Music ComposerGroup 21

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Music composing as a career “The music industry helps to translate an

artist’s vision” (quoted) Career VS Art

Basic images of this career: Unstable High-standard Small field A narrow path

Basic types: Non-commercial vs. commercial Non-commercial

concert world -serious contemporary pieces

Commercial

Profile of a composer: Flexible working hours Independent Unstable income

Entry requirement Personal qualities required:

Interest Passion

Entry requirement Personal qualities required

Introvert (opposite of outgoing) Creativity Inspiration

Entry requirement Personal qualities required

Gift from God or Talent Able to present your idea in music Confidence Punctual Personal taste

Entry requirement Skills

knowing at least one instrument Studied music theory Musicianship IT Sharing aesthetics Values to the audience

Entry requirement Fortune Opportunity

Training Schools (Art music) Private teachings

Source of income Commission Teaching Grants

Earning Capacity Importance of fame/reputation Higher degree of reputation, higher the

commission

Career path Competitions Research on the market Networking Demo recording

Forms of employment Mainly contractual Commission based Very few staff composers Freelance

Related people for this career Other composers Performer Technicians Recording companies Mass media Audience

Job Market Demand Supply Competition

Interviewees: Least commercial to most commercial

Dr H Y Chan Dr. Joshua Chan Chan-Fiona Chung (postgraduate) Samson Young (postgraduate) Edmond Tsang

Dr. H Y Chan Part-time composer Teaching in tertiary institution not easy to run, better to run outside HK Ideal vs. Reality

Dr. Joshua Chan From a performer to a composer Part-time composer Teaching in tertiary institution “Came to a crossing/crossroads” Situation in HK

Fiona Chung not yet having a clear direction trying to compose large variety of works Searching period

Samson Young Growth under Australian education Aspect-serious music A special path Networking

Edmond Tsang Commercial-orientated Main concerns

Advertisement films pop songs

Fortune Qualification not too essential

Using ideology of business to see music as a career Commercial music

dominates in HK Fresh sharing:

Composing need to help promoting of a pop singer.

Entered the commercial world Not clear at the beginning Pass a few crossroads Art-culture Fame-fortune-opportunity Reality Balance between art and commerce

Prospects Trainings Organizations Internet Local vs. Overseas Getting protection New trends Situation in Hong Kong

Conclusion Worth to study music composing Career planning: requires a practical

approach Ideal vs. Reality

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