3 Reasons why you WON’T make it as a media composer
Ah! You made it! I knew you would. Welcome to the Vault—glad to have you here! You’re in for a real start because today, I’m calling out three big mistakes that are definitely holding you back from making serious money with your music. So, let’s skip the fluff, crack open the Vault, and grab some real gems that’ll change the game for you.
Reason #1
WHERE ON EARTH IS YOUR MUSIC?!!
Alright, let’s tackle the obvious first: “How will anyone know you’re a composer if your music is collecting digital cobwebs on your hard drive?” Spoiler: They won’t.
When directors or producers are hiring, they’re not psychic. They need a clue—like, “What kind of music does this person even make? Do they vibe with my project?” Think of putting your music online as creating your composer’s CV. No one hires a random stranger off the street shouting, “Hey, I make music!” They check out samples, portfolios, and playlists to see if you fit their needs.
And trust me, a well-organised online presence beats an awkward email with a bunch of random mp3 files. Give them a nice, neat playlist that screams, “This is me, and this is why I’m awesome!” Your music becomes stock—ready for whenever someone asks, “Got any examples?”
And look, what’s the worst that could happen? If your music is good, people will love it, and you’ll start building an audience. If it’s not… well, barely anyone will notice, and you can quietly pretend it never happened. Win-win. Don’t make my mistake—sitting on my music thinking producers would magically discover me. They didn’t. Put it online. It’s free, it’s easy, and it’s your shot at showing the world who you are.
Reason #2
THE WEBSITE-YOUR DIGITAL BATCAVE
Here’s the deal: a website isn’t just cool; it’s practical. Instead of having your music scattered across random platforms like a messy teenager’s room (not mine, my room was always tidy), a website compiles it all in one shiny location. Think of it as your composer vault (see what I did there)—your music, your story, your vibe. All of your jewels, what makes you an artist, in one place.
And no, it doesn’t need to be a flashy, million-dollar production with animations that make visitors feel like they’ve stumbled into a sci-fi movie. Minimalism is your best friend here: a good photo that says, “Yes, I’m a professional, but also approachable,” a snappy bio that tells people who you are without sending them to sleep, and links to your music. Simple, effective, and all about you.
Why is this important? Because your music is more than just notes and melodies; it’s a reflection of who you are and where you come from. When someone listens to your tracks, they’re not just hearing sound—they’re connecting with your story, your emotions, your journey. That’s the magic of music. And a website gives you the space to present that story your way.
Think of it as your storefront. Employers and fans alike can browse, binge, and resonate with your work without the hassle of chasing it across ten different platforms. It’s a one-stop shop that says, “Welcome to my world. Here’s what I’m about.”
And speaking of showing the world what you’re made of… (Segues nicely into…)
Reason #3
YOU ARE WHAT YOU BELIEVE
(That transition was so well done, it’s almost like I planned it)
Ever heard the saying, “You are what you believe”? Well, now you have. If you don’t believe in yourself as a composer, why should anyone else? Spoiler alert: No one successful gets there by thinking, “I’ll probably fail anyway, so why try?”
This industry is hard—you already know that. But self-doubt and imposter syndrome? Kick those to the curb. Imposter syndrome, by the way, is that annoying voice in your head saying, “Who am I to call myself a composer?” Here’s the answer: you’re the person who read this far into my blog, which means you care enough to grow, (or maybe it’s because my writing style is so enticing and intriguing… I don’t know, you be the judge). That’s already a win.
Belief isn’t everything—you need hard work and a bit of luck—but it’s the foundation. If you act like a pro and believe you belong here, people will start believing it too. And trust me, the 9-to-5 life wasn’t built for us creatives anyway. So, start owning your identity as a composer. No apologies.
Conclusion-DON’T BE PAST ME
So, there you have it. My tough-love advice from one composer to another. I used to be the person hoarding my music like a dragon with no treasure map, waiting for the world to just know. They didn’t.
Every successful composer started where you are—unsure, doubting, but determined. And notice something? I didn’t once mention your ability to compose. That’s because talent alone isn’t the golden ticket (we’ll talk about that in future blogs). The composer with average music who puts it out there will beat the secret symphony genius every time.
So, stop waiting. Start posting. Be bold. And come back for more tips because I’ll be dropping knowledge bombs regularly.
Keep composing!
—Theo
P.S. Feedback? Hit me with it—love or hate. Either way, I’m here for it.
Before you go…
Here are a few insightful videos and articles I found that dive into the topics we just discussed. I figured sharing them could save you some time and effort hunting for answers—and they might just hit the nail on the head!
Tips for designing your composer website: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPEmg90weZ4&t=1806s
More website tips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYjTtyvg3d0&t=507s
Change your mindset: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owb4bXPqkCw&list=PL2v60eGladsHEN2O1fgQ8CYgpIJazM3jn&index=39
What it takes to find work as a composer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RIR3PZuzA0
Understanding what being a composer means: https://www.cheskanavarro.com/blog/7-tips-for-thriving-in-the-film-industry-as-a-film-composer (tip#6 specifically, although the article as a whole is a gem!)
