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

Jul 11, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Orchestral Composers are responsible for the creation of music for orchestras. They create original compositions, often inspired by their own ideas or by existing music. Through hard work, dedication and creativity, they can bring to life their own unique symphonies and scores.

The impact of their work is vast, as it allows orchestras to perform their music and bring joy to audiences around the world. their compositions can be used in movies, television shows and other media, creating a lasting legacy of their work. Furthermore, orchestral composers can also collaborate with other musicians, such as singers and soloists, providing them with unique musical experiences.

orchestral composers provide a valuable service to the music industry, allowing listeners to experience the beauty of their creations.

Steps How to Become

Take music theory and composition classes. To become an orchestral composer, you must have a good understanding of music theory and composition. Taking classes is a great way to learn the basics.
Practice composition. Spend time honing your composition skills by creating original works for different instruments and ensembles.
Study orchestration. Learn how to write for different instruments, how to write for an orchestra, and how to score a piece of music.
Join a music society. Networking is key when it comes to becoming an orchestral composer. Joining a local music society is a great way to get connected with composers, conductors, and performers in the area.
Participate in competitions. Entering and winning composition competitions is an excellent way to get your name out there and make connections with people in the industry.
Get an education. Earning a degree in music composition or conducting is a great way to become an orchestral composer. It can open up more opportunities for you and give you a better understanding of the field.
Find mentors. Find respected professionals in the industry who can mentor and guide you on your journey.
Connect with orchestras. Develop relationships with local orchestras, conductors, and composers. This could lead to commissioned works or other opportunities.
Create a portfolio. Create a portfolio of your best work that showcases your abilities as an orchestral composer.
Submit your work. Submit your portfolio to orchestras, festivals, and other organizations that accept submissions from composers.

The successful orchestral composer must be both creative and organized. A lack of creativity can lead to uninspired, mundane pieces, while a lack of organization can lead to missed deadlines, disorganized rehearsals, and poor communication with colleagues. Creativity and organization go hand-in-hand for an effective and efficient composer.

They must be able to come up with innovative ideas, while also being able to manage their time, resources, and collaborators. They must efficiently plan out the composition and arrangement process, as well as keep track of their progress and ensure that all elements are in place for a successful performance. By having the right balance of creativity and organization, the orchestral composer can create music that is both memorable and inspiring.

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Job Description

Orchestral Composer: Responsible for creating original compositions for orchestras and other large ensembles. Must have a strong understanding of musical theory and orchestration techniques.
Orchestral Arranger: Responsible for arranging existing pieces of music for orchestras and other large ensembles. Must have a strong understanding of musical theory, orchestration techniques, and arranging concepts.
Orchestral Conductor: Responsible for conducting rehearsals and performances of orchestral works, as well as providing musical guidance and direction to the orchestra. Must have a strong understanding of musical theory and conducting techniques.
Orchestral Programmer: Responsible for organizing the programming for orchestral concerts, including the selection of pieces and the rehearsal schedule. Must have a good understanding of musical repertoire and the ability to create interesting, engaging programs.
Orchestral Copyist: Responsible for transcribing, copying, and publishing orchestral scores from composers manuscripts. Must have a strong understanding of music notation and music engraving techniques.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Proficiency in music theory, composition and orchestration
Knowledge of music history and various genres
Ability to work with a wide range of instrumentation
Understanding of musical structure, phrasing and form
Excellent communication skills to collaborate with musicians and production teams
Technical ability to use recording and editing software
Ability to communicate musical ideas clearly and effectively
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
Excellent time management skills
Ability to work independently as well as part of a team

The ability to compose orchestral music is a complex and multifaceted skill set. It requires knowledge of music theory and composition, a good ear for orchestral textures, and the ability to translate musical ideas into tangible form. The most important skill for an orchestral composer is the ability to convey emotion through music.

Orchestral writing involves expressing a wide range of musical ideas and emotions, from joy to sorrow, from calm to chaos. Composers must be able to communicate these feelings through the use of instrumentation, dynamics, and melodic structure. the ability to collaborate with other musicians and conductors is essential for success as an orchestral composer.

A good working relationship with the musicians playing the music is key to crafting a successful piece. Finally, having strong communication and organizational skills are important for orchestrating rehearsals and managing deadlines. All of these skills are essential when it comes to composing orchestral music.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to compose music for orchestras?
How would you describe your typical approach to a new orchestral composition?
What challenges have you faced while composing for orchestras?
What techniques do you use to create unique sounds and textures?
How do you go about balancing the various instruments in an orchestra?
How do you incorporate elements of different musical styles into your compositions?
What is your experience with working with conductors and other musicians?
Could you provide examples of past orchestral works and discuss the creative process behind them?
How do you ensure that your orchestral pieces are accessible to a wide variety of audiences?
How do you typically respond to feedback on your compositions?

Common Tools in Industry

Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) . software used to record, edit, and produce audio or MIDI files. (eg: Logic Pro X)
Audio Plug-ins . software components used to add effects, such as equalization and reverb, to audio files. (eg: Waves Plug-ins)
Virtual Instrument . synthesized sounds used to create realistic orchestral and other instrument sounds. (eg: UVI Falcon)
MIDI Controller . device used to control virtual instruments and other software components. (eg: Akai Professional MPK Mini)
Notation Software . software used to compose and arrange music. (eg: Sibelius)
Sample Libraries . collections of pre-recorded sounds used to create realistic instrument sounds. (eg: Vienna Symphonic Library)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP)
American Federation of Musicians (AFM)
National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS)
Society of Composers and Lyricists (SCL)
International Society for Contemporary Music (ISCM)
International Music Council (IMC)
International Association of Music Libraries, Archives and Documentation Centres (IAML)
International Music Products Association (IMPA)
International Federation of Musicians (FIM)
International Society for Music Education (ISME)

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Common Important Terms

Arrangement. The adaptation, transformation, or reworking of an existing musical work for a new performance, often for a different instrumentation or combination of performers.
Orchestration. The process of arranging or scoring music for an orchestra or other large ensemble.
Instrumentation. The selection and combination of instruments used in a musical composition.
Counterpoint. A complex musical technique in which two or more melodic lines are combined to form a single harmonious composition.
Conducting. The art of directing a musical performance by giving visual cues to the performers.
Composition. The creation of new musical works.
Improvisation. The spontaneous creation of music in the moment.
Notation. The written representation of music, typically in a standard format.