17 Music Composer Interview Questions and Answers

A music composer creates original musical pieces, often working with other musicians, singers, and producers. The music composer job description also includes transcribing and arranging music, as well as working within different musical genres.

If you’re a music composer, you may be asked to interview for a job with a record label, music publisher, or production company. The interviewer will want to know about your experience, musical training, and the type of music you’re interested in composing. You may also be asked to sight-read or play a piece of music on an instrument.

To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of common music composer interview questions and sample answers.

Are you familiar with musical notation software?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience with music notation software. If you have previous experience using this type of software, share what you know about it and how it has helped you in your career. If you don’t have any experience with musical notation software, you can explain that you are willing to learn more about it if hired for the position.

Example: “I am familiar with several types of music notation software, including Sibelius and Finale. I used these programs during my internship at a local recording studio where I worked as an assistant composer. The program was helpful when composing music because it allowed me to create sheet music quickly and efficiently. This saved time while working on projects and made it easier to collaborate with other composers.”

What are some of the most important skills for a music composer to have?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills and abilities to succeed in this role. Use your answer to highlight some of your most important skills, such as creativity, problem-solving, communication and teamwork.

Example: “I believe that a music composer needs to be highly creative because they are responsible for creating new songs or compositions. They also need to be able to communicate effectively with others so they can collaborate on ideas and discuss their work. Composers should also be detail-oriented since they may be working with instruments and sounds that require precision. Finally, I think it’s important for composers to have strong teamwork skills because they often work with other musicians.”

How do you keep yourself motivated when you’re working on a project that you don’t personally enjoy?

This question can give the interviewer insight into how you handle working on projects that are challenging or not your favorite. Your answer should show that you’re willing to do what it takes to complete a project, even if you don’t enjoy it.

Example: “I find that I am most productive when I have a deadline and work toward meeting that deadline. If I know that I need to finish something by a certain date, I will make sure to stay focused and get my work done. Even though some projects may be less enjoyable than others, I always try to put in 100% effort so that I can meet all of my deadlines.”

What is your process for adapting existing music for a new project?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you adapt to new projects and how you use your creativity. Your answer should show that you have a process for adapting music, but also highlight your ability to create unique compositions.

Example: “I first listen to the existing music and try to get an idea of what the client is looking for in their new project. Then I write down any ideas or thoughts I have about the adaptation. Next, I start composing the new piece based on my notes from listening to the old one. This helps me ensure that I’m creating something that fits the needs of the client while still being unique.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to collaborate with another musician in order to complete a project on time.

Collaboration is an important skill for music composers to have. Employers ask this question to see if you can work well with others and how you handle collaboration challenges. In your answer, explain the steps you took to collaborate with another musician on a project. Try to highlight any skills or techniques that helped you complete the task successfully.

Example: “In my last position as a freelance composer, I had to collaborate with a band in order to create their next album. The band members were all very different people who didn’t always agree on what they wanted to include in the songs. I used my communication skills to help them come up with ideas and compromise when needed. Eventually, we finished the album on time.”

If you had to choose one, what is your favorite genre of music to compose?

This question can help the interviewer get a sense of your musical preferences and how they align with the company’s culture. If you’re applying for a position at a rock band, it makes sense to mention that in your answer. However, if you’re applying for a job at a classical music orchestra, mentioning your love of pop music probably won’t impress anyone.

Example: “I’ve always loved composing jazz music because I find it so relaxing. It’s great to listen to while working on projects or just as background noise when I’m trying to relax. Jazz is also a genre that many people enjoy listening to, which makes it a good choice for my audience.”

What would you say is the most important element of a successful score?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the craft and how you apply it. A music composer needs to be able to create a score that fits the mood, tone and style of the film or video game they’re working on. They also need to understand what elements are needed for their work to be successful in terms of sales and reviews.

Example: “I believe the most important element of a successful score is its ability to evoke emotion. The goal of any piece of music is to make people feel something, whether it’s joy, sadness or anything else. If I can write a piece of music that makes someone feel something, then I know I’ve done my job well.”

How well do you know the music industry?

The music industry is a highly competitive field, and employers want to know that you have the knowledge necessary to succeed in their company. Use your answer to highlight any experience you’ve had with the music industry and how it’s helped you develop as a composer.

Example: “I started composing at age 12 when I joined my school band. Since then, I’ve been involved in many different projects, including writing for local bands and performing on stage. These experiences have taught me what it takes to be successful in this industry, which has given me the confidence to pursue a career as a professional composer.”

