How to Submit Your Music Idea to a Composer for a Movie Score

Perhaps you have a unique musical idea that you believe would enhance a movie's score. You may be wondering: How can I send my music idea to an experienced composer for it to be possibly used? While direct submission can be challenging, there are several effective strategies you should consider.

Direct Submission: An In-Person Approach

One potential approach is to meet and work in-person with a composer. If you happen to know someone in the industry, you might arrange a meeting to discuss your idea and share some of your musical work. This can be a powerful way to get direct feedback and also make a lasting impression.

However, it is important to remember that unless you have established connections within the music industry, direct submission can be very difficult. As songwriters often say, your chances of getting a composer to listen to your submission can be very slim.

Working Through a Publisher

For a greater chance of success, it is highly recommended to work through a music publisher. The music publishing industry is vast, with many top-tier composers and film soundscapes relying on publishers to find new and exciting material. Publishers have established connections, can shop your songs, and increase your reach significantly.

Here are some key steps to follow when approaching music publishers:

Establish Your Work: Ensure you have a well-polished, high-quality body of work. This should include printed lyrics and a professional audio format like an MP3 on a CD. Submit your work in the exact format requested by the publisher, even if it is a hassle. Contact Multiple Publishers: Research and reach out to multiple publishers to increase your chances. Remember, persistence is crucial in this process. Polish Your Work: Continuously seek ways to enhance your music. This might involve collaborating with better vocalists or guitar players, tweaking a bridge or intro, or refining your overall composition. The goal is to make your music as compelling as possible.

Creating Your Demo Reel

Another essential step in the process is creating a compelling demo reel. A demo reel is a compilation of your best work, showcasing your talent and unique style. It is an effective way to demonstrate your abilities to potential collaborators and publishers.

Here is what you should include in your demo reel:

Diverse Genres: Include a variety of musical styles to show your versatility. Professional Production: Make sure your recordings are high-quality. Outdated or low-quality demos can hurt your chances. Unique Approach: Let your personal touch come through in your music. Originality is key.

When preparing your demo reel, ensure that it reflects your raw emotions and genuine performance. Sometimes, the original demos can be the best representation of your work. They can capture the true emotion and passion behind the music, which is often more compelling than overly produced tracks.

Final Thoughts: Persistence and Authenticity

Success in the music industry is often a result of persistence and authenticity. Keep refining your craft and sharing your music with the world. Remember, many of the most successful songwriters have gone through a lengthy process of improvement and persistence.

If you are passionate about your music and willing to put in the effort, you can increase your chances of success. Whether you choose to submit directly or work through a publisher, the key is to continuously improve and stay true to your vision.

Good luck on your musical journey, and remember that persistence is one of the keys to success.