Hello music enthusiasts! Have you ever watched a movie or a TV show and found yourself caught up in the perfect music selection for the scene? Have you ever wondered who chooses the music that creates such a compelling atmosphere? Well, those behind-the-scenes enthusiasts are called music supervisors, and if you’re reading this article, chances are you’re considering becoming one. So, whether you’re a musician or a music lover who wants to delve into the world of music supervision, keep reading as we guide you on how to become a music supervisor.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear idea of how to break into the music supervision industry. You’ll know what it takes to succeed, what skills are essential, and what obstacles you might encounter along the way. Whether you’re looking to work on TV shows, movies, or commercials, the information provided here will be invaluable to you. So, expect to finish reading with a clear understanding of what the job entails, how to break into the industry, and what you need to do to set yourself up for success.
Many aspiring music supervisors struggle with finding a comprehensive resource that can guide them through the process of becoming a music supervisor. But fear not, because in this article, we’ve compiled all the essential information you need to kickstart your music supervision career. We’ve gathered insights from experienced music supervisors in the industry and distilled their advice into easy-to-understand steps that have helped many people become successful music supervisors. So, let’s dive right in.
Skills needed to become a music supervisor
Whether you love listening to music or are interested in the production and licensing process, becoming a music supervisor can be a fulfilling career choice. However, just like any career, it requires a certain set of skills to succeed. In this article, we will discuss the necessary skills needed to become a music supervisor.
1. Music Knowledge
To become a music supervisor, you need to have a thorough understanding of the music industry, various music genres, and their respective licensing processes. Having in-depth knowledge of music history and its progression through time is a plus as it would help you engage with various age demographics since different demographics react differently to music depending on their upbringing.
- Understanding of Music Genre: As a music supervisor, you will oversee the music production process for different genres, so a comprehensive understanding of music genres, spanning from classical music, jazz, pop, rock, metal, and others, is paramount.
- Licensing and Royalties: Understanding licensing processes and royalty stakeholders is a core component of a music supervisor’s duties. They need to be familiar with the various licenses, such as sync licenses, mechanical licenses, and public performance rights, among others.
- Music Composition: A music supervisor should have a basic understanding of music composition and songwriting. This knowledge is essential when producing music, choosing soundtracks for specific moments in a production, and negotiating suitable fees.
- Audio Editing Software: Familiarity with Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), software solutions used to edit, mix and replicate sound, is a must for music supervisors.
Some music genres share similarities, and a music supervisor should have the ability to spot these similarities and differences. A great example would be soul music and rhythm and blues, which are commonly referred to as R & B. Soul music is known for its smooth and soothing sound and R & B for its upbeat and danceable rhythm. A music supervisor that is well versed in these genres can choose a suitable genre that would fit a particular scene or moment in a production.
Moreover, music supervisors need to understand royalty types like performance royalties, mechanical royalties, and synchronization royalties, among others. A music supervisor is not only tasked with production, but they are also expected to manage and negotiate fees for the music they acquire. Hence, their knowledge of these licenses and royalties comes in handy when making these deals, saving time and money for both the production house and the artists they work with.
If the music supervisor doesn’t have a composition background, they should collaborate with composers and songwriters, sharing a vision that would bring out the desired feel or message in the piece. Great examples of collaborations with music supervisors include Hans Zimmer, who worked alongside the music supervisor Steven Gizicki for the movie ‘Interstellar,’ and Thomas Newman, who collaborated with music supervisor Julianne Jordan for ‘The Help.’
Music supervisors rely heavily on post-production and re-production tools like automated sound mixing, volume control, and re-sampling, among others. Therefore, familiarity with tools like Logic Pro, Pro Tools, FL Studio, and Ableton Live, among others, is essential to assess, manipulate and mix soundtracks fit for different scenarios or moments within a production.
In conclusion, having a vast understanding of the music industry, licenses, royalties, different genres, composition, and audio editing software tools are crucial skills needed to become a music supervisor. By mastering these skills, a music supervisor can curate the perfect sound for any production.