Do you have any experience performing your music in front of an audience?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your confidence level and how you handle performing in front of others. If you have experience performing, share what kind of music you composed and performed and what the audience’s reaction was to it.

Example: “I’ve had the opportunity to perform my music in front of an audience several times throughout my career. I started by performing at open mic nights where I would play guitar and sing original songs that I wrote. Eventually, I began playing with a band that I formed with some friends. We played at local bars and restaurants for about two years before we disbanded.”

When would you use a string ensemble as opposed to a string section?

This question can help the interviewer determine your knowledge of orchestration and how you apply it to different situations. Use examples from your experience that show your understanding of when to use a string ensemble versus a string section in a composition.

Example: “In my last position, I was composing for a large orchestra with a lot of strings. The client wanted something more intimate than what they were getting, so I used a string ensemble instead of a full string section. This allowed me to create a smaller sound without having to hire additional musicians or reduce the size of the orchestra. It also helped keep costs down.”

We want our music to have a certain tone. How would you describe the tone that we should aim for?

This question is a great way to test your ability to work with clients and understand their needs. It also shows that you can use your own creativity to create music that fits the client’s vision. When answering this question, it can be helpful to refer back to the job description or any other information about the company’s goals.

Example: “I would say that the tone of your music should reflect the brand identity. For example, if your company has a fun vibe, I would aim for music that reflects that. If your company is more professional, then I would try to make my music more serious. In either case, I would want to avoid using too many instruments so that the music doesn’t distract from the message.”

Describe your favorite project that you’ve worked on.

This question is a great way to learn more about your potential employer and the projects they’ve worked on. It also gives you an opportunity to talk about what you enjoy most about composing music.

Example: “My favorite project was working with a local symphony orchestra. I had been asked to write a piece of music that would be performed at the end of the season, which meant it needed to be something grand and impressive. The musicians were all very talented, so I wanted to create something that showcased their skills while still being accessible for the audience. In the end, we created a beautiful piece of music that everyone loved.”

What makes you the best candidate for this job?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their company. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills you have that are relevant to this role. Think about what makes you unique compared to other candidates.

Example: “I am passionate about music composition and I love working with others to create something beautiful. In my previous position, I worked as an assistant composer for a large orchestra. During performances, I would watch the audience members react to the music we composed. It was so rewarding to see people enjoy our work. I think I’m the best candidate because I have experience composing in different genres and I know how to collaborate with others.”

Which software programs do you use most often when composing music?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your experience level and how you might fit in with their team. If they use different software, you may be able to show them that you’re adaptable and willing to learn new programs quickly.

Example: “I primarily compose music using Pro Tools because it’s widely used by many composers and recording studios. I also have some experience composing music on Logic Pro and Cubase, but I’m always open to learning more about other programs as well.”

What do you think is the most important thing to remember when working on a deadline?

This question can help the interviewer get an idea of how you handle pressure and meet deadlines. Use examples from your experience to explain what helped you succeed in meeting a deadline on time.

Example: “I think it’s important to stay organized when working on a deadline because it helps me keep track of my progress and gives me a clear picture of what I need to do next. In my last role, I was given a tight deadline for composing music for a video game. I used my organization skills to create a schedule that allowed me to work ahead so I could complete all of my tasks before the deadline.”

How often do you update your knowledge of musical theory?

This question can help an interviewer determine how much you value continuing your education. It also shows them what steps you take to improve your skills and knowledge of music theory. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific course or program that helped you learn more about musical theory.

Example: “I have taken several courses on music theory over the years. I find these classes very beneficial because they allow me to learn new things while reinforcing my existing knowledge. In fact, I am currently enrolled in a class where we are learning about different types of chords and how they relate to each other. This is helping me understand why certain chord progressions work well together.”

There is a common misconception that all music composers are the same. How would you explain the differences between a composer, a conductor and a orchestrator?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the music industry and how it works. It also shows that you understand what each role entails, which can be important for employers who are looking for someone with experience in composing.

Example: “A composer is responsible for creating original pieces of music. They may work alone or as part of a team, but their main job is to create new compositions. A conductor’s primary responsibility is leading an orchestra or choir during performances. Orchestrators, on the other hand, take existing musical scores and arrange them for different instruments. For example, they might take a piano score and write out the notes for a full orchestra.”