OK, I’d like to ask for some opinions here, and would be particularly interested in Richard Kraft’s opinion.
I, like many of you, am a composer. I love it, it brings me such joy, and has enriched my life very much. My journey up until this point has been unconventional, with no formal training, but nonetheless, I’ve been able to hone my craft and reach a level where I can create music that would serve a picture or production very well.
Given that I’ve taken a DIY approach, I also had to provide for myself while I was gaining experience. I am fortunate enough have a successful career (i.e. “straight job”) that pays me well, provides insurance for my daughter and myself, provides me a 401k, etc. I recognize that I’m lucky to have this in my life, as it affords me the chance to purchase equipment and software, and it allows me to be choosy about which composing jobs I take.
Now, here’s my challenge.
While I don’t loathe my job, I don’t love it as I do music. My absolute dream in life would be to be able to create music for a living and support myself an my daughter reliably. If I were able to replace my salary at the “straight job” with money derived from composing full time, I’d feel like I hit the lottery. If I ever was fortunate enough to eventually make more, I don’t know what I’d do with myself.
I’d rather not get specific in such an open forum, but I make considerably more than the median household income in the US. I’m definitely not rich, but I’m quite comfortable. I’m also fully aware that this is going to be a gradual transition, and therein lies my question/challenge.
What are some strategies or approaches you would recommend for someone in my position? I’ve managed to form a few relationships that I can pursue for “professional” work. I have a contact with Netflix, another contact with the casting arm of one of the major Hollywood film studios, and a few others. I’ve not pursued any of these avenues yet for two reasons. First, up until this year, I haven’t felt quite ready, and I didn’t want to pursue a job and not be able to deliver. Doing so could risk my reputation in the future, and I didn’t want to under-perform.
Second, I have learned how little time composers are often given to produce a score. Given that I have the responsibilities associated with a full time career, my availability to compose and record is hampered somewhat. I’m relegated to evenings and weekends when it comes to writing music (and at times, even those times can become restricted). I’ve structured my life in such a way where I have some flexibility there, but still, I cannot spend every day for several weeks working on a music project. So, I’m curious what folks opinions would be about how this may impact my pursuit of professional composing jobs.
If, for example, I work my Netflix contact, and I’m fortunate enough to get a Music Supervisor interested, how should I communicate to her/him about my circumstance without coming across like I’m some newbie amateur? What would be the best way to be clear about the fact that I may not be able to produce a score quite as quickly as someone who does it full-time due to my own obligations?
I want to get more serious about composing on a professional level, but I want to be smart about jumping into the pool. I know I can swim, I just can’t quite handle the deep end just yet (but I will be able to eventually). What have been your experiences? What recommendations do you have? Any techniques you suggest?
