Diversify or Specialize???

[k o star]

I find myself at a musical junction... as a writer for music libraries... for film tv & vid games...Some sources seem prefer that their composers specialize in very specific genres & some sources seem to claim that if U write in various genres, Ur chances of getting more placements get higher...Does anybody know the answer to this? Or are both ways just as good to making some decent $$$?I'm kinda lost here cos I specialize in hi-tech heavy Instrumentals but can also write some Orchestra, Pop n acoustic solos etc...Not sure where to fully focus my time & energy on atm...Pls advice... anyone? Specialize or Diversify??? Appreciate...PeazKel

[suzdoyle]

I vote for whatever feels juicy and fun!I "specialize" in TV themes/ quirky songs/ children's tunes, but also dabble in deep chants, film noir music, ballads and whatever grabs me as interesting to try (e.g. comedy ringtones!). And they all sell well.So, I say surf the flow in whatever way feels good to you! Suz

[markjsmith]

Not being in a bunch of libraries, I may be full of crap. But, I would assume that you could give the guy who wants you to specialize the stuff he wants, and the other who wants a variety exactly what he wants. You probably would not be able to churn the same numbers out for the specialized stuff, but I find switching gears keeps me fresh sometimes (that is one of the things I dig about the variety of listings). Just my 2cents! Peace, Mark

[k o star]

Thank U loads Suz & Mark... Think I know what to do then... I shall now work on sharpening my skills in the other areas too yea!! & I think Ur so right... it's so much more fun writing in a wider range... various styles than just one...Appreciate Ur feedback...-Kel

[crs7string]

I've had this same conversation with Matto.I think, over time, that our clients (libraries, music supervisors etc.) are a major factor in terms of the way they view us and whether we should position ourselves as a generalist or a specialist.I have no problem with the idea that one library thinks of me as the world music guy, another as the jazz guy. Matto has told me that he has one client who thinks he has a warehouse full of big drums and calls on him when they need "THE BIG DRUMS"I think all of this evolves over time and should allow us to continue to expand what we do to stay interested and engaged.Chuck

[k o star]

That is so very Brilliant to know...Thank U so much for sharing that info Chuck...-Kel

[fusilierb]

I remember reading a post by Micheal (taxi owner) about not using the "v" word. In this case, he meant versatile. My feelings are that, if you ARE versatile, then be what you are. You know what you enjoy writing and what you're good at. So if you enjoy it, do it! There's no reason why you can't specialize for some opportunities and then for other's pull new tricks out of the hat. It's your life, do what you want with it and don't let anyone else tell you what you should or should not be doing. You my friend are versatile, so go with it!B

[k o star]

I actually saw that video of Michael (Taxi) talking abt the dirty "v" word... he said... stay away from that word... that was even before I joined Taxi... I did quite a lot of research before I joined... watched tons of Taxi videos...However I think he was referring to Artist who are tryna market themselves as... well, an Artist...For Composers & Producers I think it's a little more flexible... Good for Us... heheh...Thanks for the feedback & compliment Bryan...Also, I usually don't let Ppl tell me what I should or should not do... unless of course what they tell me would sharpen my ears & keep my bank account loaded always... hahah!I used to be stubborner but age has taught me some humility =))Really appreciate all Ur input here...-K

[k o star]

Oh... & I especially liked that video where Michael (Taxi) spoke abt the guy who wrote the cue for "Who wants to be a Millionaire" & how he makes abt $90,000 per year for that 4 notes on Royalties alone...U know that 2 note cue on "Law & Order"... every time it's TV ad break?I wonder how much that Composer makes... & I imagine that each time he/she hears that 2 notes on TV... he/she hears KaChing!!!How Lovely is that? ^_^

[scounter72]

Still very new to all of this, so can't offer any pro advice - only 1 forward so far However, I've starting gravitating to just a few styles I know I can pull off convincingly, where previously I thought I could do a lot more. Maybe down the line, I'll be able to expand the repertoire, but right now I have a taste of what kind of opportunities exist for me...and there are some things I'm naturally inclined to. That won't stop me from trying other things, as it definitely helps the learning, and it is rather fun. Based on yours and others feedback I'm currently turning Acoustica Funk into about five new songs, and all will be in different genres. Probably only 1 will be convincing, but it will all be enjoyable.Come back to me in 2 years (I have a 2 year plan at the moment, and most of it revolves around getting good at the craft!), maybe I'll have a different view