Career Choice in Music?

2009-05-14 03:51 pm

If I had any job, I would want to write music for Nintendo. However, since I am only 11 and really have no idea how to do this in the first place, I would like to pose the following question: Does anyone know how to do this? I know I don't.

Re: Career Choice in Music?

Reply #1 – 2009-05-15 12:13 am

G'day, and welcome to the forum...

It seems to me that you've selected a fairly narrow path. One that mightn't live up to your expectations.

From what I've heard of music written for games, it is fairly repetitive, and ultimately boring (probably 'cos of its repetitive nature). I find it difficult to imagine a truly creative composer being satisfied with that as a career. A search of the 'net (Google is your friend) will probably turn up any number of forums and other resources that will help you research this. Also, an approach to Nintendo may find a sympathetic "ear".

That said, it is sad but true that in this modern age, the proportion of musicians who make really good money in their craft is about the same as the proportion of penguins that can fly: one in a zillion...

I'm not trying to discourage you, but to suggest that if you want to really leave a mark then you'll need to really knuckle down and become truly excellent in your chosen vocation. I, for one, am not a professional musician and even though I do take great pleasure and much joy in playing, I must make my living in other ways- there aren't many openings for trombone players...

As you are only 11 I suggest you pursue your passion in music and become as good as you can, but also keep open to other things that take your interest. I have contact with many professional musicians, some are absolutely brilliant, but they all teach in order to keep a roof over their heads. Now, teaching music is not a bad thing, but it doesn't really pay that well. Even so, if you can be good enough, you can make it, but it will take true commitment.

Pursue your dreams! You can make them come true.

Here are a couple of links that may help:
http://www.gamasutra.com/features/19990625/composing_01.htm
http://www.dmoz.org/Games/Video_Games/Music/Composers/
http://www.dmoz.org/Games/Video_Games/Music/

Re: Career Choice in Music?

Reply #2 – 2009-05-15 03:11 am

Try contacting Tom Lewandowski at Quest Studios.

http://www.queststudios.com/information/about.html
Then link to the Home page for the Contact link.

Tom makes a living writing for computer games - mostly for Sierra On-Line.
He may be able to give you some leads.

------------------
Barry Graham
Mebourne, Australia

Re: Career Choice in Music?

Reply #3 – 2009-05-16 04:25 pm

Shoot for the stars.

A great place to start composing is humming tunes that you hear in your head and then picking them out on the piano. Now write down anything you can think of from staff notation to just letter names of notes and see if someone else can play it. It is ok if you have to explain the rhythm.

If you enjoy doing this, keep doing it and start learning how to write music on a staff. Meet more people and add more parts. Going to music school is an option.