Zoom Session Deep Dive for Music Composers

⭐

Jun '25 (edited) • Mindset & Productivity 🧠

Hey everyone,

we had an awesome Audio Artist Rise Zoom session this week and it was an incredible exploration of the many layers that shape a successful composing career—from how to manage a chaotic schedule to crafting the perfect demo reel for your dream project.

Whether you're writing for trailers, pitching to game developers, or trying to stay focused in a noisy world, this session delivered valuable takeaways you can apply right away.

🎯 The Art of Managing Multiple Music Projects

Managing one music project is challenging enough—but what happens when you're working on a film and a game at the same time? That was one of the big themes we explored: how to navigate multiple simultaneous deadlines without sacrificing creativity or quality.

The key lies in clarity—on both the macro and micro level. Start by mapping out your deadlines and backward-planning milestones. But equally important is managing how you work. One powerful technique discussed was completely eliminating unnecessary distractions by disabling notifications and minimizing phone usage. It’s not about brute force—it’s about creating an environment where deep work becomes effortless.

Scrolling between sessions, working in reactive mode, and constantly switching tools or tasks kills momentum. The solution? Create friction around distractions and ease around focus. Your calendar, your environment, and your habits should all work for you—not against you.

⏱️ Productivity as a Composer: Energy Over Hours

The session also covered the power of working in short, focused blocks—ideally 1 to 2 hours—followed by meaningful breaks. It was a reminder that productivity isn’t about doing more, but doing the right work in the right state of mind.

Working late at night might feel productive, but in the long run, it depletes your cognitive reserves. The emphasis here was on working smarter—especially for creatives. The brain needs recovery time, and pushing through exhaustion only leads to diminishing returns and burnout.

A few standout book recommendations added even more value. The Productivity Project by Chris Bailey dives deep into the neuroscience of energy and focus, while Feel Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal explores how motivation, well-being, and creative output are tightly linked. Both are excellent resources for composers juggling multiple demands without losing their creative spark.

🎮 How to Approach Game Developers the Smart Way

For those pitching to game developers, we looked at email outreach with a magnifying glass. The consensus? Visual design matters—but personalization matters more.

While a well-designed email with embedded images can catch the eye, mass emailing rarely leads to meaningful results. Personalized outreach, especially when done via platforms like LinkedIn Sales Navigator, allows you to reach actual human beings behind the projects. It’s about connection, not conversion.

One insight that resonated deeply: take the time to research, adapt your message to each developer, and use manual outreach as a way to build trust, not just get a click. Automation may save time, but it often costs you the opportunity to stand out.

🎞️ Demo Reel Secrets: Less is More

When it comes to demo reels, the group unpacked one of the most overlooked truths in the industry: you only have 5 to 15 seconds to make an impression. And in many cases, decision-makers judge your work before they even hit play—based on the waveform preview alone.

This sparked an important conversation around simplicity. Top-banner credits (instead of external links or lengthy intros) keep the viewer engaged. And tailoring your reel to the right audience—especially if you're targeting smaller game studios—can mean including both music and sound design elements to reflect your versatility.

However, for AAA companies, a focused, genre-specific reel might serve you better. One participant noted that despite having a waveform that was once dismissed, their music quality eventually landed them the job. The lesson? Waveforms matter—but great music still wins in the end.

🌐 Building Real Connections in the Music Industry

Networking came up as a major theme—and not in the “pass out your business card at every meetup” sense. Instead, the discussion focused on building genuine, organic relationships that evolve over time.

Composers who’ve succeeded in securing meaningful work didn’t just promote themselves—they started conversations, asked for feedback, and gave others a reason to engage. Social platforms like LinkedIn were highlighted as powerful tools when used to tell a story, share insights, and slowly build a visible, authentic presence.

It’s not about making a pitch. It’s about making a connection. One of the standout points was the importance of being a person first—then letting your music do the talking.

🎯 Audience Targeting for Demo Reels

Another challenge addressed was how to tailor a demo reel when you’re interested in multiple genres or industries. The answer? Don’t try to be everything to everyone.

Instead, pick one audience, one genre, and one style per reel. That’s how clarity gets built—not just for the client, but for yourself. Whether you’re diving into documentary-style scoring or aiming for epic trailer music, focus breeds confidence. If needed, create separate reels for separate targets. You’re not limiting yourself—you’re creating precision.

🎥 Authenticity in the Film Industry

When it comes to working in film, the lesson was clear: authenticity trumps self-promotion. Asking for feedback on your music often opens more doors than asking for work directly.

One strategy that stood out was leading with curiosity—messaging directors or producers and simply asking what they think about a track. It’s a much softer entry point that often sparks real conversations. Over time, those conversations turn into collaborations.

Handing out business cards is easy. Building trust is harder—but infinitely more valuable.

📱 Sales Psychology from TikTok?

Believe it or not, TikTok also made an appearance in our discussion—particularly a strategy observed from a savvy German marketer who uses “reverse psychology” to hook viewers.

It starts with a statement like: “This probably isn’t for you...” and then flips into a strong offer. The psychological trick here is intrigue and disqualification—it draws people in by implying they might miss something important.

We brainstormed how such a strategy could be adapted to music-related products or content. One example? A monthly contest for composing short logo stings—blending gamification, community, and low-pressure exposure.

📽️ Writing for Trailers: Structure Over Complexity

Writing trailer music is less about complexity and more about serving the edit. That was the main message from the discussion on composing for production and trailer libraries.

Formulaic structures aren’t lazy—they’re functional. Knowing how to build tension, hold space, and deliver predictable energy arcs is part of the job. The goal isn’t to impress other composers—it’s to elevate the trailer and support the narrative.

We also explored how different contracts work in the trailer world—from upfront payments to writer’s share splits, and the benefit of writing directly for a game or film studio where more creative control and better compensation often align.

🎻 Delay Times & Timing Accuracy for Samples

For the technically inclined, there was a deep dive into sample delay settings. The example used staccato strings, highlighting how different libraries introduce their own latency quirks.

Adjusting delay time in both the product and track area is critical for preserving groove and timing. And while some libraries need -40ms tweaks, others (like French horns) might demand -80ms. The takeaway? Know your tools. Timing isn’t just a mixing issue—it’s a performance one.

🔍 Tools for Better Music Analysis

Finally, we discussed tools that help break down and analyze music at a professional level. Extreme Music and also APM Music in particular allows you to dissect commercial tracks by soloing stems—giving you deeper insight into arrangement, mixing, and production.

🎤 Final Thoughts

This Zoom session was a vivid reminder that success as a composer isn’t just about writing great music. It’s about how you manage your time, connect with others, present your work, and think strategically about your craft and career.

There’s no magic formula—but there are battle-tested approaches, creative tactics, and mindset shifts that make the journey smoother.

Let’s keep building, learning, and supporting each other. And if any of this sparked an idea or reflection—drop it in the comments. 👇

2 comments