What does a Freelance Composer do?
A freelance composer writes original music for clients and projects across media, performance, education, advertising, games, and other settings. Freelancers may also arrange, orchestrate, produce, record, edit, or deliver stems and notation, depending on the commission. They manage their own briefs, schedules, agreements, rights, revisions, invoicing, and professional relationships.
At a Glance
Although there are no specific educational requirements for working as a freelance composer, most are highly trained with a focus on contemporary composition and production. The first few years as a freelance composer can be challenging, as one is unlikely to have the contacts, reputation, and industry-specific knowledge to find consistent work. However, this is the kind of career that snowballs, and a mid-career freelance composer is likely to have a well-established network of clients and an industry reputation that makes finding work manageable, if not easy. Throughout their careers, freelance composers might flit in and out of more long-term positions, such as at an advertising agency or music production house.
Build a focused portfolio that demonstrates musical range and reliable delivery, then develop relationships with directors, producers, music supervisors, artists, game teams, publishers, and other commissioners. Use clear agreements covering scope, deadlines, revisions, credit, rights, and payment.
- Knowledge of and proficiency in many musical styles
- Writing music to a directive
- Music theory and harmony
- Orchestration
- MIDI, audio editing, and production
- Knowledge of sample libraries
- Basic knowledge of copyright and licensing law
- Written and verbal communication
- Networking and self-promotion
The one thing all freelance composers have in spades is "hustle," the entrepreneurial, forward-looking spirit that enables them to find new opportunities and relish, rather than regret, the uncertainty of their career. Musical flexibility is another must for freelance composers, who might go from making a corporate pump-up track with French horns one minute to collaborating with a songwriter on a track with a cinematic feel the next.
Most freelance composers work out of home studios, where they write, record, mix, and edit custom-composed music for their clients. They set their own hours, and may combine this career with another, such as teaching composition at a school or conservatory.
