Music Composition

TL;DR

What it is: Creating original music tracks for various media projects including films, video games, advertisements, podcasts, YouTube content, and commercial licensing libraries.

What you'll do:

• Compose original music based on client briefs or creative direction
• Produce and mix tracks using Digital Audio Workstation software
• Communicate with clients about revisions and musical direction
• Submit compositions to sync licensing libraries for passive income
• Manage project timelines and deliver finished audio files

Time to learn: 12-24 months to build professional-level composition and production skills if practicing 1-2 hours daily. Music theory and DAW proficiency take time to develop.

What you need: Music theory knowledge, a DAW (digital audio workstation), basic recording equipment, and a portfolio of original work showcasing different styles and moods.

What This Actually Is

Music composition as a side hustle means creating original music for clients who need custom tracks or building a catalog of compositions for licensing. You're not just writing melodies on paper-you're producing complete, polished audio files ready for commercial use.

The work spans multiple industries. Content creators need background music for YouTube videos and podcasts. Indie game developers need soundtracks. Small businesses need jingles or brand music. Filmmakers need scores. Wedding videographers need emotional tracks. Meditation apps need ambient music.

You can work on direct commissions where clients hire you for specific projects, or you can create music for stock licensing libraries where you earn royalties every time someone licenses your track. Many composers do both.

This isn't the same as being a performing musician or recording artist. You're creating functional music that serves a purpose-setting a mood, enhancing a scene, or establishing a brand identity. The creative process is collaborative and deadline-driven.

The barrier to entry is lower than it used to be. Affordable DAW software and virtual instruments mean you don't need a recording studio. But the market is saturated, so standing out requires genuine skill, a distinct sound, and business savvy.

What You'll Actually Do

Your daily work varies based on whether you're taking commissions or building a licensing catalog.

For commissioned work, you start by reviewing the client brief. They might send you reference tracks, describe the mood they want, or share video footage that needs scoring. You discuss tempo, instrumentation, length, and revision policy before starting.

Then you compose. You might start with a melody, a chord progression, or a rhythm depending on your process. You layer instruments, arrange sections, and build the track in your DAW. You export a demo and send it to the client for feedback.

Revisions are standard. Clients might want the tempo faster, different instruments, or a completely different emotional direction. You make changes, re-export, and send updated versions until they approve.

Once approved, you deliver the final files in the requested format-usually high-quality WAV or AIFF files. You might also provide stems (individual instrument tracks) if the client requests them.

For licensing work, you compose tracks speculatively without a specific client. You create music in popular categories-corporate background music, emotional piano pieces, upbeat ukulele tracks, cinematic orchestral themes. You upload them to licensing platforms with metadata tags describing mood, tempo, and instrumentation.

You also handle administrative tasks. Registering compositions with performing rights organizations (PROs) to collect royalties. Managing contracts and licensing agreements. Marketing your services through social media or a portfolio website. Following up with clients and building relationships.

The work is solitary. You spend hours in front of your computer refining arrangements and tweaking mixes. Communication happens through email or video calls.

Skills You Need

Music theory is essential. You need to understand chord progressions, scales, harmony, melody, and arrangement. You don't need a formal degree, but you need to know how music works beyond just playing an instrument.

DAW proficiency is non-negotiable. You need to be fluent in at least one major DAW-Logic Pro, Ableton Live, FL Studio, Cubase, or Pro Tools. You should understand MIDI programming, audio recording, mixing, and basic mastering.

Orchestration knowledge helps, especially if you're composing cinematic or game music. Understanding how different instruments blend, their ranges, and how to write realistic parts for virtual instruments makes your compositions sound professional.

Production skills matter as much as composition skills. You need to know how to mix tracks so they sound balanced, use EQ and compression effectively, and create polished final products that match commercial quality standards.

Genre versatility increases your opportunities. Clients need different styles-corporate background music, emotional piano, electronic beats, orchestral scores, acoustic folk, ambient soundscapes. The more styles you can compose convincingly, the more work you can take.

Communication skills are underrated. You need to interpret vague creative direction ("make it feel more hopeful"), explain musical concepts to non-musicians, and manage client expectations about what's possible within their budget.

Business skills help you succeed long-term. Understanding licensing types, negotiating contracts, pricing your work fairly, and marketing yourself effectively separate professional composers from hobbyists.

You don't need perfect pitch or virtuoso performance ability. Many successful composers use MIDI keyboards and virtual instruments. But you do need a trained ear for what sounds good and the technical skills to execute your musical ideas.

Getting Started

Start by choosing and learning a DAW. Many composers use Logic Pro (Mac only), Ableton Live, or FL Studio. Some DAWs offer free trials or entry-level versions. Focus on mastering one rather than jumping between multiple programs.

