Ah, THE Topic! ... I will never forget what my acting teacher told us one day in acting class! It was brutal for some of us to hear this, but damn, it was true! 10 years, she said! At least! Right...So yeah, I'm in both industries LOL does that mean I would need 20 years? I don't know, maybe. Because I'm already composing for last 20 years! (I'm 35). And no, I don't come from a country like UK, where you can fe that you are closer to the industry. So I did leave my country and went to UK thinking that'll help. It did changed the way I think and I've learnt a lot as I was exposed to the industry. It inspired me immensely. But after spending 10 years in UK trying like crazy in both industries I ended up working like a maniac, not having time to really create, but only work and run to get that rent paid. Awful! I did find a niche in my acting world. I made my own VO booth and I'm enjoying in recording audiobooks 😎 But, what catapulted me the most was this channel! I finally felt like there's hope for me as a composer! Thank you Christian ❤ So after the most heavier year in my life in which I lost my mother and my grandmother in 2 months time and after realising that my only home left was my creativity and my music, I left UK, for a country I've never even seen, where I don't have anyone I know. But I do have a sea! I finally understood that I can't run for my rent and work like a maniac in 100 different jobs just to say that I'm in London and that maybe something will come finally and realise itself! I wanted to continue creating! I wanted that time for having an inspiring walk by the sea or through the forest and then going back home and telling the story , solving that cue! I left friends, places I love, concerts in RAH, theatres... Only to create time for pursuing my calling! Oh but how fantastic a decision I've made! I'm creating again! I'm working as a composer more than I've worked in all these 10 years together! I feel like it's moving somewhere finally. Only because I have that TIME! I can be dedicated to it, I can follow my instincts and be in the flow. And I'll be honest, I wouldn't mind if it would take me another 10 years ! This community here is fantastic! And I am so thankful to be a part of it! It got me so inspired! Never give up, guys!!!!! Thank you to everybody for sharing your touching stories! Forward, friends! 👌 Massive thanks to Christian for pulling me back in line, there where I belong! And my only question is - when is that walk going to happen? I already have my tickets for September 😎 Set and ready!

@TheCrowHillCo

2 жыл бұрын

Wonderful story Andrea I’m sure wherever you are you’ll create success.

@AndreaGiordaniComposer

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheCrowHillCo Thank you so much, Christian for your kind words. This coming from you means a lot to me and it's so encouraging!

@classicalbanksy4908

2 жыл бұрын

What I would give to be 35 again...! lol

@achillesamusic

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing this Andrea, i empathize with your mindset and as a 10 years younger folk i can say i'd be totally blessed if that eventually be the future me

@AndreaGiordaniComposer

2 жыл бұрын

@@achillesamusic awww thank you so much. Best of luck to you on your journey 🍀👌

Christian, I am so sorry for your loss. Wishing you the best.

Hi Christian, btw I'm 63. Great advice and insight as ever. I'm a "MA" student of "media composition". Must admit, I don't expect to be a "top dog" in any pool of expertise, but I honestly enjoy getting my head into this "media" and sample library "world" that I didn't know existed 24 months ago... Some of your older videos definitely sparked something in me !!! Have been enlightened by you about what the job entails (as you have previously, and here pointed out so well). For me its a fact that being older (codger!!) and able/lucky to give it my time is great. Like us all I want "my stuff" to be heard.... appreciated....and at this point (if I put enough graft and a smattering of luck/fortuity) paid for (a bit). So as a chap that definitely has arrived late, technology has allowed me to get on the shirt-tails of the composition revolution that Spitfire and others provide. The challenge is there for me ... though at a slightly different angle from the the younger guns. Does this make sense? :)

Well said. I love listening and learning from you, I just started dedicating my time to music at age 70. Studied music since age 7 via the accordion majoring in music education, after losing my music teaching job I decided to reinvent my career so I could support my family, my wife was an art teacher and in the 70’s budgets for the arts were always challenged. That said after selling paper for 40 or so years I purchased my first $99 daw and out a card table in my basement 2 years ago when Covid started, I’m having so much fun writing but now I’m diving into orchestral works. You have been an incredible mentor to me, you are the real, honest person I’ve met that tells it like it is, I love that, we don’t get that clarity here in the states, I wish good health and fortune, you deserve it all, maybe within 5 years I can have something composed for my first film before I get too old

This is my favourite kind of video from you, Christian. Up on the mountain top talking candidly about the realities of the job, the business and the industry. It’s massively valuable, and realistic expectations are a necessity to avoid burnout or disappointment. I’d love to see a video that breaks down the 10 years into possible steps one might take (obviously every journey is unique), but as a thought experiment to get us thinking about a long term vision for ourselves that we can make unique and personalised. Anyhoo, I enjoyed this video - I hope you get a rest and a beer! Thank you.

