If you are looking to become a musical theatre composer, you will need to have a good understanding of music and how it works. You will need to be able to read and write music, as well as understand the nuances of musical theatre.
Additionally, you will need to be familiar with the various types of musical theatre and how they work together.
The first step in becoming a musical theatre composer is to learn the basics of composition. You should study music theory, which will help you understand the structure of music and how it works.
You should also learn about different instruments and how they are used in musical compositions. Additionally, you should familiarize yourself with different styles of music, such as jazz, classical, rock, etc., so that you can better understand how they are used in musical theatre.
Once you have a good understanding of composition, you should start learning about musical theatre itself. This means understanding the storyline, characters, and score for each show.
You should also familiarize yourself with the industry standards for writing musicals: such as rhyme schemes and song structures. Additionally, you should practice writing songs for musicals on your own or with a mentor.
You may also want to look into taking classes related to composition or theory from a local college or university. This can help give you an edge when it comes time to apply for job openings in this field. Additionally, many professionals recommend taking part in workshops or master classes led by successful composers.
In addition to learning about composition and studying existing shows, it is important that aspiring composers get experience working on their own projects. This could include creating your own songs or creating entire scores for smaller productions. While this may not result in immediate success or recognition from larger companies or theatres, it is essential that young composers develop their skills independently.
Conclusion:
Becoming a successful musical theatre composer takes dedication and hard work but is ultimately achievable with the right amount of practice and knowledge. It requires an understanding of music theory as well as an appreciation for different styles of music and how they are used in show compositions. Additionally, aspiring composers must gain experience by creating their own projects before applying for job openings within the industry.