Composer

Composers collaborate with Music Producers or Directors to produce classical or instrumental pieces for projects ranging from musicals and film scores to game soundtracks.

Composer Job Description

Compose music pieces for various purposes like performances, movies, videos, or games.

Adapt to different genres to cater to diverse audiences and projects.

Review composed pieces to determine whether it is suitable for production.

Fine-tune music pieces to align with the Director's vision and elevate the final product.

Devise a plan to build a strong network to increase visibility, seek opportunities for the production of music and sell their music

Note

Some of the world's most famous Composers could create entire symphonies in their heads before even writing a single note! Today's Composers continue this tradition, often using technology to bring their music to life.

What you should know about Composer jobs in Singapore

Nature of Work

You'll craft melodies, harmonise tunes, and bring musical concepts to life, often collaborating to create memorable pieces.

Key Advice

Since most of the music today is composed using computers, adequate knowledge of software programmes (e.g. Notion 6, MuseScore 2) is essential.

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements
Start your music journey in school! There are various CCAs to hone your music abilities such as choir or band, which can expose you to composing and broaden your musical knowledge!

You can also take a music diploma or apply for courses that teach you how to compose music. Institutions like The Songwriter Music College (TSMC) or the School of The Music and Arts (SOMA) offer various songwriting diplomas.
Possible Pathway

Possible Pathway

Skills you need to pursue a Composer career in Singapore

Hard Skills

Music Fluency

Mastering instruments and understanding musical genres to enhance performance and composition.

Arranging / Orchestration

Skill in arranging music for different ensembles, balancing harmony and texture.

Music Composition Software

Proficient in software like Sibelius or Finale for creating and editing scores.

Soft Skills

Creative Thinking

Innovating new sounds and harmonies to push musical boundaries.

Collaboration

Working with Musicians and Producers to bring musical pieces to life.

Adaptability

Flexible in style and approach to meet diverse project needs.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Must all Composers be interested in classical music?

Music is present everywhere, from commercials to video games. Composers write music for many genres, not just classical music!
Do Composers get the opportunity to perform as well?

Yes of course! Composers may not always be the ones behind the scenes. Who knows? One day, they may get the chance to perform an original piece in front of an audience!
What are some of the difficulties faced by Composers?

Firstly, Composers may struggle to generate new musical ideas or feel creatively stuck. Secondly, they need help finding sources of inspiration for new compositions. Thirdly, many Composers may find it difficult to strike a balance between creating music that is artistically fulfilling and commercially successful at the same time.
What are some of the technical skills and programmes Composers need to be proficient in?

Some of the skills that Composers require would be Audio Engineering, Sound Design, Sound Effects and knowledge of Music Theory. On top of this, they should be proficient in programs such as R, Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, as well as MIDI.
What do Composers' day-to-day tasks look like?

Composers engage in a variety of tasks, including creating and refining musical ideas, writing and arranging music, collaborating with other artists, attending rehearsals and performances, and managing administrative responsibilities such as scheduling and promotion.

Staying inspired and informed about musical trends also plays a significant role in their daily routine.