument that records and stores samples of sounds, which can be used to create new sounds.
Arpeggiator. A tool used to create musical patterns by playing a sequence of notes in an arpeggio.
MIDI. A protocol that allows electronic instruments to communicate with each other and control different aspects of sound production.
Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). A computer program used to record, edit, and mix audio.
Mixing. The process of combining multiple audio tracks into one final product.
Mastering. The process of preparing a mix for distribution, adjusting the levels and adding effects to achieve the desired sound.
Reverb. An audio effect that adds reverberation, or echo, to a sound.
Audio Plugins. Software tools used to enhance audio recordings and mixes.