A few months ago I surveyed composers about what the were struggling with.
Well, along with the usual suspects (“I don’t know where to find projects” / “I don’t know how to reach out to people”) I was surprised to find a few myths that composers are telling themselves.
Things that are holding you back, but are only in your head.
So let’s address them…
Number #1 : Never Feeling Ready
I’ll let you in on a secret:
No one ever feels ready.
I’ve interviewed dozens of professional composers, and almost every single one of them says how unprepared they feel for each and every project they take on.
It’s called “imposter syndrome” – and it’s holding you back.
Take comfort in the fact that even the people you admire and aspire to be like still don’t feel ready for their next projects.
You are ready. As ready as you’ll ever be.
Number #2 : Not Having The Gear
What equipment do you need to score a movie?
Here’s the entire list:
- something to record with
- something to edit that recording with
That’s all.
Having the latest and greatest sample libraries and the most powerful computer might help with your workflow, but it definitely won’t help you find film scoring jobs.
I don’t know a single composer who ever landed a project based on their equipment.
But I do know composers that have scored films with next to no equipment whatsoever.
Even famous composers.
You already have all the equipment you need. You just have to use it.
Number #3 : Not Enough Time
If your water heater broke down tomorrow, how much time do you think you’d need to arrange a plumber, to deal with the logistics of letting them in/out, researching and purchasing any parts you might need, clearing space for them to work, etc.?
According to a study by Laura Vanderkam, one woman spent seven hours dealing with that exact problem.
You probably don’t think you have seven hours spare each week, but if you had to make something a priority, I’m sure you’d find that time.
Finding projects is one of the most time-consuming but also the most important parts of film scoring. Without projects, you aren’t a film composer.
So you can make time. You just have to prioritise.
Number #4 : Not Having The Right Connections
Connections are made, not given.
So you might not have the right connections…
…YET!
But you can, and you will.
Very few composers are born with connections. They all develop connections over time.
Start building those connections today.
Number #5 : Going Alone
Most composers are afraid to ask for help. Afraid that if anyone does give them advice, it won’t be real advice (after all, why would anyone reveal their “secrets” to the competition?)
But the fact is that figuring this stuff out on your own is hard.
You have to figure out where to find people and projects.
You have to figure out what to say when you reach out.
You have to guess your way through pitches until you finally (hopefully) figure out what works.
All of that is time wasted.
Time that could be spent composing – because your outreach is targeted and efficient.
No time lost.
I talk in more detail about these issues and how to overcome them in Finding Film Scoring Jobs, my course that teaches you how to find and land film scoring projects, step-by-step.