Why Do So Many Composers Struggle to Find Work?

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I’ve spoken with countless composers over the years, and I’ve noticed a pattern. Many of them are incredibly talented. Their music is great. Their passion is undeniable.

And yet, they struggle.They don’t get the gigs they want.They don’t know if their music is “industry-ready.”They wonder why others seem to get opportunities while they’re stuck waiting.

And here’s the uncomfortable truth: It’s usually not about music.

It’s about everything around the music. The way they connect with people. The way they communicate. The way they present their work.

Here’s something that might be hard to accept:

A composer with solid (not perfect) music, a clear demo reel, and the ability to reach out in a professional and targeted way will get work before a composer who is technically brilliant but does none of those things.

Because companies aren’t just looking for musical perfection. They’re looking for someone who understands their needs, who communicates well, who makes their life easier.

But here’s where so many composers unknowingly sabotage themselves:

❌ Instead of learning how to confidently reach out to companies, they send one awkward message and give up.

❌ Instead of taking small steps to build relationships, they assume “it’s all about luck.”

❌ Instead of crafting a well-structured demo reel that actually speaks to their target industry, they send a random collection of tracks and hope for the best.

And here’s another thing: Many composers assume they know what self-promotion is. They think it means turning into some hyper-confident salesman with years of experience. That thought alone makes them so uncomfortable that they don’t even consider what it actually means. And because of that assumption, they continue doing things in a way that doesn’t work.

A well-crafted demo reel—one that is focused on what a company needs—can open doors that a pile of “great but unfocused” tracks never will. And knowing how to reach out properly? That can make the difference between getting ignored and getting hired.

I get it—none of this feels as exciting as writing music.

But the composers who do make progress?

They’re not always the best musicians.

They’re the ones who take small, intentional steps that most others ignore.

If any of this resonates with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let’s start a conversation. Drop a comment below or message me privately.

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