One thing you should know about me is I am a serious bookworm. A bibliophile. A devourer of books. Perhaps it's that fresh back-to-school feeling it gives me. Or it could be my ex-military father who's always preached that preparation is the key to success. In times of doubt, I'm someone who likes to have a plan to see me through. So far, I've found having a dependable reading list to turn to makes me feel more secure when approaching a new composition or commission.
In this modern information age, finding the tools that are going to help in your journey as a composer can be an overwhelming process.
I've certainly felt this way. Technology is so advanced now and ever changing. The music industry is constantly shifting at such a rapid pace. Then, just when you've got to grips with one method, a new invention comes out and now you're back to the starting line!
Being a composer is often a solitary existence. Imposter syndrome is real and I can get submerged under all the new, vastly different techniques that are out there. Yet I honestly believe perspective is the key to coping with this.
Take a breath, remember, change is also exciting.
There are so many different ways to compose music. There always will be. So how can you fail at something that is perpetually in a state of flux? You will never know everything. Never learn everything. Or be competent at everything. And that is more than okay. It's freeing. Better still, it is a chance for you to try something new.
That being said, whenever I get stuck - I find it helpful to turn to the words and experience of others. Whether it's learning a new skill. Or just reminding myself that people further down the road than I am, have faced the same struggles and insecurities. The music community is more welcoming than we've been led to believe. I've been so encouraged by the many people who have supported me when I've reached out. This post is a step towards extending the same generosity that has been shown to me.
If you're a musician who feels they want to pursue music professionally, go for it. Whatever the odds.
Life is much too short not to try things,
whatever the outcome.
We might as well spend our time doing the things that bring us joy. This industry is a marathon not a sprint, as they say. So read the books, find the interviews of composers you admire, watch the YouTube tutorials, talk to people who've done what you hope to do. You never know what may happen or who may be listening whilst you're evolving at your pace in your lane. I'm still early in my journey as a composer, but these are some books that have really helped me. I hope they'll do the same for you.
Remember, we all rise when we help each other.
📚 📖 READING LIST 📖 📚
On The Track by Fred Karlin
This book is fantastic. Filled with practical advice and insights. From spotting sessions with your director, terminologies, budgets & schedules to interviews with award winning composers . There are even extracts of sheet music from film scores like Harry Potter, Gladiator, Signs and more.)
So You Want To Become A Media Composer? https://amzn.eu/d/00IVuWkM
Another up to date winner. With interviews with the pros; composers, performers, industry execs, sound engineers, etc)
Women's Music For The Screen by Felicity Wilcox https://amzn.eu/d/01eoYKrW
There is still a long way to go when it comes to gender equality in the music industry. Whether you're a female identifying composer or just looking to research the fantastic work these women are creating, this book is a must. From Rachel Portman, to Hildur Gudnadottir, Mica Levi etc.
Film Music by Kenneth Lampl https://amzn.eu/d/0cPT6MMk
I found this book in Waterstones and I really love it. I've turned to it a lot as I work on my first indie film score. Topics cover: the history of music in hollywood, world music, music for animation, the language of film music, the creative team (composer, music editor, orchestrator etc), the creative process, technology & creativity, the future of film scoring. Includes some truly fantastic interviews with Rachel Portman, Kris Bowers (Bridgerton), Pinar Toprak and Natatlie Holt (Loki).
Composing for the Screen by Scott W. Hallgren https://amzn.eu/d/04KNIHIR
A well laid out book by Routledge, with the balance more on navigating the business side of this job.
The Struggle Behind The Soundtrack by S. Eicke https://amzn.eu/d/0awMnJwR
An exploration on the current landscape of film music, the challenges and difficulties that arise. Favourite pages for me have covered royalties, contracts, sample music and debates on the value of music education. I'm largely self taught so Danny Elfman's thoughts on this were hugely inspiring.
Music Composition for dummies by Scott Jarrett https://amzn.eu/d/0gMoz4RY
If, like me, sight reading and music theory isn't your natural forte, this is actually a good basic insight to terms, chord progressions, rhythms, keys, harmonising, orchestration & resources.
This Is Your Brain On Music by Daniel Levitin https://amzn.eu/d/0fRG3Jm8
Written by a neuroscientist & psychologist, this was recommended to me by a recording engineer who had a copy in his studio. A unique investigation on mankind & our historic intrinsic connection to music.
The Piano by Susan Tomes https://amzn.eu/d/0jbKh3VT
The piano is my main instrument and the one I lose all sense of time with. I found this wonderful book in a beautiful store, Daunt books in Marylebone. This covers classical pianists like Bach, Mozart, Fanny Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky, through to Erik Satie, Gershwin, Mazie Mullins, and right up to contemporaries like Arvo Part and Philip Glass.
TIP: 🌟 These books were mostly second-hand buys. Try sites like www.booksprice.co.uk or Ebay.
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What books have helped you in your musical journey?
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