| If you need original music composed for your next | | | | composer are working on a deadline. Will the |
| project or concert you will first have to select a quality | | | | composer produce a quality composition in the time |
| composer. Here are some pointers to help you find | | | | frame that works for you? Or, is the composer so |
| one. | | | | over-loaded with commissions that he/she will not be |
| 1. Experience - Composing is a skill that develops with | | | | able to complete the music for your project on time? |
| practice. Just like with other skills, experience pays off. | | | | 5. Communication - A quality composer will find out |
| An experienced composer should have a fairly | | | | exactly what type of music you are looking for. If the |
| substantial body of works for you to listen to and | | | | project takes more than a few days to complete, a |
| assess. | | | | good composer will give you updates. Often a |
| 2. Background - Depending on what type of | | | | composer will share a portion of the work before it is |
| composition you are looking for, you may want a highly | | | | completed to make sure it meets your expectations |
| specialized composer or a composer that has been | | | | before moving on. |
| exposed to a large variety of musical styles and | | | | 6. Meeting Your Expectations - Hire a composer that |
| genres. Deciding whether to hire a specialized | | | | will create music that meets your expectations and |
| composer or a jack-of-all-trades composer will depend | | | | desires. A composer that does not meet your |
| largely on your expected audience. Also, consider | | | | specifications and is not willing to change the music |
| what instrument the composer performs on. | | | | because it goes against his/her artistic beliefs, is not a |
| Composers tend to write well for their specific | | | | composer that you want to hire. Art is subjective but |
| performing instrument. Good composers have a | | | | you are paying for it so be sure the composer is |
| working knowledge of multiple instruments. | | | | aiming to please you. |
| 3. Style - Listen to samples of compositions created | | | | 7. Price - As with anything in life, you get what you pay |
| by the composer. Do you like the style that you hear? | | | | for. Find a composer that fits within your budget but |
| Will your audience be able to connect to music in the | | | | don't expect a quality composition for next to nothing. |
| style that you hear? | | | | Also, if you are working on a short timeline, you may |
| 4. Reliability - Most people who need or want to hire a | | | | need to shell out more money. |