How to become a composer: Grace's story

a young woman sits at a desk with computers and music composition technology

It's such an amazing thing to hear a piece of music you have written be brought to life.

Age

Hands of a young woman, Grace, typing on a computer keyboard to write music

What is your job?

My job is to write music. I use computers to help me arrange my ideas into new pieces of music. I make a manuscript of the music, which is all the notes and how they should be played. I put this into a computer to listen to the music back. Then when I’ve heard the music, I can make changes to it, and print it out for musicians to play.

What inspired you ?

I have always loved making music. When I was four, I started playing the keyboard. I then started the trombone and clarinet when I was seven. I liked to improvise, which is to express myself by creating new rhythms and melodies that I hadn’t heard before. When I was 14, I started writing my own music as a hobby because I really enjoyed it. I didn’t realise it could become a career!

Best thing about your job?

When I won the ��tv Young Composer of the Year competition. I was 18 and it was really exciting. It was the first time I heard my music being performed.

Grace writes musical notes onto sheet paper

Top tips

Write the music that you enjoy to listen to. Have fun with it, test it and find out what works for you. Try to learn new things and to listen to different kinds of music.

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A composer is also known as a musician. Musicians create or perform different types of music, from classical to pop and rock.

What to expect if you want to be a musician

Musician average salary: Variable.
Musician typical working hours: 34 to 36 hours per week. Be prepared for long and unsociable hours at times.

What qualifications do you need to be a musician?

You could get into this role via a university course, a college course, applying directly or specialist courses run by private training organisations.

Sources: LMI for All, National Careers Service

This information is a guide and is constantly changing. Please check the for the latest information and all the qualifications needed.

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