@unkitwater

Жыл бұрын

"realistic expectations" is exactly the right word. I'm training to be a secondary school music teacher, but in the process, it's rekindled the fire I had for film composition when I studied music at university. I'm still young, but I'm not expecting to become a full time composer anytime soon. It's a love I have because I love composing and I love cinematic storytelling. Realistic expectations is so key.

Hi Christian. I was one of the people who asked you about the ageism in your recruitment tweet. You tweeted - "do you know anyone in the Edinburgh area who is young and eager to work in the music tech industry helping me make videos for my vlog and Spitfire Audio". I agree with every point you make in your video but it's not related to that tweet. You can't advertise to hire someone based on something they can't change: age, sexual orientation, gender, race. I only write here because I really do respect your work. It's great that there is someone like you in the industry willing to talk about these topics in such an open way.

Nail on the head with the sacrifices, I've had to make the decision to stick to library music because i just crash and burn being tentative to the level film entails. Now with a little girl running about the house it was the smartest decision ive made. Im 30 and i always tell people younger DO EVERYTHING YOU CAN NOW. Because family life is irreplaceable once youve experienced it.

@TheCrowHillCo

2 жыл бұрын

Amazing comment thank you.

@Lantertronics

2 жыл бұрын

"DO EVERYTHING YOU CAN NOW. Because family life is irreplaceable once youve experienced it." -- I am totally stealing this brilliant quote.

@RobGreenCOMPOSER

2 жыл бұрын

Should probably sack composing off and get into the Instagram quote game. This comment got more traction than my channel haha

@charlesgaskell5899

2 жыл бұрын

At thirty, with family and a child, absolutely. There will be a time in perhaps about 20 years time when family life may once again become less engulfing, when you can once again do those things you've put on hold

@Lantertronics

2 жыл бұрын

@@RobGreenCOMPOSER Well, this comment to my comment led to me finding your channel, which led you to getting one more subscriber. ;)

I really enjoyed this video Christian! I think everything you said was spot on, especially about what is meant by successful. I used to battle with this and have had many conversations with people about it. And essentially everyone’s vision of what makes someone successful is subjective. For example, if someone thinks you aren’t a successful composer unless you are at the level of John Williams, Elfman and Zimmer for example. Then unfortunately that person is probably never going to see themselves or others as successful. For me it’s always been about being able to be in a position to do what I love and get paid enough money to support my family, without having to compromise and take on work I don’t want to do. I have been in this position for 10 years now and I’m 40. I have a two and a half year old that I have been lucky enough to see every developmental step he’s taken since birth. That is because I was fortunate enough to be able to take nearly a year off of composing, as by this point my royalties were coming in strong and regular. It’s great to set the bar high in your goals but I feel if they aren’t realistic or done in bite size manageable stages you could become a very disappointed and bitter person.

@PatrickGillMusic

2 жыл бұрын

Brilliantly said also Chris! You’re one of the most successful composers I know mate. Purely for all the reasons you’ve mentioned. Even some composers at the top of their game haven’t quite got the same balance of normal/family life. As you say it’s totally subjective but I don’t envy some people, even if they are working on projects I’ll probably never get to work on.

Turning 32 this week and just had my first doc score recorded by an orchestra. One thing I would add, is to be prepared for that moment someone turns to you in a time of need. And having a supportive other half is always a blessing too

@edwardpatrickwhite6679

2 жыл бұрын

Congratulations Ben. That's a milestone to remember.

@BenThatcherMusic

2 жыл бұрын

@@edwardpatrickwhite6679 Thanks!, it certainly is, just landed by luck this time round but I'm not going to complain haha :D

@edwardpatrickwhite6679

2 жыл бұрын

@@BenThatcherMusic - we make our own luck. Well done.

