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Music Composer

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Real-Life Decision Making

You have composed a musical piece that you are quite proud of. You spent many hours piecing it all together. The piece is different than what you usually write and what you have sold before. That is one of the reasons you love it.

After playing it for your producer, you realize that he is uncomfortable with the piece. It's something very different than you have recorded in the past. Your producer isn't sure if the public will want to buy it.

You explain why you have written the piece in this way. Your producer understands, but reminds you that the public isn't always as understanding. You run the risk of losing the fans that have followed you because they like your particular style of music.

He reminds you that although music composition is an art form, for you it is also a career choice.

You love the piece. It has a lot of meaning for you.

There may be times during the creative process where you have to decide if you are doing it for the money or for the art form. You have to create a musical piece that will sell, but you also have to be inspired.

Buster Alan is a music composer and songwriter. "Regardless of one's aptitude for songwriting, there must be a noteworthy purpose on which to craft a commercially viable song. Without such a purpose, professional songwriting will evade even the most masterful songwriter," he explains.

You know that if you record this, you run the risk that it may not be successful. Your producer says if you change it to be closer to what you have written before, then he is sure it will be profitable.

What do you do?

Contact

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    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900
  • North Dakota Career Resource Network
    ndcrn@nd.gov | (701) 328-9733

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