We all had to start somewhere. I started heavily composing when I was about 13 and studying music theory along with my piano lessons. Studying composition and film scoring in college is helpful especially with private instruction. Schools won't teach you really how to write but help you refine your skills as a composer and maybe help you get some experience. My advice to anyone starting out is to try scoring anything. Mute the vid and put some music to it. As composers, this is how we practice.
There's a lot of things you can find that don't have music like deleted scenes from movies. When listening to film scores try to mostly pay attention to how the music complements the film rather than the actual music, that should come naturally from understanding how music works and from just listening to it. It also might not be a bad idea to see if any of your friends have any short films they made or something that you could possibly score. You could also try to write "film-esque" music.
Thanks for this- you helped a lot of people and with the industries changing and so much more product being out there ...we will need the people which can 1) Play 2) write 3) Be in the right place and...................................... 4) stick with it Klaus
Yeah im working on the music for a TV show right now and still trying to make an theme for it. It's hard when nothing pops up in your mind you gotta dig it out and make something from it.
Would it be worth it to go to Berklee for film composing as an undergrad? I know for sure I'm applying to USC and UCLA where the action is, but Berklee looks interesting. However, it's not in LA. Would applying for Berklee be worth it?
Hey, I started at the same age. But it's being two years since then. People have told me that they feel in a cinema with my music. But I never thought of getting a video, muting and do my own score. I study many film composing soundtracks in way to understand in what they put into their songs to make it feel like that. You think I'm starting good? Because sometimes I wanna compose something and I don't know what to do. I'll seriously take that tip.
cool advice I like to be a film composer for any big time director one of these days I mean it's such a fast growing business that's why I want to move to LA because that where most pop stars are fully more recognized
If you really believe in yourself, and are serious about your dream, you should! But growing up in L.A. I've learned that being an aspiring "anything" is cut-throat tough, kid. It can be disheartening sometimes. Just be prepared for that and give it your all! :)
HOW DO YOU FIND YOUR FIRST JOB. Please help. And a lot of people will say "there is no certain way to do that" well there must be a process that has worked. Please tell me. I need to know where to start and where I want to be and where I am wasting my time. Please respond.
ive been hired to write for a film, does anyone know how to hire a small orchestra or concert band for recording my music and the costs of doing this .
I would say it's more related to the composer's ability to live and feel the story he is telling. These days from my opinion there is just few composers righting music "from inside". Today’s trend is standard movie with standard music. Kind of musical fast food.
Well, I made that comment 4 years ago, but I've already had a lot of high profile contracts for doing music for games and films. I'd say I'm off to a great start composing music for games and film :) There's a lot of cool stuff on my channel these days, you should check it out, also I've got an official website up if you ever wanna check out what I've been doing lately. Being in Boston in the wake of all these terror attacks, things have been crazy these pays few days...
Although it's been 3 months since then, I suggest next time you take it easier, my friend :-) Let it go. Go out, do whatever makes you feel good - even if final deadline is near (despite what many fear-driven composers might tell you!). It's fear that blocks your great talent. Fear of not finishing on time, fear of producing a work that is below your standards, etc. Convince yourself you are free of any fear, convince yourself you have just written a brilliant theme... what does it sound like?
Film composer tend to play the piano as there main instrument of choice and of course need to adapt to playing other instruments, but what if you are a acoustic guitar player and want to be a film composer, does that mean one needs to learn the piano. IF THAT MAKES SENSE.
With all the technology today, why cant someone just be living somewhere like Toronto and have meetings through phone or email instead of spending so much money and time in moving to another country and all this hassle? If technology is good enough to create scores online i dont see why you need to be there where the director/producer if you can contact them in other ways.
do it for almost nothing or for free to establish a name for yourself, after one or two free jobs you'll have a big enough name to start asking for compensation.
We all had to start somewhere. I started heavily composing when I was about 13 and studying music theory along with my piano lessons. Studying composition and film scoring in college is helpful especially with private instruction. Schools won't teach you really how to write but help you refine your skills as a composer and maybe help you get some experience. My advice to anyone starting out is to try scoring anything. Mute the vid and put some music to it. As composers, this is how we practice.
nice to see some advice here. i am an aspiring film composer
passion, my friend. we'll make it.
There's a lot of things you can find that don't have music like deleted scenes from movies. When listening to film scores try to mostly pay attention to how the music complements the film rather than the actual music, that should come naturally from understanding how music works and from just listening to it. It also might not be a bad idea to see if any of your friends have any short films they made or something that you could possibly score. You could also try to write "film-esque" music.