@AndreaGiordaniComposer

2 жыл бұрын

Congratulations! Such an achievement 👏

Although I've been writing and producing music for a few decades, I've only recently developed interest in scoring for 'moving pictures'. Mainly due to the amazing products offered by Spitfire and others. At the age of 59 (60 this year), I may be thought of as being too old. However, I'm inspired that Verdi wrote his greatest operas in his 70s, so that gives me a good 10 years to prepare. :-)

@JPDC624

2 жыл бұрын

Same age as you and jumping in feet first. Most of your composers have grey in their hair. 😄👍🏼

Im 33 and worked another job on the side to pay my bills for a long time. About 3 years ago I transitioned into music and sound design full time. I would not have been able to do it if I had not realised that I am a company. The company provide a full service that includes not only the product but also being easy to work with, maintaining regular radio contact and inputting creatively to projects as a whole when appropriate. I agree with you that starting out younger was easier, I dont think I would have had the energy to write all day then go work in bars every night much past my 20s. Not to say people cant or dont do that, but I feel that you can only go that hard for so long before it starts to effect the quality of the work you produce. I also feel that starting younger gave me more time and space to make mistakes. Lots of mistakes lol. But now I can draw from them as a HOD and turn that into useable experience. Your videos are always insightful and I look forward to them for my coffee breaks. I hope you are well.

Hey Christian, just wanted to say thank you for setting up this youtube channel. When I first started watching, there was advice you gave which was something akin to 'finding places where other people hadn't thought that needed music' - this proved to be a major driving force into being able to sustain myself financially. It also made me really question why I make music. In short I realised that I like feeling connected to people through art. Thank you for all that you do. It made me realise exactly what makes me happy with music, and create my own path, rather than pretend what I think would make me happy.

Thanks for this video, Christian. I’m 48, and I’ve just finished my bachelors degree, but I’ve been creating music since the 90s. I’ve got a couple of small jobs under my belt, and more on the way. My wife and I also work, but my hope is that eventually we’ll both be able to survive in what I make from composing. I think the thing is that we’re always learning and evolving, honing what we do. I have no illusions about this being easy; if I can make our lives a bit easier doing something I love, that’ll do for me. For now. Thanks again man. Your insights are always invaluable.

Wish I had decided to be a composer 15 years ago. Thought healthcare was a safer career choice but nobody tells you that as a creative person, a non-creative career will kill you a little each day. Yeah I can afford the music toys I like but don't have the time to use them in a really meaningful way. That's why it's a young person's game, once you get all the responsibility that comes later in life, it becomes very difficult to find time to do things for yourself, much less start a new career path.

@andreasurban6795

2 жыл бұрын

This happened to me. I wanted to take a course in sound engineering and composition, but the course was full. I then took a different one in business computing. One week after a place in the previous became available. I then thought long and hard about job stability and continued my career in IT. Never had sufficient time after that to spend enough time in composition. I dabble in the odd music project now after investing in my little home studio, but it seems like I've now missed the boat, never being able to really follow up doing what I always loved. The only consolation now is, that there's lots of talent out there, and that the world didn't really need my music anyway. But I wished I had developed my skills in composition further than I have so far nevertheless. I guess what I'm saying is, if you still have the time, follow your dreams!

@simonpassmore

2 жыл бұрын

The grass is always greener on the other side, chaps... freelancing and work in the arts comes with its own share of mental health challenges (not being able to pay rent, never being able to go on a nice holiday, not being able to afford to eat, constantly being in debt etc)

Sorry to hear of your loss, Christian. I had no idea US was your mum. What A lovely lady.

Your realistic perspective is something many people need to hear, Christian. Thank you. Simply buying sound libraries and writing a few tracks is a drop in the bucket to finding lasting success. While society's attention span keeps shrinking and people are almost raised with an expectation of instant success, that isn't how it works in real-life. Even bands that often are presented as an overnight success are not overnight success stories when interviewed. Many great points - this is a video I will gladly share with many to help remind us all that the best type of success doesn't come overnight be it for film, commercial productions or even building a sound library business (I've been working on cracking that nut for 12+ years!)

Sorry to hear about the loss of your mum - my condolences to you Christian

I'm still plugging away at 60. Sorry to hear about your mum, I used to love her performances in the 60s and 70s. Another milestone we have thrust upon us, she was a great woman.

Nice one, Christian. I'm not long off 10 years in this game now and still feel like I've a lot to learn and a long way to go but am of course grateful that I'm still going at it! I must stress to others the importance of looking not just after yourself, but your relationship with music. We all get into this game because music is our favourite thing and it's worth trying to keep it that way. I found myself at the start of this year on the verge of quitting the industry because I was essentially burned out - nearly everything musical I'd done over the last few years was with a view to paying the bills rather than feeling creative and inspired, and I realised I'd taken my favourite hobby and turned into just another 'job.' I had to completely reset or it was over for me. Keep listening to albums, keep watching films, keep reading books, keep getting out and about, but most importantly do these things because they're fun and you love them! Thanks for the video. x

Fair play Christian being realistic about your own personal situation is the best advice, at 51 I knew I was doomed a long time ago but there’s always a dreamer somewhere in every musician I like to think, an optimism that is nice to hold on to. Just keep making music and trying no matter your age I say, your creations better out there than stuck on a hard drive!

