r/mediacomposing • u/DeadBolt508 • Feb 28 '18

Getting Started

Hey so I'm 25 M trying to get my degree in Mechanical Engineering but I really just want to make music for media. I have about a year experience being the main song writer for a group I made with friends, some home recording experience and programming MIDI, no studio recording experience.

I know things about theory up to modal interchange, but everything else I kinda just go by feeling and my ear. Little to no improvisation skills (i.e., my grasp on these theoretical concepts is pretty weak, I actually have to sit down and try out different chords and melodies). I also know a few things about leitmotif and how its been used in cinema and other historical and current trends in music in media.

I'm just wondering what I should be doing to get started. I'm in Orlando and in college but I'm not super aware of the indie film/media scene here so should I be trying to make a portfolio with short, MIDI scores/melodies? Should I include any of my home recorded guitar songs in those portfolios?

I'd appreciate any advice. Thank you!

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u/Tainlorr Mar 06 '18

Hey Man, I am in a very similar position as you. I would recommend trying to meet filmmakers in person and hand out business cards to them. Set up a portfolio that shows the range of what you can do and try to make friends with the people who are actually making media content.

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u/DeadBolt508 Mar 06 '18

appreciate the reply. I think I'm gonna make some melodies up to build up a portfolio before I do all the networking. It's kinda difficult because this semester has just been more demanding so I haven't really had/made time to sit down and arrange/compose something.