3 answers
Rashaan
Student
Alton, Illinois
6
Questions
Asked
517 views
Do I need a college education to proceed with becoming a Music Composer/Arranger?
Is a college education required for me to start this career?
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3 answers
Ann Gianoglio Burk, MBA
Student/Customer Care Manager | Operations Handywoman | People Developer | Lvl 62 Elf Lore Master LOTRO
149
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Ann’s Answer
Hi Rashaan - This is a great question. In theory, no, you don't need a degree to compose music. Since composers are usually self-employed, they can create all of the music they want without a degree. There is plenty of software out there that is easily accessible to help copose and record music.
However, to be a successful composer formal education will help you a long way. There is a knowledge required to successfully compose music. For example, understanding music theory is crucial to composing pieces that listeners will enjoy and want to buy. It's also important to learn a number of instruments and formal education will also help with this. You'll have professional educators teaching as opposed to trying to learn on your own.
So, it's not impossible to become a composer without a degree, but those with degrees tend to be par more successful.
I recommend reading the article below for deeper insights. I hope this helps! Good luck!
https://www.hearteyesmag.com/how-to-become-a-music-composer/
However, to be a successful composer formal education will help you a long way. There is a knowledge required to successfully compose music. For example, understanding music theory is crucial to composing pieces that listeners will enjoy and want to buy. It's also important to learn a number of instruments and formal education will also help with this. You'll have professional educators teaching as opposed to trying to learn on your own.
So, it's not impossible to become a composer without a degree, but those with degrees tend to be par more successful.
I recommend reading the article below for deeper insights. I hope this helps! Good luck!
Ann recommends the following next steps:
Keith Cunningham
Sr. Analyst
6
Answers
Bellevue, Washington
Updated
Keith’s Answer
Hi Rashaan,
No, you don't need a college education; however, the composers with whom I went to college benefited greatly from going to college. They had access to professors who are also composers who helped them greatly. They had access to incredible musicians who could provide feedback on thier compositions and more importantly perform thier compositions.
If you choose not to go to college, find a great teacher to work with you. This person could be a professor of composition and could expose you to musicians to play your music. Many extremely successful composers and arrangers did not go to college and if you choose that route make sure you find a way to expose yourself to other composers, arrangers and musicians.
No, you don't need a college education; however, the composers with whom I went to college benefited greatly from going to college. They had access to professors who are also composers who helped them greatly. They had access to incredible musicians who could provide feedback on thier compositions and more importantly perform thier compositions.
If you choose not to go to college, find a great teacher to work with you. This person could be a professor of composition and could expose you to musicians to play your music. Many extremely successful composers and arrangers did not go to college and if you choose that route make sure you find a way to expose yourself to other composers, arrangers and musicians.
Prajwal S
20
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Prajwal’s Answer
don't waste time and money in college, find a good mentor or work for some good musicians for free
Hi Prajwhal, could you offer the Student some more advice about how to find a mentor? Also, how does someone make the transition from working for free to making their own living in this field? Thanks in advance!
Alexandra Carpenter, Admin
Find local studios / search for them in linkedin/facebook. Send message expressing your interest. Finding a good mentor is very important in any field, Mentor will help you grow.
Prajwal S