Writing and Arranging Music for Television

Q: I have always dreamed of writing music for television and especially for cartoons. Can you give me some basic tips to get started in this area of the music industry? How does a songwriter get his or her foot in the door, and what skills can I learn to help me succeed? 

A: Writing and arranging for Television is both a specialized and somewhat difficult area of the music industry to get into. However, I have found that certain basic skills and experience are very helpful in breaking into this field.

1. First, I would suggest listening (not just watching!!) to television themes, commercials, and the styles and various forms used in each, and how the music interacts with the visual format. This is essential, because so much of writing for TV involves adapting the music to a specific or particular visual effect for say, a commercial or cartoon. This means you should become familiar with many different styles of music writing, and especially older forms, like swing, jazz, classical music, etc. If you don't feel musically experienced or knowledgeable in these styles, find someone who is, and ask them to collaborate with you. I think you'll discover some wonderful things happen when you get creative with another person! Also, experiment using different kinds of instruments to create different colors and effects. Again, if you don't play an instrument, or feel limited in your own playing abilities, find someone who would like to help you explore different instruments and their diverse characteristics. 

2. Second, realize that writing for TV involves a very limited amount of time and space to communicate your musical and lyrical ideas. That is to say, unlike a 3-4 minute song, you may only have 5 or 10 seconds to deliver all you have to say both musically and/or lyrically. This is a challenge to any songwriter/composer, but one that requires a lot of editing and constant reorganizing of your words and/or music. For cartoon composing, sometimes the effect is just one sound or orchestral "hit" to complement the scene. Other times you may have to develop a broader and more elaborate musical setting to fit the direction of the scenes. Practice a lot of sounds, like a timpani that bends to create a humorous effect, or even staccato string lines, that sound mischievous and comical. Something this simple can go very far in complementing a cartoon scene. In addition, I would recommend becoming familiar with samples of sound effects that can be combined with music. This would require investing into some quality sampler and purchasing various sound effects CD's like explosions, gun fire, orchestra hits, and many other sounds. It really is a lot of fun!

3. Finally, I would recommend that if anyone is seriously considering breaking into writing and arranging music for television, to invest into some kind of professional demo that effectively communicates a variety of styles, sounds, and formats for this. Your demo should include short musical segments 5-10 seconds in length, as well as 20-30 second musical themes, ideas and sound effects. Be sure to show your versatility as a composer, utilizing various styles like big band, classical music, etc., as well as more contemporary styles like rock, hip-hop and alternative.Your demo should also display your ability to adapt to different kinds of "mood's," say for example a chase scene, a romance scene, comical scenes, etc., etc. 

Once you have completed a demo, start by submitting it to local TV or radio stations, local college campuses that may be interested in your music, and even small businesses in your area that are taping local commercials or advertisements. You may have to do a few "freebies" before you land a paid job, but word can spread quickly for a talented composer in this field. Most importantly, don't give up, and always try to make yourself available for any and all potential opportunities. Your perseverance will pay off in the long-run!! 

Do's and Don'ts when writing music for TV and Movies:

1. Do a lot of preliminary research: get information from the producer, director, and try to find out specifics about the kind of music they are looking for, and how to best adapt it to the visual format.

2. Do spend time listening to musical examples and styles for the types of music you will be composing. I like to go to the local library and check out a lot of classical, old jazz, big band, ragtime, and other styles of music to get ideas. It's also important to study other similar uses of music for film, TV, and commercials, etc., from other well known composers. 

3. Do prepare small sketches of your musical ideas on your sequencer or computer to see if you are headed in the right direction. Many times you may spend hours and even days scoring for a specific scene or scenes, only to be told by the director that it's not what he was looking for. Directors are also very notorious about changing their mind constantly, and it's worth giving them an idea of where you're headed musically, before you commit to a final arrangement.

4. Don't be ignorant about the type of musical style(s) you are expected to write for. As I mentioned above, if you are not familiar with a certain style, find a musician, or arranger who is, and ask them to help! Remember that first impressions are everything in this business, and a weak presentation may cause a film company, film director, or executive to never call you back, if you can't deliver the goods! 

5. Don't be ignorant about licensing fees, copyright laws, and publishing. Many producers and film companies know that there are a lot of "hungry" composers and writers that will give away their rights for practically nothing. Read books about copyright, licensing your music, (one highly recommended book is Kohn on Music Licensing, published by Aspen Law and Business) and know what typical and current licensing rates are for the type of music you are composing, as well as learn how to read contracts to insure that you don't get ripped off! If you're still not sure or comfortable with the legal jargon, seek out professional advice from a music lawyer or when available, go to our Just Plain Folks mentors for further advice!!

6. Don't be caught off guard by not having musical ideas handy for emergency situations! Often times film and TV producers will call on a last minute notice. They need a certain piece of music finished by a deadline, and will go with whomever can provide them with what they need right then and there. I highly suggest writing short musical ideas and thoughts, then storing them on your sequencer, computer, DAT machine, or cassette. During your "down" time, is when you should be creating and developing all kinds of music. Categorize your material so that it is easily accessible (like music for chase scenes, romantic music, comedy, horror music, etc.) Even if your ideas are not complete, you can let a director hear them (I've even had to do this over the phone!) and you already have a head start. When time is of the essence, this has always been a lifesaver for me! 

7. Finally, and most importantly, DON'T ever stop writing, arranging or composing your ideas and thoughts. It is very easy to get discouraged in this business, and like so many other art-forms, it can be feast or famine. You may have a lot of "down" time, and little or no work, or pay, but keep going, and soon something will break! If you truly want to succeed in this business, you must first have a positive outlook, and believe in yourself and eventually, it will all come to you!! Good luck!

© 1999 Just Plain Folks.

If you know of a link that should be on this page or wish to report a dead or broken link,
please contact the COMBO Webmaster: Click Here

( Home | About COMBO | This Just In... )
( Join Us | The Scene | How To | Contact Us )

© 1999 - 2008 Colorado Music Association, all rights reserved.

Design by JR Media, Maintenance and Hosting by Commotion Music Promotion