Networking strategies for aspiring music supervisors
Music supervision is a highly competitive and coveted field in the music industry. It is a job that involves the selection, negotiation, and clearance of music for use in film, TV, advertising, video games, and various other media projects. Becoming a music supervisor requires a combination of skills, knowledge, and experience in music, business, legal, and creative fields. One of the most critical aspects of breaking into the music supervision world is networking. This article provides some valuable insights and strategies for aspiring music supervisors to expand their networks and increase their chances of getting hired by industry players.
Building a strong online presence
In today’s digital age, it is crucial for music supervisors to have a strong online presence. This means creating and regularly updating their website, social media accounts, and online portfolios. Here are several strategies to build a robust online presence:
- Create a professional website: A personal website is a perfect way to showcase your work, share your portfolio, and promote your brand. Make sure that your website is easy to navigate, visually appealing, and reflects your personality, style, and values.
- Use social media: Social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram are a great way to connect with industry professionals, share your work, and engage with your audience. Make sure that your posts are relevant, informative, and consistent with your personal brand.
- Build your portfolio: Your portfolio is your selling point, so make sure it showcases your talent and experience. Include your best work samples, references, and testimonials from satisfied clients and industry leaders.
Attending networking events
Attending industry events is an excellent opportunity for music supervisors to meet and connect with other professionals in the field. Here are some strategies to make the most of networking events:
- Research events: Do your research to find out about relevant events happening in your area or online. Join mailing lists, follow industry websites and social media accounts to stay up to date with the latest news and trends.
- Dress appropriately: Dress professionally and appropriately for the event. You want to make a good first impression and show that you take your work seriously.
- Be prepared: Bring business cards, portfolio materials, and any other necessary items to the event. You never know who you might meet or what opportunities may arise.
- Meet people: Connect with other attendees, exchange business cards, and try to form meaningful relationships with people. Remember that networking is not just about collecting contacts but building lasting relationships.
Networking with music supervisors and other industry professionals
Networking with other music supervisors and industry professionals can be a valuable way to learn more about the field, share experiences and insights and become aware of job and project opportunities. Here are some tips for reaching out to music supervisors and other industry professionals:
- Do your research: Find out about the music supervisors and industry professionals you want to network with. Check out their websites, social media accounts and try to learn more about their work and interests. Personalize your message or approach to show you have a genuine interest in connecting with them.
- Be respectful: Respect the person’s time and schedule. Be concise, polite, and professional in your communication.
- Ask for advice: ask music supervisors you admire or other industry players for career advice and tips on breaking into the field. Take their feedback seriously and act on their recommendations.
- Attend music supervision conferences: industry conferences like the annual Guild of Music Supervisors conference is an excellent opportunity for music supervisors to meet other industry professionals, network, and learn about the latest trends and developments in the field.
Conclusion
Networking is a crucial skill for aspiring music supervisors, and it requires dedication, effort, and patience. Building a strong online presence, attending networking events, reaching out to other music supervisors and industry professionals are just a few of the strategies that aspiring music supervisors can adopt to expand their networks and increase their chances of success in the music supervision industry. Remember that networking is a two-way street, and it requires building trust, being genuine, and offering value to potential contacts. With the right mindset and a sound strategy, aspiring music supervisors can take advantage of networking opportunities and break into the industry.
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Some real-world examples of successful music supervisors who have built their network and made a mark in the industry include:
- Kier Lehman – music supervisor for Stranger Things, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Insecure, and The L Word: Generation Q.
- Mike Knobloch – President of film music and publishing at Universal Pictures and former music supervisor for movies such as Pitch Perfect, Fifty Shades of Grey, and Les Misérables.
- Amanda Krieg Thomas – music supervisor for GLOW, Grace and Frankie, and Orange is the New Black.
Overall, networking is a critical step for aspiring music supervisors who want to build their brand, connect with industry professionals, and break into the music supervision world. By adopting some of these strategies and maintaining a positive attitude, aspiring music supervisors can increase their chances of success and make their mark in the industry.
