High School

There is no specific course of training that will help you to become a composer. Many composers begin composing at a very early age and receive tutoring and training to encourage their talent. Musically inclined students should continue their private studies and take advantage of everything musical their high school offers. Gifted students usually find their way to schools or academies that specialize in music or the arts. These students may begin learning composition in this special environment, and some might begin to create original compositions.

Postsecondary Education

After high school, you can continue your education in any of numerous colleges and universities or special music schools or conservatories that offer bachelor’s and advanced degrees. Your course of study will include music history, music criticism, music theory, harmony, counterpoint, rhythm, melody, and ear training. In most major music schools courses in composition are offered along with orchestration and arranging. Courses are also taught covering voice and the major musical instruments, including keyboard, guitar, and, more recently, synthesizer. Most schools now cover computer techniques as applied to music as well. It is also helpful to learn at least one foreign language; German, French, and Italian are good choices.

Other Education or Training

The American Composers Forum offers workshops and other learning opportunities. Past workshop topics included copyright law and writing music for film. The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers offers workshops that cover topics such as songwriting, film scoring, and musical theatre scoring. The Society of Composers & Lyricists offers seminars and other continuing education opportunities on music technology, industry trends, and other topics. The Songwriters Guild of America offers songwriting workshops in a variety of cities. Contact these organizations for more information.

Certification or Licensing

There are no certification or licensing requirements for composers.

Extensive experience writing music and playing at least one instrument is highly recommended for people who want to enter this career. Attending a musical institution is not a requirement for becoming a composer, nor is it any guarantee of success. Some say that composing cannot be taught, that the combination of skills, talent, and inspiration required to create music is a highly individualized phenomenon. Authorities have argued on both sides of this issue without resolution. It does appear that genetics plays a strong part in musical ability: Musical people often come from musical families. There are many contradictions of this, however, and some authorities cite the musical environment as being highly influential. The great composers were extraordinarily gifted, and it is very possible that achieving even moderate success in music requires special talent. Nevertheless, you will not be successful unless you work extremely hard and remain dedicated to improving your compositional talents at every opportunity. Prospective composers are also advised to become proficient on at least one instrument.