Contemporary Composer

Conrad Askland is a freelance music composer in much the same manner that Ludwig Van Betthoven and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart were centuries ago. He doesn't have a 9-5 job and rotates between corporate and commercial audio clients.

"Many people have a very romantic view of music composers. There are times that are full of inspiration, but if you're not inspired you still have to meet your deadlines", says Askland. "It is a VERY disciplined profession if you want to be successful and takes a LOT of time. I typically work 70-80 hours per week with about 30 hours of that dedicated to strictly composing music. The other time is for mixing, editing, live performances and marketing."

So how do you get into composing music? "You compose", says Askland. "It's that simple. If you are good people will find you. If you are self indulgent and don't lend an ear to public taste, then you probably won't get any paid work."

"There is a misconception that famous composers fought the public taste of their time. To a small degree, but for the most part their music was well accepted in their lifetime. Even famous classical composers had a feel for commercial music. That is part of being a successful composer", says Askland.