Steps to Take to Become a Successful Music Supervisor
If you are an avid music lover with a keen ear for discovering new talent, becoming a music supervisor may be the perfect career choice for you. With the rise of music in streaming services and media, the need for music supervisors has increased. In this article, we will discuss the essential steps required to become a successful music supervisor.
Pursue a Formal Education
The role of a music supervisor is multi-dimensional and requires broad knowledge of the music industry, business, marketing, and law. While formal education is not a prerequisite for success in the music supervision field, it can provide you with the necessary knowledge to gain entry-level positions in the industry.
Some of the recommended degrees one can pursue include Music Management, Music Business Administration, Communications, Marketing, and Entertainment Law.
Gain Experience
Experience is a crucial element when pursuing a career in music supervision. Consider internships, entry-level positions, and volunteer work within the music industry for on-the-job experience in your chosen field.
Entry-level positions such as studio assistant or music production assistant can help you learn about the recording, licensing, and distribution of music. On the other hand, working as an intern with a music supervisor can provide hands-on experience in music supervision, licensing, and clearance processes.
Additionally, you can volunteer in campus radio stations or college music festivals to develop networking skills, and valuable experience in music promotion, advertising events, and music curation.
Build Your Network
Building a network is crucial in the entertainment industry, including the music supervision field. Attending music conferences, festivals, workshops, and industry events can help create connections that may lead to potential career opportunities.
Networking with other professionals in the music industry, such as label executives, attorneys, music editors, music publishers, producers, and sound designers, opens up a new world of opportunities.
There exist online communities like the Guild of Music Supervisors, which offer an accessible entry point to gaining knowledge and connecting with music supervisors ready to offer entry-level positions, internships, or mentorship opportunities.
Develop an Ear and Ability for Music Selection
The key to becoming a successful music supervisor is the ability to select and match music to the visual elements of a film or television program. You need to have a broad knowledge of various music genres and be able to identify different musical instruments and their roles in a song.
Some of the ways to develop an ear and ability for music selection include:
- Volunteering in campus radio stations or music festivals to become familiar with different music genres and trends.
- Listening to various music genres to identify different musical genres and instruments.
- Analysing and critiquing music in film and television to improve your music selection ability.
Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Staying updated with industry trends and changes is crucial to becoming a successful music supervisor. The music industry is constantly changing and evolving, and only those who keep learning and adapting will remain relevant.
Some of the ways to stay updated with industry trends include:
- Attending conferences, festivals, workshops, and seminars related to music supervision.
- Joining online forums or music supervisory groups where you can interact with other music supervisors.
- Reading relevant publications related to music supervision and the broader music industry.
Final thoughts
Becoming a successful music supervisor establishes an array of career options, including film and TV music supervisor, music licensing specialist, and music coordinator. These opportunities appeal to music lovers and young professionals looking to expand their skillset and establish a career in music supervision.
A music supervisor’s work may vary from project to project, but their primary responsibility is to guide the selection of music for visual media. As such, a successful music supervisor should have the ability to select and use music cohesively to deliver a unified message in a media project.
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Qualifications required to become a music supervisor
Becoming a music supervisor is an exciting career choice for those who love music and the entertainment industry. It is a role that involves choosing and licensing music for use in film, television, advertising, and other multimedia. While there is no formal education or degree required for the job, there are certain qualifications, skills, and attributes that are essential for success. In this article, we will explore the qualifications required to become a music supervisor.
1. Understanding of music theory and composition
Music supervisors are responsible for selecting and licensing music that is appropriate for the needs of the project they are working on. Therefore, they must have a solid understanding of music theory and composition. This includes an understanding of different genres and styles of music, as well as the ability to listen to and analyze music.
Key points:
- Music theory and composition are essential for music supervision.
- Understanding different genres and styles of music is also important.
2. Knowledge of copyright and licensing laws
A music supervisor must have a good understanding of copyright and licensing laws. They must know how to obtain the necessary licenses and permissions to use music in a project legally. This includes understanding who the copyright owner is and how to negotiate licensing agreements.
