What does a Music Editor do?
Part sound editor, part project manager, and part musician, the music editor is an all-rounder who oversees the creative, technical, and logistical aspects of composing and implementing music in film and TV. With numerous duties including attending the initial spotting sessions, keeping the composer updated on picture edits, creating temporary soundtracks to assist in test screenings, and representing the interests of the composer in the final dubbing sessions, music editors guide the music from its conception to the final mix.
The scoring process begins with spotting sessions, initial meetings in which the composer and director discuss the number, placement, and content of musical pieces, or "cues," in the film or show.
At a Glance
As a film and TV sound editor, music editors share a similar career trajectory with effects editors and dialogue editors. Unlike the other two varieties of film sound editor, however, music editors tend to be a bit further along in their careers and must possess a certain degree of musical training in order to communicate with composers and choose temp music.
Many music editors start their careers as interns, apprentices, or assistants working in recording studios, mixing studios, sound-editing houses, or major film studios. With experience and connections, music editors can climb the ladder in their department.
Aspiring music editors should look for internships and apprenticeships with the post-production audio departments of major film studios, or with independent post-production studios that cater to the film and television industry. Additionally, both independent audio houses and film studios offer entry-level positions, although they're unlikely to be in music editing. Networking can be important for music editors, insofar as it helps them meet working film and TV composers and create a rapport.
- Music composition
- Deep understanding of musical storytelling
- Familiarity with film music and genre conventions
- Audio editing
- Audio mixing
- DAWs
- Pro Tools
- Listening
- Organization
- Written and spoken communication
- Good under pressure
Music editors must be technical, organized, and creative. Similar to a project manager, much of their job revolves around organizing and distributing information. However, they also have to make their fair share of tough creative decisions, whether it's choosing how to cut a cue in order to make it fit a scene or selecting the most effective temp music to underscore an emotional scene.
Some music editors keep standard business hours, while others put in 70- to 80-hour weeks, especially as deadlines loom during post-production on a major film. In-house editors usually work out of an office, while freelancers may work from home or—more likely—commute to a film studio's sound editing space. Most music editors can expect to work nights and weekends—this is Hollywood, after all—and some travel is possible.
