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Rashaan
Student
Alton, Illinois
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What are some of the highs and lows of being a Music Composer/Arranger
What are the best and worst things about this career?
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3 answers
Kevin Julien
Composer
11
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Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
One of the highs is hearing your work performed or recorded.
One of the nicest things is hearing your music on the radio. Or if you are lucky enough to have your music used in a film or tv show then hearing it there also.
Another is making a piece of music you are proud of or you feel is meaningful; a sense of achievement.
The lows are the facing challenging times if you are not sure when you might next have an opportunity to have your music featured in a film, Tv, theatre or other medium.
Other lows can be struggling to get something sounding the way you want it to.
However, highs and lows are needed because lows help to make those highs feel special; overcoming challenges to be the composer you want to be.
One of the nicest things is hearing your music on the radio. Or if you are lucky enough to have your music used in a film or tv show then hearing it there also.
Another is making a piece of music you are proud of or you feel is meaningful; a sense of achievement.
The lows are the facing challenging times if you are not sure when you might next have an opportunity to have your music featured in a film, Tv, theatre or other medium.
Other lows can be struggling to get something sounding the way you want it to.
However, highs and lows are needed because lows help to make those highs feel special; overcoming challenges to be the composer you want to be.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
4352
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Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Subject: The Exciting and Demanding Journey of a Music Composer/Arranger
Dear Rashaan,
Embarking on a career as a music composer or arranger is like setting sail on a vast ocean of creativity and technicality. It's a journey filled with rewards, but not without its share of hurdles.
The Upsides of Being a Music Composer/Arranger:
1. Freedom of Expression: The role of a composer or arranger is a playground for the imagination. You get to weave new melodies, harmonies, and rhythms or reshape existing compositions to suit different ensembles or genres. It's a joyous ride for anyone with a deep love for music.
2. Teamwork: Composing and arranging often mean joining forces with other musicians, producers, directors, and artists. These partnerships can be a treasure trove of learning and a chance to forge industry connections.
3. Diversity: The world of composition and arrangement is a colorful tapestry of genres, styles, and mediums like film scores, video games, jingles, and more. This breadth allows you to experiment with various facets of your craft and stay in tune with industry shifts.
4. Self-Improvement: As a musician, you're in a constant state of learning to polish your skills and broaden your knowledge. With the ever-evolving landscape of technology and musical styles, staying current is a must. This journey of growth can be equally challenging and rewarding.
5. Recognition: Achieving success in composition or arrangement can earn you a spotlight in the industry and beyond. Bagging awards or having your work performed by famous artists or ensembles can be a source of immense pride.
The Downsides of Being a Music Composer/Arranger:
1. Financial Uncertainty: The music industry can be a rollercoaster ride financially due to issues like piracy, streaming services, and shifting consumer tastes. Freelance composers and arrangers may face unpredictable income or dry spells, making financial stability a common worry.
2. Fierce Competition: The music industry is a battleground with countless budding composers and arrangers fighting for limited spots.
Breaking into the industry can be tough due to the abundance of talent, but with perseverance and commitment, you can stand out from the crowd.
3. Long Hours: Crafting top-notch music isn't a sprint; it's a marathon. It can take weeks or even months, leading to long hours at the piano or in front of the computer screen perfecting every element of a composition or arrangement. Juggling these demands with other responsibilities can be a tough act for some.
4. Criticism: As a composer or arranger, criticism comes with the territory. Negative feedback from peers or audiences can be a bitter pill to swallow. But developing resilience is key to weathering these storms and continuing your artistic growth.
References: 1) "Career Overview: Music Directors & Composers." U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics., Urbana Champaign Public Library., 2021., 2) "Music Composition & Arrangement: Careers & Opportunities." Berklee College Of Music., Boston., 2022., 3) "The Pros And Cons Of Being A Music Composer." ThoughtCo., Dotdash., 2021.
May God bless your journey, Rashaan!
Warmly,
JC.
Dear Rashaan,
Embarking on a career as a music composer or arranger is like setting sail on a vast ocean of creativity and technicality. It's a journey filled with rewards, but not without its share of hurdles.