Key points:
- A knowledge of copyright and licensing laws is essential for music supervision.
- The music supervisor must know how to obtain the necessary licenses and permissions.
3. Strong communication and negotiation skills
Music supervisors must have excellent communication and negotiation skills. They need to be able to communicate effectively with clients, music publishers, record labels, and other stakeholders to ensure that the music they use in a project aligns with the overall vision and objectives.
Key points:
- Effective communication and negotiation skills are essential for music supervision.
- The music supervisor must be able to communicate and negotiate with different stakeholders.
4. Experience in the music industry
While there is no formal education or degree required to become a music supervisor, having experience in the music industry can be extremely helpful. This could include experience as a musician or music producer, working in a music publishing company, or other related roles. This experience can provide a foundation of knowledge and understanding of the industry, as well as valuable connections and relationships.
Key points:
- Experience in the music industry can be helpful for music supervision.
- Experience as a musician or music producer, working in a music publishing company, or other related roles can provide valuable knowledge and connections.
In conclusion, while there is no one set path to becoming a music supervisor, it is important to have a solid understanding of music theory and composition, knowledge of copyright and licensing laws, strong communication and negotiation skills, and relevant experience in the music industry. By developing these qualifications, aspiring music supervisors can become successful in this exciting and rewarding career field.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Provides an opportunity to work in the music and entertainment industries. | It can be a highly competitive field to break into. |
| Allows for creative expression and collaboration with different stakeholders. | Workload can be high and stressful, especially around deadlines. |
| There is potential for career growth and advancement. | The job can be unpredictable, requiring flexibility and adaptability. |
| Compensation can be high relative to other jobs in the music industry. | It may require long hours and overtime. |
| Provides an opportunity to discover new and upcoming artists and music. | Requires a high level of attention to detail and organization skills. |
Tips for Finding Job Opportunities as a Music Supervisor
Being a music supervisor is an exciting career for those who love music and have a passion for the creative industries. A music supervisor is responsible for selecting, acquiring, and licensing music for use in various types of productions such as films, TV shows, video games, and commercials. However, finding job opportunities as a music supervisor can be challenging if you do not know where to start. This article will provide tips for finding job opportunities as a music supervisor.
Use Online Job Boards
The internet has made it easy for job seekers to find opportunities. Many online job boards will help you find job postings for music supervisors in various industries. Some of the most popular job boards include Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn. When using online job boards, you can search for music supervisor jobs in your area or remote work. This makes it possible to broaden your search and connect with employers from around the world.
Join Professional Music Organizations
Joining a professional music organization is an excellent way to network and find job opportunities as a music supervisor. These organizations include the Guild of Music Supervisors and the Association of Independent Music Publishers. Here, you will have access to job postings, industry events, and other networking opportunities that can help you land your dream job.
Attend Music Industry Events and Festivals
Music industry events and festivals are also an excellent way to meet new people and find job opportunities as a music supervisor. By attending these events, you will network with music supervisors, composers, and producers, and explore new job opportunities. For instance, the Sundance Film Festival is a significant event for music supervisors as it features new and upcoming films that require music supervision.
Contact Music Libraries and Production Companies Directly
You can also find job opportunities as a music supervisor by directly contacting music libraries and production companies. Many companies are always looking for new talent to add to their team. By contacting them directly, you will demonstrate your interest in the job and show them that you are proactive. Even if they do not have any available job opportunities, they may keep you in mind for future projects.
Create a Portfolio and Resume
Creating a portfolio and resume is essential when looking for job opportunities as a music supervisor. Your portfolio should showcase your skills, experience, and creativity. It should include information about your previous projects, clients, and your overall approach to music supervision. You can also use your portfolio to show your ability to license music effectively. Your resume should be well-written and highlight your relevant experience and education. Overall, your portfolio and resume will help you stand out from other job applicants.
