6 answers
7
Asked 719 views

How did you decide what kind of music to write or what avenue in which to take your career to be successful? #Fall25

I have so many different avenues I want to explore, such as pop, international, film, etc. Is it better to pick one avenue or try several? #Fall25

music music-industry music-production youtube international-business films songwriting songwriter music-composition
Answer This
7

6 answers

0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Reed’s Answer

Hi Shanae, I have made my career as a songwriter and record producer. I grew up with the Beatles and all of the great English and American rock bands as well as Motown, so early in my life I had a wide variety of influences. When I signed my first co-publishing deal, rock bands were writing there own songs and not looking for outside(not written by themselves) material. Pop and R&B groups and singers were who was looking for outside songs so I started trying to write for those groups/artists. I still think it is that way today. Most rock bands and singers are still not really looking for outside songs. Pop and Urban groups and singers are looking for outside songs but often want to be involved in the writing process.

All that being said, if you have a passion for a particular type of music then I would suggest writing in that style to perfect your writing abilities. Your question about trying different styles is good too. That will cause you to branch out and get better in different styles. That way when the opportunity arrises to write for different types of projects, you can draw from the different styles you've tried.

Last suggestion would be to try cowriting with people who write in different genres. For example, write with a rocker or an urban or country or pop writers to get that influence.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Michelle’s Answer

Hello, Shanae !

You have some awesome interests and you do not need to spend years training for all of them. You can incorporate your interests into one career, namely film. Yes, you should focus on one field of work to become expert enough in it to obtain work. Pop and International genres of music can easily be incorporated into your film work.

Consider majoring in film in college or going to a film school. If you go to a University that has a Film Department, you can easily take a Music Composition course from the Music Department. Although your focus would be film, you can learn how to compose music and write lyrics too and use your music for your films. You don't have to get a degree in all of your interests. Just pick one and since you can use your music for film, I think focusing on film would be doable.

Career and academic path advice is best for you at this time because no one's career will be how yours goes. Your experience studying and after graduation will be completely different than anyone's. So what is important right now is to explore colleges and film schools and see which one you like. It doesn't matter what other people do for these careers but what does matter is that you take the right road that will lead you to the career you want. No over-thinking it, no setting ideas in stone, just taking the episodic journey towards opportunities. Let college or film school teach you how to do your career.

Once you learn more about the film industry, you will learn how it can satisfy your interests. Try to start reading more about filmmaking and learn a bit about the business before college or film school. Try not to get impressions from other people because your career will be unique and not influenced from outside opinions or stories. It's probably something you're wondering about because you haven't started with film or music yet. Try to get involved with film and music extracurriculars now so that it starts seeming real to you.

Try visiting the Utah Film Center in Salt Lake City and see what resources they have. Look up Utah Film Circuit and Traveling Tumbleweeds online and get more information about them. The Sundance Film Festival is held in Park City. Consider attending it and network with filmmakers there. The more you get involved, the more you will learn about your choice of career.

Instead of thinking of all your interests as "careers" think of them as talents that you can use in one career !

I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Deepraj’s Answer

You could use a practice-as-research kind of approach to this. Keep writing/producing music as and when you feel like it without any pre-conceived motives/objectives. Reflect upon it (Listen to it) at regular intervals. Try to keep track of what you are thinking about when you are doing this (you can do this by recording yourself when you are making the tracks, or you can do journaling). Over time you might notice a pattern that you usually stick to while making your music. THAT is your gold mine. It doesn't have to conform to any existing genre, it can be something that is solely unique to you.
All of this might sound a bit hectic but it has the potential to produce very positive long-term results. Hope this helps!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Bryan’s Answer

Hi Shanae!

My composing journey started when I heard the composition "All That My Heart Can Hold" by David Foster.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-RkSjQoE60&list=RDF-RkSjQoE60&start_radio=1
I was a freshman or sophomore at Chicago State University. I was also influenced by the gospel music I heard as a teenager, watching the musicians play everything by ear. You have to go what you are drawn to. Let the music choose you and you choose the music. Who are your favorite artists and why? What is your favorite instrument? Learn everything you can about your instrument by taking private lessons and getting your degree. There are some very great Schools out there where you can major in music composition, music education, music production and music performance. That's the formal route. Informally, study your favorite composers by listening to their music and going on YouTube to hear their Journey.
David Foster https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jgPWBdv4T4
Benjamin Wright https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZ7fQDnovTs&t=1913s

A career in music is a life long journey not a destination. Everyday will be one of discovery of your craft and passion. You may start thinking you may want to perform full time and discover you love teaching music. Always choose music for the love, study and the career will manifest in so many beautiful ways. After many years of teaching and performing music, I have gone back to school to Berklee College of Music for the Online Degree of Music Composition for Film, Media and Video Games. You never stop learning!

Good Luck,

Bryan T. Johnson
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

John’s Answer

Hi Shanae,
I love Reed's answer! And I would only add a couple of suggestions.
You need to find out what appeals to you and fits your innate style and interests. To do this:
- Listen to the radio. Check out the hit songs in all the styles and note which ones you like best. You could also check the charts (Billboard) and play the lists from the top down to do the same thing.
- When you've got a list of YOUR top-20 or top-40, download them (legally).
- Take the time to study your favorites. Try to identify the hooks, contrast between the parts of the song, and what's moving the song forward in the lyrics and the melody.
Then look at what you've discovered. What's common. Is there a trend that points to what you're most interested in? Then that is your starting point.
Good luck on your journey - you're going to do great!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

George’s Answer

It is fine to do multiple things. Work on what ever feels correct at any given time
0