The Upsides of Being a Music Composer/Arranger:
1. Freedom of Expression: The role of a composer or arranger is a playground for the imagination. You get to weave new melodies, harmonies, and rhythms or reshape existing compositions to suit different ensembles or genres. It's a joyous ride for anyone with a deep love for music.
2. Teamwork: Composing and arranging often mean joining forces with other musicians, producers, directors, and artists. These partnerships can be a treasure trove of learning and a chance to forge industry connections.
3. Diversity: The world of composition and arrangement is a colorful tapestry of genres, styles, and mediums like film scores, video games, jingles, and more. This breadth allows you to experiment with various facets of your craft and stay in tune with industry shifts.
4. Self-Improvement: As a musician, you're in a constant state of learning to polish your skills and broaden your knowledge. With the ever-evolving landscape of technology and musical styles, staying current is a must. This journey of growth can be equally challenging and rewarding.
5. Recognition: Achieving success in composition or arrangement can earn you a spotlight in the industry and beyond. Bagging awards or having your work performed by famous artists or ensembles can be a source of immense pride.
The Downsides of Being a Music Composer/Arranger:
1. Financial Uncertainty: The music industry can be a rollercoaster ride financially due to issues like piracy, streaming services, and shifting consumer tastes. Freelance composers and arrangers may face unpredictable income or dry spells, making financial stability a common worry.
2. Fierce Competition: The music industry is a battleground with countless budding composers and arrangers fighting for limited spots.
Breaking into the industry can be tough due to the abundance of talent, but with perseverance and commitment, you can stand out from the crowd.
3. Long Hours: Crafting top-notch music isn't a sprint; it's a marathon. It can take weeks or even months, leading to long hours at the piano or in front of the computer screen perfecting every element of a composition or arrangement. Juggling these demands with other responsibilities can be a tough act for some.
4. Criticism: As a composer or arranger, criticism comes with the territory. Negative feedback from peers or audiences can be a bitter pill to swallow. But developing resilience is key to weathering these storms and continuing your artistic growth.
References: 1) "Career Overview: Music Directors & Composers." U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics., Urbana Champaign Public Library., 2021., 2) "Music Composition & Arrangement: Careers & Opportunities." Berklee College Of Music., Boston., 2022., 3) "The Pros And Cons Of Being A Music Composer." ThoughtCo., Dotdash., 2021.
May God bless your journey, Rashaan!
Warmly,
JC.
Angel Francisco Mendoza
Sr. Specialist
2
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Angel Francisco’s Answer
I am going to answer this from a songwriting standpoint. I waited more than 20 years to see some of my songs realized and I am currently working with a producer who is also arranging some of the pieces. He is able to read the subtext to my music and translate those nuances and textures, and colors that I had in my mind when I wrote the songs and put them into parts for those instruments we decided to play the song with. The result sometimes blows my mind! He does that after only listening to a demo and receiving my impressions on the direction that I want the songs to go.
That said, for me, a composer/arranger not only makes music but he/she/they also make magic! Also, there are royalties associated with all of this work, and depending on your stature, contributions, and the budget of projects you get to work on, there can be a lot of money too!
There are a lot of downturns/lows to making music in general, especially when you have to work on projects you do not necessarily believe in/ or truly want to. But if you believe in magic, don't even think of doing something else but music!
I have been a lawyer, a journalist, a speaker, a baker, an entrepreneur, and currently a professional in the financial industry, but I've always come back to music and I hope this time for good! So believe in yourself and go for it, if you believe you have that kind of magic there are no lows that can stop you!
That said, for me, a composer/arranger not only makes music but he/she/they also make magic! Also, there are royalties associated with all of this work, and depending on your stature, contributions, and the budget of projects you get to work on, there can be a lot of money too!
There are a lot of downturns/lows to making music in general, especially when you have to work on projects you do not necessarily believe in/ or truly want to. But if you believe in magic, don't even think of doing something else but music!
I have been a lawyer, a journalist, a speaker, a baker, an entrepreneur, and currently a professional in the financial industry, but I've always come back to music and I hope this time for good! So believe in yourself and go for it, if you believe you have that kind of magic there are no lows that can stop you!