Having worked as a composer on numerous projects myself, I have gained valuable experience and insights which I have condensed into 7 tips for filmmakers and those who are new to the world of custom music.

1. Be clear about what you want

Before you start looking for a composer, make sure you have a clear idea of what you want in terms of style, tone and overall musical direction for your project, such as the need for particular instruments or sound effects.

Without a clear direction, it might be challenging to find a composer whose skills and expertise align with your project's goals. By taking the time to define your vision, you will be better equipped to identify potential candidates who are a good match for your project. By being clear about your expectations from the outset, you will increase the chances of finding a composer who can deliver the sound and feel that you're looking for, ultimately resulting in a more cohesive and impactful final product.

2. Provide Reference Tracks

 
It's important to keep in mind that musical interpretation can be highly subjective. What one person considers "dark and tense“ may differ from another person's interpretation. Therefore providing reference tracks to your composer is an essential aspect of the creative process. While it is crucial to be clear about your overall vision for the project, reference tracks provide a more tangible representation of the specific sounds and moods that you are trying to capture. This could be an existing film score, stock music or even a playlist of songs that capture the desired mood and atmosphere. 

By providing reference tracks, you are effectively communicating your musical preferences to the composer. It is particularly helpful to point out specific elements of each reference track that you like, such as the instrumentation, rhythm, or overall structure. This can help your composer to better understand your musical tastes and preferences and can provide a starting point for them to develop their own ideas and interpretations.

Reference tracks can also help to facilitate the creative process by providing a starting point for the composer. By being specific about what you like and don't like about each reference track, you can also help to minimize the need for revisions and ensure that the final product meets your expectations.

3. Check their portfolio before hiring

When considering a composer for your project, it's important to take a look at their portfolio and listen to their previous work. By reviewing the composer's portfolio, you can get a sense of their experience and the types of projects they have worked on in the past. You can also listen to their previous work to gain insight into their musical style and range to see if it aligns with your own vision for your project. It's important to keep in mind that every project is unique and the composer may need to adapt their style to suit your specific needs. 

4. Bring them in early in the process 

Bringing your composer in early in the process can be a key factor in achieving a successful musical score for your project. It is also a great way to get insight and guidance regarding the musical direction and you can learn more about the process, especially if you’re new to the custom music workflow. The composer can help you to identify potential musical themes and motifs that can be woven throughout the score and can provide helpful suggestions on how to effectively convey the desired emotions and moods through the music.

5. Discuss budget, timelines and deliverables

Be upfront about your budget and expectations for the project. Make sure you agree on timelines and deliverables upfront, so that both parties are clear on what is expected. This will help ensure that the project is completed on time and to your satisfaction and will avoid any surprises down the line.

6. Respect their creative input

While it's important to be clear about your vision for the project, it's also important to respect the composer's creative input. Remember that they are experts in their field and may have ideas or suggestions that could enhance the final product. Therefore their input can be a valuable asset to the project. By giving the composer room to exercise their own creative input, you can foster a more collaborative and productive working relationship. This can lead to a musical score that is not only aligned with the overall vision for the project, but that also reflects the unique skills and strengths of the composer.

7. Hash out the details of the project and sign a contract

To ensure a successful collaboration with your composer, it's essential to have a clear and open communication from the outset. This means taking the time to hash out all the details of the project before any work begins.

Some key details to address include the expected length of the musical score in terms of screen minutes, ownership and royalty rights, compensation arrangements and deadlines for delivery. By adressing all of these details at the outset, you can help to prevent potential conflicts and ensure a smoother, more successful collaboration.



Finally, make sure you sign a contract that outlines the terms of the agreement. It's not uncommon for composers to have their own legal contracts that they prefer to use before they begin to work on a project. These contracts protect both parties by clearly outlining the scope of the work and provide a clear framework for the project.

Hiring a composer can be a game-changer when it comes to elevating your video content with custom music. By following these 7 tips, you can help ensure a successful collaboration that delivers the results you're looking for.