“Establishing Yourself” for the Undergraduate: The Importance of Community, Feedback, and Continued Learning
I have been getting questions from undergraduate students asking for thoughts on how they can establish themselves in composition. Unfortunately, there is no simple or quick answer to these questions. In today's world of social media and blog posts, where anyone (including myself) can share their opinions, it is essential to use your critical thinking skills when evaluating information that may seem like a "5 easy steps" solution. While I am sure there are “Tips and Tricks” that are worth considering as a practical entry point and habit development, the answers to the establishment question depend heavily on the individual's situation and context. The solutions are just as diverse as the people and the stories they represent. However, there are a few vital aspects that you can consider to help you transition into the professional world and not harm your chances of success. I am not going to talk specifically about musical concepts you should know, how to approach a publisher, or composition tools. I believe that those skills by which you will apply expertise should be continually honed and there is plenty of information you can google for all of that.
Develop your citizenship and community skills:
Developing relationships with other musicians in your music school who can support you as a writer is essential. This can be with large ensemble directors or your peers in a student-driven chamber ensemble who need music. The music industry is all about community, so building a network of supportive and like-minded people is vital. But it’s not just about building a network to support yourself; it is also about being there to support those who have supported you and helping to lift them to the next level in their career. Anyone who has what you view as a successful career in music has not made it there alone. A never-ending array of intersecting circles constantly evolves as you make your way through a professional life.
Share your work while you are working:
It is important to ask for critical feedback from your professors and peers while studying in a music school. This provides you with the opportunity to receive constructive feedback from people who are invested in your development as a musician. Almost all of your professors have likely practiced composition in some way, and all great musicians transcribe, analyze, and research. It is crucial to get feedback from multiple sources, as everyone has a different perspective. You will find that it is essential to get more than one set of feedback as everyone, even your professors, evaluates music from different perspectives. In the age of social media, it is easy to get lost in the chorus of voices and accept the generalizations of the masses as approval or disapproval. However, growth is often not general, and an individual's growth and trajectory can easily be missed or dismissed by the masses. It is important to take the time to sit down, understand how and why someone has the opinion that they have, and learn to accept and understand these opinions as their perspective and experience to where they are on their journey. Doing so will help you develop your own philosophy of composition. Share your work, even when it is unfinished, and listen to the feedback.
Relativity exists in success also:
Like any career, becoming a “successful” composer is a process that requires time and effort. Mostly time. It is the byproduct of everything else you are doing when you are not writing music and it includes who you are and how you operate when you are not writing. Every composer has their unique path to what you perceive as success, which is achieved with the help and support of the community they surround themselves with. They continue to learn and improve, collaborate with their peers, and inspire the next generation of composers/musicians. Even experienced composers experience self-doubt and imposter syndrome, but if one is passionate about what they do and has a love for learning, one should think of their career as a journey that keeps expanding outward instead of just reaching a destination. If you think linearly, it is important to also note that there will be moments of triumph and moments where you are still determining if you can continue into the next month. This expansion (growth) process is just that - an expansion of the skills, growth, and knowledge one acquires. Growth is often uncomfortable and remains uncomfortable, but you do get more used to being in that uncomfortable state the more you practice. Who you are changes much more slowly, and so as your career expands, so do your hopes and dreams. Yes, there is a constant reevaluation of where you stand, and it is important to look back and remind yourself of the successes. Something one can have control over is to enjoy the moments they know they are thankful for. Don’t move the bar so fast that you can’t accept the momentary achievements. Even if one aspires to do more in the future, they should not let those aspirations forsake the moments they are currently in.
Check out this podcast for more practical advice!
I know this blog doesn’t contain the “5 easy steps” or action items you can take. That is because I believe that the key to “establishing yourself” as a composer is not something I think can be quickly answered, and the establishment of one’s career is a goal that constantly changes the more that you learn and grow. I try not to see “establishment” as a goal. It is the result of doing the other work well. Yes, it requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and persistence. But so do most of the things you will find worthwhile in your life. However, you can set yourself on the path to success by developing relationships, asking for critical feedback, and continuing to grow as a musician and person. Remember, in this guy’s opinion, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to establishing yourself as a composer. Context is critical, so focus on traveling your unique journey and continuing to expand outward. Have faith and humility, and continue to broaden your worldview in and outside of music.
Sustainability is an entirely different topic for another blog post.