Summary
Becoming a music supervisor can be a rewarding career for those interested in music and the creative arts. However, finding job opportunities can be challenging. By using online job boards, joining professional music organizations, attending music industry events and festivals, contacting music libraries and production companies directly, and creating a portfolio and resume, you can increase your chances of finding a job as a music supervisor. Remember, persistence is key when looking for job opportunities; do not give up if you do not land your dream job immediately. Keep dreaming big, and you will eventually achieve your goals in no time!
| Pros | Cons |
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| Online job boards make it easy to find job opportunities | The job market can be highly competitive |
| Joining professional music organizations gives access to unique job opportunities | Some professional music organizations have high membership fees |
| Music industry events and festivals provide excellent networking opportunities | Attending music industry events and festivals can be costly |
| Contacting music libraries and production companies directly can lead to unique job opportunities | Not all companies will respond to cold emails |
Real World Example: A music supervisor named Sarah was having difficulty finding job opportunities. She joined the Guild of Music Supervisors and attended many music industry events and festivals. After networking and building relationships, Sarah was offered a job at a production company as a music supervisor.
Interesting Fact: The first music supervisor was hired in 1929 for the film, “The Broadway Melody.” The music supervisor was responsible for selecting, recording, and arranging the music for the film.
FAQs about How to Become a Music Supervisor
What qualifications do you need to become a music supervisor?
There are no specific qualifications required to become a music supervisor. However, having a degree in musicology, music business, film, or media studies could be helpful. It’s also important to have a good understanding of music licensing, copyright laws, and the music industry in general.
What skills do you need to become a music supervisor?
Some essential skills for becoming a music supervisor include excellent music know-how, strong negotiation skills, an ear for music, good communication, and organizational skills. You should also have the ability to multitask and work under pressure.
What experience do you need to become a music supervisor?
A music supervisor should have experience in the music industry, as well as in fields such as film, television, and advertising. Gaining experience by interning or volunteering with a music supervisor or a company that hires music supervisors can be very beneficial.
How do I learn about music licensing?
Music licensing can be complex and requires a good understanding of laws and regulations. You can learn more about music licensing by taking online courses, attending seminars and webinars, joining music licensing organizations, and reading books on the subject.
What steps should I take to become a music supervisor?
To become a music supervisor, you should start by getting a degree in a related field, gaining experience in the music industry, and developing a strong network of contacts. You can also take courses in music licensing and copyright law, and continually educate yourself about the music industry.
What are the best companies to work for as a music supervisor?
Some of the best companies to work for as a music supervisor include music licensing companies like Musicbed, Songfreedom, and Soundstripe, as well as film and television production companies like Netflix, Amazon Studios, HBO, and Showtime.
What is the typical salary for a music supervisor?
The salary for a music supervisor can vary depending on experience, location, and the project they are working on. However, according to Glassdoor, the national average salary for a music supervisor is approximately $65,000 per year.
What is a typical day like for a music supervisor?
A typical day for a music supervisor can vary depending on the project they are working on. However, some common tasks include selecting music tracks, negotiating music licensing agreements, attending recording sessions, working with composers, and managing budgets.
What are the biggest challenges facing music supervisors?
Some of the biggest challenges facing music supervisors include navigating the complex world of music licensing, dealing with tight deadlines, managing budgets, and finding the right songs and composers for a project.
Can you be a music supervisor without a degree?
Yes, it’s possible to become a music supervisor without a degree. However, you’ll need to gain experience in the music industry, develop a strong network of contacts, and have a good understanding of music licensing and copyright law.
Conclusion
To become a music supervisor, you need to have a strong understanding of the music industry and music licensing regulations. Having a degree in a related field can be helpful, but gaining experience and developing a strong network of contacts is critical. It’s essential to continually educate yourself about the music industry and stay up-to-date on new technologies and trends. After reading this article, you should have a basic understanding of what it takes to become a music supervisor. To take the next step, start building your network, gaining experience, and learning more about the world of music licensing. Good luck on your journey to becoming a music supervisor!