step 1?

[semi pro sideman]

yes this is a green 'q'.

i'd like to explore writing some tv background music. i've got a friend who just asked me for a cd of 10 tunes of 1 minute 20 secs.

what steps do i need to take? give me a 'to do' list. i posted in another topic that i've got my publishing w/ bmi. i haven't got a writer's with anybody but i'm told i should. obviously i've got dp to start. i've also got peak pro 5.

i have to ask because i've always been a basic player. i've only been in bands sweating in rehearsals, performances, stages, plays...etc. so i'm about to embark upon a most excellent adventure.

as always....thanks for all the help you provide!!!

[Jim]

As a practitioner in the film/video business for, oh a few decades, I can tell you my observations...

I've seen a lot of people getting their start in scoring by befriending producers and then working for free or real cheap. There's a saying that you're only as good as your last picture, so you have to have a "last picture" to show around. Then, you build a business by word of mouth and from referrals.

You could also apprentice or intern at an established jingle/score company to learn the ropes and more importantly, to make contacts. A lot of it is who you know, but you have to have talent also. And it helps to be an educated and versatile composer, so that you can do a convincing and moving classical, bluegrass, klezmer, or grunge tune on demand. It would help, but it's not mandatory, if you can read and write sheet music, for the times you have to hire session players.

Best of luck.

[semi pro sideman]

for the advice.

keep it coming guys/gals!