Thank you for this UpLoad!! Cheers!
Great video and information. Thanks a ton. Even though, I am composing for TV while living in Maryland and communicating with a MS in Hollywood.
Thanks for this- you helped a lot of people and with the industries changing and so much more product being out there ...we will need the people which can
1) Play
2) write
3) Be in the right place
and......................................
4) stick with it
Klaus
Very good. I had the same thoughts of what he is saying.
Yeah im working on the music for a TV show right now and still trying to make an theme for it. It's hard when nothing pops up in your mind you gotta dig it out and make something from it.
What great info!
huge point.
Would it be worth it to go to Berklee for film composing as an undergrad? I know for sure I'm applying to USC and UCLA where the action is, but Berklee looks interesting. However, it's not in LA. Would applying for Berklee be worth it?
Hey, I started at the same age. But it's being two years since then. People have told me that they feel in a cinema with my music. But I never thought of getting a video, muting and do my own score. I study many film composing soundtracks in way to understand in what they put into their songs to make it feel like that. You think I'm starting good? Because sometimes I wanna compose something and I don't know what to do. I'll seriously take that tip.
cool advice I like to be a film composer for any big time director one of these days I mean it's such a fast growing business that's why I want to move to LA because that where most pop stars are fully more recognized
If you really believe in yourself, and are serious about your dream, you should! But growing up in L.A. I've learned that being an aspiring "anything" is cut-throat tough, kid. It can be disheartening sometimes. Just be prepared for that and give it your all! :)
if i sound dumb forgive me but what training does it take to be a composer? do you need to know how to play many instruments
HOW DO YOU FIND YOUR FIRST JOB. Please help. And a lot of people will say "there is no certain way to do that" well there must be a process that has worked. Please tell me. I need to know where to start and where I want to be and where I am wasting my time. Please respond.
2:26 "Obviously a ZZ Top song is not going to fit into an 1890s English movie".
I'd like Tarantino's opinion on that.
Im scared I won;t make it in the music industry, I already go to berklee and I'm afraid i wont make it...
ive been hired to write for a film, does anyone know how to hire a small orchestra or concert band for recording my music and the costs of doing this
.
I would say it's more related to the composer's ability to live and feel the story he is telling. These days from my opinion there is just few composers righting music "from inside". Today’s trend is standard movie with standard music. Kind of musical fast food.
Well, I made that comment 4 years ago, but I've already had a lot of high profile contracts for doing music for games and films. I'd say I'm off to a great start composing music for games and film :) There's a lot of cool stuff on my channel these days, you should check it out, also I've got an official website up if you ever wanna check out what I've been doing lately. Being in Boston in the wake of all these terror attacks, things have been crazy these pays few days...
Go to any Puccini and Wagner opera if you want to see how hollywood totally uses music for drama.
Although it's been 3 months since then, I suggest next time you take it easier, my friend :-)
Let it go. Go out, do whatever makes you feel good - even if final deadline is near (despite what many fear-driven composers might tell you!). It's fear that blocks your great talent. Fear of not finishing on time, fear of producing a work that is below your standards, etc. Convince yourself you are free of any fear, convince yourself you have just written a brilliant theme... what does it sound like?
Do you have to be a writer to become a Director ?
Film composer tend to play the piano as there main instrument of choice and of course need to adapt to playing other instruments, but what if you are a acoustic guitar player and want to be a film composer, does that mean one needs to learn the piano. IF THAT MAKES SENSE.
4:40 - next week, ahahahah, man TODAY! :D
CLicked on the thumbnail cause I thought it was Albert Einstein.. Good video though thanks
I doubt it. I think you only need to know how to arrange instruments to sound well together.
Ok. Don't suck and move to LA. Why can't I just sit in my pjs in my room and diddle with my computer and get paid millions?
what?
With all the technology today, why cant someone just be living somewhere like Toronto and have meetings through phone or email instead of spending so much money and time in moving to another country and all this hassle? If technology is good enough to create scores online i dont see why you need to be there where the director/producer if you can contact them in other ways.
@MrTestNTune actually, no. I'm no expert, but to me, writing and directing are two separate skills.
4:28 sorrry
do it for almost nothing or for free to establish a name for yourself, after one or two free jobs you'll have a big enough name to start asking for compensation.