Composers and Arrangers

The advancement path in the music-composition and arrangement world is very individualized. There is no hierarchical structure to climb, although in record companies a person with music writing talent might move into a producing or A&R (artist and repertoire) job and be able to exercise compositional skills in those capacities. Advancement is based on talent, determination, and luck. Some composers become well known for their work with film scores; John Williams, of Star Wars fame, is one example. Another well-known film composer is four-time Oscar nominee Danny Elfman, who has scored more than 100 films.

Advancement for composers and arrangers is dependent on talent and skill. They may progress through their careers to writing or transcribing music of greater complexity and in more challenging structures. They may develop a unique style and even develop new forms and traditions of music. One day, their names might be added to the list of the great composers and arrangers.