Resources & Edu

Welcome to the Education section of the Composer Guide! Here, you'll find everything you need to learn and
kickstart your journey into composing for film, TV, and game music.

What can i find here?

This educational website is designed not only to provide resources for learning music composition but also to equip you with everything necessary to get started, from footage to instructional videos.It's worth noting that this website is continuously growing, so remember to check back periodically to discover the new information we've added.

What are those info bits?

These documents are meticulously crafted to offer precisely the right amount of information to set you on the correct path. Whether you're eager to begin scoring for films or delving into any other subject, these packages will provide guidance with detailed recommendations for videos, practice routines, and answers to frequently asked questions.They are curated by seasoned composers or individuals with professional experience in teaching music.

Want to help us?

There are several ways you can support us! Firstly, your monetary contributions are valuable as they propel our growth and allow us to venture into new areas within our website.Moreover, you can aid us by sharing your favorite websites and videos that aided in your learning journey.Additionally, if you possess any resources like footage or anything else you believe could benefit aspiring composers, please don't hesitate to let us know! Your input is highly appreciated.

Tutorials & Footage

Below is a compilation of tutorials that have significantly enriched my comprehension of composing for film and media music.Before immersing yourself in these videos with the aim of mastering everything by the end, I encourage you to approach them with a calm mindset and have pen and paper ready.Taking notes will reinforce your understanding. Enjoy the journey of learning!Moreover, you can access footage to immediately begin practicing scoring film music under real film scenes.

Footage

All the provided footage consists of old film scoring competition clips, which serve as excellent starting points for practice and as examples of what your work could sound like.Following each clip, you'll find the credits. Feel free to include these credits in your YouTube videos or Instagram reels if you decide to upload them.Extra note: Some of the footage still retains its original audio. Fear not, once imported into your desired digital audio workstation (DAW), simply mute the audio track of the video.

How to make money as a composer

Music production

Composers composing

Orchestral programming

Writers block

Info Bits

Your direct route to mastering film scoring and beyond. Crafted by professionals for aspiring professionals.
Loaded with recommended videos, practice tips, and FAQs, prepare for precision in every package.

Communities

For beginner film composers, I recommend diving into communities right from the start.
Here are some fantastic ones I began with.

The Society of Composers
and Lyricists (SCL)

The Society of Composers and Lyricists (SCL) is the premier community for professionals in film, TV, video games, and musical theatre, with a distinguished 76-year history. As a hub for industry collaboration, SCL offers valuable insights into the creative, financial, and technical aspects of music composition. Committed to improving working conditions, SCL actively engages with global leaders in the field. Whether you're an industry veteran or emerging talent, join SCL to connect, grow, and contribute to the evolving landscape of music composition for visual media.

Opia Community

A travelling festival series, a record label and a community hub made up of creators, thinkers, art lovers and everything in-between.Built around an idea by artist Ólafur Arnalds, creating platforms and spaces that bring people together, inspiring curious people through creativity and collaboration.

Composers Diversity Collective

The Composers Diversity Collective is a community that has formed with the goal of addressing the industry's challenges in locating culturally diverse music creators, music supervisors, sound engineers, and musicians.Their primary objectives include increasing the collective awareness among its members, fostering connections between professionals, and working towards dispelling misconceptions surrounding the stylistic range of minority composers.

Cascadia Composers

Situated in Oregon, this non-profit organization comprises over 100 composers, establishing itself as the largest local chapter of the National Association of Composers USA. Serving as a prominent resource in the Pacific Northwest, Cascadia Composers is recognized for its vibrant and inspiring music scene. The organization is characterized by inclusivity and accessibility, placing a strong emphasis on celebrating diversity and embracing a wide spectrum of artistic voices.Cascadia Composers boasts a membership that spans professionals, composer/educators, and students, representing virtually every musical genre, including chamber music, jazz, choral music, musical theater, electronic and electro‐acoustic music, film and game music, world music, and orchestral music. Through collaborative efforts with other performance organizations and close ties with the region's top performers, Cascadia Composers actively supports the creation of new works through high-quality public concerts and presentations.In addition to enriching communities with contemporary music, Cascadia Composers serves its members by offering valuable resources and opportunities, acting as a crucial bridge between composers and the public.

Pianobook

Pianobook is a community of composers, producers, and music makers connected together through a shared love of music creation. Founded by Christian Henson (co-founder of Spitfire Audio) in 2018, the site has now grown to over a 1000 free virtual instruments- offering a huge catalogue of inspirational sounds to get your creative juices flowing!Every instrument on the site tells a story- whether it’s a rusty gate that makes an interesting tone, or a centuries old upright that is bursting with character at the end of its life. There is certainly something unique for all musical genres.

Alliance for Women Film
Composers (AWFC)

The Association of Women Film Composers (AWFC): a dedicated community supporting and celebrating the work of women composers in film, TV, video games, and multimedia projects. Their commitment to advocacy and education aims to increase visibility and equality within the industry.Proudly hosting the industry's inaugural directory of women film composers, the AWFC provides filmmakers and decision-makers a unique platform to discover and collaborate with fresh talent. Join this movement that champions diversity, amplifies voices, and contributes to a more inclusive landscape in the world of composition. The AWFC is an ally in advancing the collective impact of women in the realm of film and media.

The Ivors Academy

The Ivors Academy stands as the professional association for songwriters and composers in the UK.It represents a diverse community of highly skilled songwriters and composers across various musical styles. Their collective efforts play a crucial role in shaping the musical landscape around them.

American Composers Forum

The American Composers Forum (ACF) envisions a world where living music creators are celebrated and essential to human culture.As catalysts in a vibrant ecosystem, ACF connects composers, artists, advocates, and audiences to support and promote contemporary music.They actively foster equitable opportunities, providing direct funding, mentorship, and emphasizing inclusivity across various identities and perspectives, guided by core values such as Leadership, Anti-Racism, Courage, Support, and Curiosity.

Young Composers' Community

The Young Composers' Community (YCC) transcends the conventional notion of a community; it stands as a sanctuary for composers committed to nurturing the creative spirit of the next generation.Embracing all genres within the film music industry without constraint, we extend an invitation to explore our Discord platform for regular updates, enriching workshops, and collaborative endeavors. Within YCC, every musical contribution is esteemed, and each collaboration holds profound significance.

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