APPLICATION:
To apply for a position as a Music Composer, several things are usually required. First and foremost, knowledge of musical composition is essential, as the ability to create engaging music is a key responsibility of this role. This may mean you have a degree in music or experience as a professional composer, and you definitely need to show a portfolio of original compositions that demonstrate your expertise in a range of musical styles and genres.
In addition, knowledge of specific DAWs and other music production software is often required, as well as knowledge of sound design, music theory and various types of musical instruments and technology. Excellent communication and collaboration skills are also essential, as a Music Composer must work closely with Programmers, Game Designers, and others to create music that enhances the overall gaming experience. These are the abilities that you should show through your CV. Finally, a passion for video games and a good understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities presented by interactive media are also important qualities to possess as a video game Music Composer.
INTERVIEW:
The interview usually includes a combination of questions about your musical knowledge and technical skills, as well as your experience working on previous projects and your understanding of the role music plays in video games. In addition to the Recruiter, the interview can also be attended by the Music Director if the company has one, as well as other Composers, Sound Designers and Producers. They may ask questions about your creative process, ability to work with others and familiarity with specific game development tools and software used by the company. Here are common interview questions:
- Can you walk us through the creative process when composing music for a video game?
- How do you balance creating music that enhances the gaming experience with maintaining artistic integrity?
- Have you ever faced a difficult creative challenge while working on a project? How did you overcome it?
- What experience do you have working with different types of music software and technology?
- Can you tell us about a situation when you had to collaborate with a team to create music? What was your role in that process?
TECHNICAL TASK:
A technical assignment usually aims to assess your musical skills and ability to work within technical constraints. The task may involve composing a short musical arrangement with sound effects to accompany a certain scene or level in the game. The assignment may also require you to work with specific software or tools commonly used in video game development, such as certain game engines.
The task, then, may involve collaborating with other team members, such as Game Designers or Sound Designers, to ensure that the music complements the overall game design. In addition, you may be required to demonstrate your ability to work on short notice, as music often needs to be created and implemented quickly in the game development process. The technical task aims to assess your ability to create quality music that enhances the player experience and contributes to the success of the game.