Composing Music for Media

I have chosen to write about this job description, as it covers all four topics I have picked out in the lesson to be my favourites. It fits in well as music, film (soundtrack), creative writing (lyrics for songs), and drama/ theatre, which are connected to film.

High level of proficiency in at least one instrument, preferably piano or keyboard.
Ability to read and write music, or convey musical ideas using conventional notation, time signatures etc.
Good level of knowledge around music technology, computers and recording techniques.
Several thousand dollars to get started with a home studio. Money to spend on showreel, self-promotion (website etc.), networking.
Practical experience writing for various instruments and working with musicians. Conducting skills.
Good knowledge of music as used in film, TV and other productions.
Sound knowledge of copyright and licensing laws and practices.
Outgoing, confident personality. Excellent communication skills and erudition particularly around musical and dramatic expression.
Creative ability to come up with appropriate musical ideas quickly and work under extreme pressure.
Flexibility in musical styles.
Excellent time management skills.

Liaison with directors, producers, studio personnel, musicians, clients, accountants, film and sound editors.
Following up leads, drafting contract proposals and licensing deals.
Arranging and orchestration work. Music copying, score and part creation for sessions.
Composing, performing and recording using samples and sequencer software, film, commercials, documentary.
Studio technical work, cabling, computer fixing.
Calls, meetings, lunches, networking.
Planning and implementing future potential work generating activities.

This is a short personal overview of what you feel is the good and less good aspects of being in this career path.

Lack of apprenticeship opportunities.
High reliance on contacts.
High reliance on good fortune and luck.
Sheer number of people aspiring to do this work.
Exploitation by commissioners of music services, limited budget assigned to music.
Poor production and script quality of large amounts of TV, film.
Low pay

Creative collaboration particularly with those more skilled in visual, dramatic areas.
Challenge and intellectual stimulation from working under time constraints and the struggle to get the right music.
Recording and conducting live sessions with orchestra.
Involvement in the glamourous world of mass entertainment.
Potential for high status, financial and social success.

Massive volume of cheap library music
Devaluation of music, cheap, disposable
Lack of adequate musical education. Poverty in critical discernment i.e. what is good and what is actually fairly poor.

Vast increase in Games requiring film-like music scores.
Web becoming greater commercial environment as well as popular choice for accessing content like film, music, TV.
Increase in online worldwide community leading to opportunities to deliver to wider audience.
Greater possibilities for TV and film to be made on lower budgets, even by non-pro individuals.

Staying mentally positive over several years of low income and lack of opportunities.

Virtual instruments and samples have greatly increased the quality of what can be achieved with a computer and soundcard.
However the ease by which music can be now created, almost without any music theory knowledge or skill in orchestration, means that almost anyone can do it. Long gone are the days when you had to be able to write out music notes on score paper and imagine the sound of the orchestra in your head.

Patrick Johnson 10S1