Where to start as a composer?

Discussion in 'Indie Basics' started by blackbart94, Jun 5, 2018.

  1. blackbart94

    blackbart94 New Member

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    Hello


    I hope you guys can help me. I'm a qualified and experienced musician as well as an avid gamer and so I want to try my skills in game music composition. However, I don't know where to start. I have 0 experience composing a game soundtrack. I don't even know how long this kind of composition has to be.
    I'd rather be writing music for a specific game or at least a concrete idea with some visual art to aid the composing. I don't expect to earn money, at least not now.

    I'd appreciate some help, even if it's a nudge in the right direciton
     
  2. Sean Pruitt

    Sean Pruitt New Member

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    Hey man,

    Make as much music as possible. Look at other composers work and listen carefully. Scour the internet for anything you can find about composing. Look at which virtual instruments are going to help you get the job done (lots of good free options). Be yourself, and find your sound. Try to get as much feedback as you can. Keep writing.

    Good luck
     
  3. blackbart94

    blackbart94 New Member

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    Thanks, I've written instrumental music before and I have a DAW with loads of virtual instruments so that's not a problem. What I don't know is how to actually find a small indie developer who would let me write the music for them for free. As I said, I'd rather be writing for something specific than just sit and write music for a non specific, generic game.
     
  4. Battlegun

    Battlegun New Member

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    Get as much practice as you can scoring to random gameplay (even if its a game you don't know). Try also composing to words or phrases such as, "Dark and moody, but fast". You'll be doing these exact tasks for your client work, so put in the time to become a master at these things.
     
    blackbart94 likes this.
  5. sandp500

    sandp500 New Member

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    Just turn on your speakers and check titles like WoW, EVE Online or LoL
     
  6. Jordan Winslow

    Jordan Winslow New Member

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    Develop a brand, a professional image and start giving away stuff for free to draw people in (doesn't have to be music, could be detailed tutorials, niche-information, etc.)

    I noticed one of the biggest obstacles for all artists is shifting their focus from "how do I get more work" to "how can I help others with my unique abilities?"

    Once you start getting known in the community as someone who is very helpful and knowledgeable they will naturally gravitate to you.

    Good luck brother!
     
  7. ManuelMarino

    Original Member

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    Well, I totally agree. I am a senior, I come from the first streaming experiences Internet had, exactly: mp3.com . That period was great because anyone talented could have an interesting daily share of the royalties, and also we learned the important of teaming up. So we have internet radios, playlists, compilations and more and I found friends that are still friends now after all these years. Anyway, helping each other was an important lesson and improved ourselves and people around us.
     
  8. Zioma

    Zioma New Member

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    The best thing you can do is make a large collection of your music then added them to your social media channels and website. That way you can use your social media of your large collection of music as portfolios. The more music you have the higher chance a director or video game designer will find your music.
     

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