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How to Become a Composer: Australian Careers in Arts and Humanities

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What is a Composer?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Composer?

A composer creates original music and reworks existing pieces for many formats. Film scores, symphonies, operas, jingles, and game soundtracks are all part of the craft. They build melody, harmony, and rhythm to express ideas and feelings through sound. Composers write music in standard notation so musicians can perform it.

Day-to-day tasks vary by project and client. A composer may write a short jingle for a TV ad one week and a full orchestral score the next. They look into musical styles, talk briefs through with clients, and revise work based on feedback. Composers also attend rehearsals to guide performers and make last-minute changes.

Composers work in arts groups, film and TV firms, ad agencies, and education. Many work as freelancers and run their own business alongside their creative work. This includes writing contracts and protecting their rights through bodies like APRA AMCOS. Being able to adapt across genres is a key part of the role.

For those who love music and storytelling, this career offers real creative scope. Roles exist across film, live theatre, digital media, and commercial work. The path is competitive, but demand for new music keeps growing. With strong skills and a good portfolio, composers can build a varied and rewarding career. Search for music composition courses on CourseFinder to get started.

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Career snapshots For Composers

Around 410 people work as composers in Australia (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2021 Census). Most work in arts, media, and education. About 63% work full-time, averaging 42 hours per week. The median age is 41 years, and 26% of the workforce is female. Future demand is rated as Moderate (Your Career, 2025).

New South Wales has the largest share of composers, at 45.2% of the national total. Victoria accounts for 27.8%, and Queensland for 12.8% (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2021 Census). Among composers, 38% hold a bachelor degree and 25% hold a higher degree. The broader Music Professionals group earns a median of around $92,000 per year (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025).

What will I do?

A composer’s work centres on creating and shaping music for a wide range of purposes and clients. Each project brings different demands. A composer might score a feature film, write a jingle, or arrange a live piece. They blend artistry with technical skill to produce music that fits a brief and moves an audience.

  • Compose original music for film, TV, theatre, and commercial work
  • Arrange existing pieces for different instruments or ensembles
  • Write music in standard notation for performers to read and play
  • Research musical styles and trends to inform new work
  • Meet with clients to understand project needs and creative direction
  • Revise scores based on feedback from clients, directors, or performers
  • Attend rehearsals to guide performances and address any issues
  • Negotiate contracts and manage rights through APRA AMCOS or similar bodies

What skills do I need?

A career as a composer calls for both musical and practical skills. At the core is a strong grip on music theory, covering melody, harmony, rhythm, and formal structure. Composers must read and write standard notation with accuracy. They also need to be skilled on at least one instrument, typically piano or guitar.

Tech skills matter just as much as artistry. Most working composers use digital audio workstation (DAW) software to demo and share their work. Strong communication helps composers work with clients, directors, and performers. Time management and the ability to meet deadlines are equally vital in commercial work. Explore music theory and composition courses on CourseFinder.

Skills/attributes

  • Music theory and composition technique
  • Proficiency in standard musical notation
  • Skill in at least one musical instrument
  • Digital audio workstation (DAW) software skills
  • Knowledge of different musical genres and styles
  • Creative and original thinking
  • Clear communication with clients and performers
  • Attention to detail in scoring and arrangement
  • Research skills for understanding project briefs
  • Time management and the ability to meet deadlines
  • Adaptability across different musical formats and projects
  • Knowledge of copyright law and royalty rights
  • Collaboration skills for working with musicians and producers
  • Willingness to take feedback and revise work

CourseFinder makes every effort to ensure the information we provide is correct at the time of publication. We welcome your input to help keep our career profiles as accurate and up to date as possible. All queries and feedback will be taken into consideration as we conduct periodic reviews of our content. Add your voice to the conversation!

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.