Article and further info on State of New Music in United States

Excellent information for American composers and a realistic view of the field.

Here is the link

NewMusicBox

If you want greater detail - here is the link to the report

http://www.amc.net/takingnote/taking%20note.pdf

While I didn't read the bulk of the report (I just looked at the pictures :happy:), I read the Recommendations section and I couldn't agree more with their suggestions. Composition is an "unappreciated" business that must be kept alive for society to function.

Well you can cut the arts just about as much as you want Gene. But sooner or later, your kids will have nothing to read or write about.

You're absolutely funny, Tokke.

But yeah, it's good to see statistics like that. All those are good points to keep in mind for those who want to pursuit composition as a profession in the future. I think it's becoming clearer and clearer that a composer does not just compose anymore, but has to be able to do all sorts of things, like notating, editing, recording, mixing, producing, performing and making connections just as in any other profession, really.

A sorely needed bump up as this offers something of a reality check!

What do you mean by "reality check" CO?

By reality check I mean the fact that most composers in the US make the majority of their living outside composition. In other words if you want to make a living in music you need to do other things in music. It also makes Charles Ives' career not as atypical (well, except for the originality of his works) as it seems.

10. Offer workshops for composers providing guidance on constructing websites: Given the opportunities

the Internet affords composers, it might be advantageous for service organizations to provide composers with workshops and guidance on how

to use and create websites. Twenty-three percent of composers surveyed have their own websites, but there is tremendous potential for more composers to use this medium to their advantage in the future. For the newer generation, in the words of an Austin composer,

Anyone who needs a website, go to wordpressdirect.com and watch their tutorial on how to start a website. Seriously, if you just don't know how you would even begin, go there and watch the basics. It's cheap and easy.

or officelive.com, or any number of free domain services. Hell, even a blog would be helpful.

/me wonders what the professionals on this board do for "real" money.

I think it's becoming clearer and clearer that a composer does not just compose anymore, but has to be able to do all sorts of things, like notating, editing, recording, mixing, producing, performing and making connections just as in any other profession, really.

Kind of... I'm all for DIY, but specialists in each field are needed. I feel there are a lot of worthy composers who don't really know mixing and producing....