Joseph Hasper
Joseph Hasper
Composer

Blog

19 Mar 2013

Advice to High School Students About Composition

I got in touch with an old friend this weekend who has a high schooler considering composition as a career. He asked me for some advice, and here's what I came up with:

If I couldn't talk someone out of trying to be a composer (that is, make a living at composing music--it's easy to be a composer, much harder to get performances, harder yet to make a living at it), if they're going to study music:

(1) Do not major in composition as an undergraduate! Major in theory, or musicology and take composition and instrument lessons on the side.

(2) Your primary focus (which should NOT be your major) is to get really good at your instrument. Being a competent player is the best way to open doors and gain access to the performers, ensembles, and conductors that you need to get your music played.

(3) Besides your (acoustic) instrument, you need to get really good at recording and electronic music, because (1) you're going to have to produce and master most of your own music, (2) almost everything worthwhile these days is electronic or has electronics in it, and (3) it will open more doors for you and may be a possible "day gig" to earn your living.

(4) Record and log every performance. This will be invaluable in building your portfolio, which constitutes your credentials.

 

 

 

 

 



Other than that: write something every day. Listen to music (critical listening, that is) constantly. Cultivate relationships with musicians. Never turn down a gig or a chance to write something...


 

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