Build your music theory foundation if it's weak. You can learn through online resources, books, or structured courses. Understanding chord progressions, scales, and basic arrangement principles is crucial.

Invest in essential equipment gradually. You need a MIDI keyboard or controller, decent headphones or studio monitors, and an audio interface. You can start with budget options and upgrade as you earn money. Virtual instruments and sample libraries can be expensive, but free options like Native Instruments Komplete Start provide a starting point.

Create a portfolio of diverse compositions. Aim for 10-15 high-quality tracks showcasing different styles and moods. Focus on the types of music clients actually need-background music for videos, emotional piano pieces, upbeat corporate tracks, ambient soundscapes. Avoid niche experimental music that doesn't serve commercial purposes.

Set up basic online presence. Create a simple website or use a platform like SoundCloud or Bandcamp to host your portfolio. You need an easy way for potential clients to hear your work.

Start small with your first projects. Take lower-paying work on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork to build testimonials and experience. Early projects help you understand client communication, revision processes, and realistic timelines.

Submit tracks to licensing libraries. Platforms like AudioJungle, Pond5, or Songtradr accept submissions. This creates passive income potential while you build your commission-based client work. Rejection is common initially-libraries have quality standards.

Study commercial music in your target niche. If you want to compose for YouTube creators, listen to popular background music tracks. If you want to score games, study game soundtracks. Understanding what clients want helps you create marketable compositions.

Network in communities where potential clients gather. Join subreddits or Discord servers for indie game developers, filmmakers, or content creators. Contribute helpfully rather than just promoting yourself.

Income Reality

Income varies dramatically based on your skill level, niche, client type, and how you monetize your work.

Direct commissions typically pay per project. Simple background music for a YouTube video might pay $100-$300. A full soundtrack for an indie game could pay $1,000-$10,000 depending on the number of tracks and the developer's budget. Custom music for a corporate video or advertisement might range from $500-$5,000.

Freelance platforms show hourly rates ranging from $25-$150 per hour for established composers. Beginners often start at $25-$40 per hour. Experienced composers with strong portfolios charge $75-$150+ per hour.

Licensing library income is passive but unpredictable. You might earn $5-$50 per license depending on the platform and license type. Some composers earn $200-$500 monthly from licensing libraries. Others with large catalogs and popular tracks earn $2,000-$5,000+ monthly. It takes time to build a catalog that generates consistent income.

Per-minute rates for finished music range widely. Some composers charge $50-$150 per finished minute. Film and game composers might charge $500-$1,000+ per minute for high-end work. Budget projects pay much less.

Sync licensing placements in TV, film, or commercials can pay anywhere from $500 to $10,000+ per placement depending on the production budget and how the music is used. These opportunities are competitive and often require representation by a music library or publisher.

Royalties provide ongoing income if your music gets used in broadcast media. You register with a performing rights organization (PRO) like ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC to collect performance royalties. This income is supplementary and unpredictable.

Location doesn't directly affect rates since the work is remote, but clients in higher-cost markets (US, UK, Western Europe) typically have bigger budgets than clients in developing markets.

Most composers working this as a side hustle report earning $500-$2,000 monthly in the first year while building their portfolio and client base. Composers with established reputations and diverse income streams (commissions plus licensing) can earn $3,000-$8,000+ monthly part-time.

The income is inconsistent. You might have a $3,000 month followed by a $400 month. Building reliable recurring income through licensing helps smooth out the variability.

Note: Platforms may charge fees or commissions. We don't track specific rates as they change frequently. Check each platform's current pricing before signing up.

Where to Find Work

General freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr have dedicated music and audio categories. You create a profile showcasing your portfolio and bid on projects. Competition is intense, but beginners often land their first paid work here.

Music-specific freelance platforms like Twine connect composers with clients looking for audio professionals. These platforms typically have higher-quality clients and better-paying projects than general freelance sites.

Licensing libraries and stock music sites like AudioJungle, Pond5, Musicbed, and Artlist accept composer submissions. You upload tracks, and they handle marketing and licensing to customers. You earn royalties when your music is licensed. Approval isn't guaranteed-these platforms have quality standards.

Sync licensing platforms like Songtradr connect composers with opportunities for music placement in media. You submit your catalog, and clients can browse and license your tracks directly.

Beat marketplaces like BeatStars and Airbit cater to producers creating beats for rappers and artists. If you work in hip-hop, trap, or electronic genres, these platforms provide direct-to-artist sales opportunities.

Industry-specific communities offer networking opportunities. Game developer forums and Discord servers, filmmaker communities on Reddit, YouTube creator groups, and podcast communities all have members who need music.

Cold outreach can work if done thoughtfully. Identify indie game developers, YouTube channels, or production companies whose work you admire. Send personalized messages offering your services without being pushy. Include relevant portfolio samples.

