Any suggestions for an aspiring composer?

[Unknown User]

Any suggestions for an aspiring composer?#1

Posted: 8/15/10 at 5:08pm

I want to be a theatrical composer & lyricist someday (hey, anyone can dream, right? =)) but have no idea how I'll get a job or start a musical or get to know the right people. How do you start, and do you have any tips on things I can be doing now (I'm in junior high school)?

[Juliash]

Any suggestions for an aspiring composer?#2

Posted: 8/18/10 at 8:34pm

Well this might be super obvious, but learn to play the piano. And KNOW YOUR THEORY. A classical musical education would benefit you. Yes, meaning some opera.

Also read a lot. Be well versed in the cultural aspects of life so you're not just writing musicals based on recent movies. Not to hate, I love me some Producers but original musicals are becoming rarer and rarer and you just can't replace that.

[ClapYo'Hands]

Any suggestions for an aspiring composer?#2

Posted: 8/19/10 at 6:28pm

One main suggestion...

GET WRITING!

Just get out and do it, whatever you want, whatever you feel, just do it.

You gotta practice practice practice, and you'll find what you're good at, what direction you want to go in etc.

And then point number two after that is to get your work performed. Whether it be just a recording of a single song, or a fully staged production of your work, do it, and see where it gets you, how you endure the creative process and what people think of your work.