AboutPhil Kelly Expertise I`m a semi-retired professional music arranger with over thirty five years in all phases of the commercial music production business. I can try to answer questions regarding music arranging, theory, orchestration , and/or composition for most acoustic ensembles .( jazz band or orchestral ) I can try to offer suggestions about studio music recording procedures and some basic MIDI applications , too. In the course of my career I`ve worked with such artists as Doc Severinsen and the old Tonight Show Band, Bill Watrous, Buddy Greco, John Gary, Mel Torme, Julius LaRosa, as well as the Pop programs of the Fort Worth, Dallas, North Carolina, and Houston Symphonies, as well as library music material for ABC, ESPN, and NFL Films.
Question Hi, I am an eighth grade middle school student. I have been composing for about a year and a half. I was just wondering if there are any local young composer competitions for my age group. I live in New Jersey. I guess I would appreciate it if you could look up some competitions, because I couldn't find any. Any orchestra sponsored, or some in New York or surrounding states would be fine. I want to become a famous or sort-of famous composer, so any advice on doing that? Thanks.
Answer Hi Lara:
Congratulations on your composing career so far! You've set yourself on a path that will provide you with a lifelong learning curve as you progress through the oncoming stages of musical discovery.
As to your question regarding composer competitions, both ASCAP and BMI sponsor composer contests as well as the following link I found on Google:
you don't specify what genre(s) of composition you currently feel comfortable with at this point ( i.e. pop, jazz, MIDI music, classical, etc ), but as you'll soon see, there are competitions for almost any genre .
As to becoming a "sort of famous" composer, you must continue to learn new things to improve your music ,and settle upon the types of music that appeal to you. The point of music is not to "win", but to satisfy yourself ( and hopefully others ) with your music!
I myself, happen to be a totally "non famous" composer, but I've made a decent living for over 40 years writing all kinds and styles of music for film, TV ,and live performances!