Referrals from satisfied clients become your best source of work over time. Deliver quality work and maintain good communication, and clients recommend you to others or hire you for repeat projects.

Social media platforms, particularly Instagram and Twitter, help showcase your work and attract clients. Share snippets of compositions, behind-the-scenes content, and engage with potential clients in your niche.

Common Challenges

Client communication is often vague and subjective. They say they want "epic" music or something that "feels more emotional" without specific direction. Learning to ask clarifying questions and interpret abstract creative feedback takes practice.

Revision requests can be endless without clear boundaries. Some clients request unlimited revisions, changing direction repeatedly. Setting revision limits in your contracts protects your time.

Underpricing your work is tempting when starting out. Competing on price rather than quality leads to burnout and attracts difficult clients. Finding the balance between competitive rates and fair compensation is difficult.

Standing out in a saturated market takes time. Thousands of composers compete for the same projects. Building a unique sound, developing a strong portfolio, and marketing yourself effectively are ongoing challenges.

Inconsistent income creates financial stress, especially when bills are predictable but project work isn't. Managing cash flow and building savings during high-earning months helps survive slow periods.

Technical learning never stops. DAWs update, new plugins release, production techniques evolve, and client expectations increase. You need to invest time in continuous learning to stay competitive.

Copyright and licensing confusion causes problems for beginners. Understanding exclusive vs non-exclusive licenses, work-for-hire agreements, and royalty collection requires research. Mistakes can cost you money or lead to legal issues.

Balancing creative vision with client demands frustrates many composers. You might compose something you're proud of, but the client wants something completely different. The work is commercial, not personal art.

Imposter syndrome is common, especially when comparing your work to professional film composers or famous artists. Remember that commercial music composition values versatility and reliability as much as artistic brilliance.

Tips That Actually Help

Set clear project parameters before starting work. Define the number of revisions included, the length of the composition, the delivery timeline, and the licensing terms in writing. This prevents scope creep and misunderstandings.

Build a diverse portfolio that shows range. Don't just compose music you personally enjoy-create tracks that demonstrate you can handle different moods, tempos, and genres that clients actually need.

Study reference tracks the client provides carefully. If they send you examples of music they like, analyze the instrumentation, tempo, arrangement style, and mood. Matching the reference direction increases approval rates.

Organize your DAW sessions and file management systems from the start. Clear labeling, version control, and organized project folders save time when clients request changes weeks after delivery.

Join a performing rights organization (ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC) early to collect performance royalties. Registration is typically free, and you don't want to miss royalty payments from aired work.

Invest in a few high-quality virtual instruments rather than buying everything. One good orchestral library, a solid piano, and a versatile synth will serve you better than 50 mediocre plugins.

Batch similar work when possible. If you're creating tracks for licensing libraries, spend dedicated sessions composing multiple corporate background tracks or several emotional piano pieces. This workflow is more efficient than jumping between styles constantly.

Learn basic mixing and mastering. You don't need to be an audio engineer, but your compositions should sound clean and professional. Poorly mixed tracks lose you work even if the composition is strong.

Network genuinely in creative communities. Help others, share knowledge, and build relationships rather than just promoting yourself. Genuine connections lead to referrals and collaborations.

Keep learning by analyzing successful commercial music. When you hear background music in a video or advertisement, study what makes it effective. This develops your ear for what works commercially.

Start building your licensing library early. Even when taking commission work, dedicate time to creating tracks for passive licensing income. This diversifies your revenue streams.

Is This For You?

Music composition works well as a side hustle if you already have music skills and production knowledge. If you're starting from zero, the learning curve is steep-expect 12-24 months of dedicated practice before you're creating commercially viable tracks.

You need patience for business development. The first few months involve building your portfolio, learning client communication, and establishing your presence. Income starts slow.

This suits people who enjoy solitary creative work. You'll spend most of your time alone composing and producing. If you need constant social interaction, the isolation might be challenging.

The work fits flexible schedules well. You can compose in the evenings or on weekends around a full-time job. Deadlines exist, but you control when you do the actual work.

If you're pursuing this purely for creative freedom, adjust expectations. Commercial composition serves client needs first. Your artistic vision matters less than delivering what the client wants.

Technical learning is ongoing. If you hate troubleshooting software, learning new tools, or keeping up with production techniques, you'll struggle with the constant evolution in music technology.

This can grow beyond side hustle income if you want it to. Composers who treat it seriously, continuously improve their skills, and build strong client relationships can transition to full-time work over 2-3 years.

The combination of creative satisfaction and practical income potential makes music composition appealing if you have the skills and temperament for it. Just approach it as a business that requires consistent effort, not just a fun creative outlet.