Composer

Tasks & duties

Composers may do some or all of the following:

• create new music or rewrite existing music
• express ideas and feelings in music
• combine instruments and voices in pieces of music
• explore ideas using their imagination and the sounds of the environment
• communicate with performers and clients to get the desired result
• write music in the standard form read by musicians
• have their music performed and/ or recorded

Skills & knowledge

Composers need to have:

• an understanding of musical theory and techniques
• knowledge of a range of musical instruments, including the voice, and an understanding of how they work
• knowledge of the voice, harmony, melody, rhythm and texture
• knowledge of the history and development of music
• knowledge of recording methods
• an awareness of OOS (Occupational Overuse Syndrome) and how to prevent it
• musical ability including the ability to read, write, analyse, and communicate through music
• good communication skills
• organisational and planning skills
• computer skills, if they choose to use a computer as an aid in composing music

Composers who write compositions for other cultures also need to know about different sounds and customs surrounding the performance of music in those cultures.

Entry requirements

To become a composer you need to have a broad knowledge of musical instruments and a good level of musical ability.

Secondary education

There are no specific secondary educational requirements; however, Bursary or NCEA equivalent music is useful.

Tertiary education

A music degree or diploma, or a Masters in composition is useful for people wanting to become a composer.

Training on the job

Practical experience and skills are gained on the job. During rehearsals, composers also learn about performance problems that musicians experience with their compositions.

Useful experience

Useful experience for composers includes:

• experience playing music in a band, group or orchestra
• music teaching or tutoring
• listening to different styles of music
• life experience such as travel abroad
• an interest in other art forms such as literature, poetry or painting

For more information, please refer to Career Services.