Hi Christian, would just like to offer my condolences and to say sorry for your loss. My heart felt sadness and prayers go out to you Sir!! All the best to you.

Christian, many condolences. I met your mum on set years ago - she was a wonderful lady. Best wishes.

The gravity of this subject is so important, and I don't feel like many teachers (various fields, not just music) tackle it. As someone who is working full time in another field but always learning and studying music on the side, I feel like it was necessary to hear the reality of it to realign my expectations and goals. Thank you Christian, as always great stuff.

Christian, Time and age will take us all eventually. Love going to you and yours at this time. For me, you and your dear mother have brought unforgettable joy in your own unique ways (and certainly to thousands of others too). Thank you both. Keep us the good work, we need you. Big hugs.

So Sorry for your loss. Christian. Your dear Mum was a star to the end.

Brilliant as usual Christian. I love how you think and I appreciate so much that you share your thoughts with us all. Thank you for taking the time and energy.

The truth in this video makes me feel a little depressed as an initial reaction, but then on reflection you realise it puts into perspective what needs to be done.

Yesssss I was just sufferring withdrawal symptoms from deficit of your videos and here you are. Love your work Christian, so inspiring and well thought-out. Keep on creating! :)

I will try again with my comments lol. I have been following and watching your vlogs for that past couple of years and I enjoy them all. I strated composing when I was around 17. I've been in a gigging band, I've sent off loads of demos to the major lables (at the time), i've sent countless demos to big and small game devs, I've posted to KZread, Soundcloud and many more music sites, i've uploaded to a few music libraries too. In all my years as a composer/musician, I have come very close to be where I would like to have been as a composer but unfortunatly, things didn't quite go to plan for certain reasons. I've been married with a stepson and i've been divorced and lost it all. My situation now is I live with my 93 yr old mum to look after her. So, I have so much time at the moment, all I do is compose myself silly but I have recently decided to stop kidding myself that I could still get to where I had always wanted to be. I am now in my early 60's and just reside myself to compose and upload to music sites for fun. All I have ever really wanted was to get my music heard and for people to like what I write. Same as any other composer. It has been said to me that 'yeah but Hans Zimmer is in his early 60's' but the big difference is he got his break when he was very young and has worked hard at it ever since. (he is 4 months older than me). So really what you said about this being an industry for young people to start in, I agree. You need to get your break young then you have all your life to better yourself. I love Spitfire Audio and you for what you stand for regarding young composers. There must be loads of composers that have had a life like me and just never made it. Look forward to many more of your vlogs :) (This time I copied what i've writen in case it disappears again lol)

@richgreen5988

2 жыл бұрын

Keith, I've heard your music, it's great. There's no reason why you can't get it out there and used/get paid for. Maybe try some different routes? you've got so much time to write and you're only in your early 60's, if you are sensible and look after yourself you could be able to write for another 20 years or more!

@keiththeodosiou

2 жыл бұрын

@@richgreen5988 Thanks Rich, I do appreciate your words. It does get pretty frustrating when you try and try to make a career out of doing the thing you love the most. I suppose every now and then, I just feel sorry for myself ha ha ha. I will keep putting it out there as I do but i'm not expecting much now :)

@jimsanger

2 жыл бұрын

I can relate to that Keith, I've given up making music a couple of times in my life and even sold all my kit but I keep coming back. The one thing age has taught me is to enjoy it. Making music is what makes me happier than anything else so that's my priority

@keiththeodosiou

2 жыл бұрын

@@jimsanger Yeah same here. There was a time when I stopped making music for six years, I just got so fed up with the whole thing. It's not a great feeling is it lol Still, we just gotta keep going and like you said enjoy the creation :)

Christian... I just wanted to say how grateful I am to have stumbled across you... found you through Guy Michelmore whom I TRULY STUMBLED upon one day. In college I studied music theory and electronics because I wanted to get into the recording industry... and it worked!! But now that's gone and I've come back to music. I love the products that Spitfire Audio produce. What even makes things better is to see who these two who formed Spitfire are. I enjoy hearing your opinions on this subject that are often formed through experience. I also love that Spitfire pays royalties to all of their players! Hats off to you guys!! Just Thanks! I seem to be spending money with Spitfire a lot lately... and it couldn't be going to nicer, great people. Cheers!

As someone who started in filmmaking roughly 10 years ago this rings very true. Handling the business is equally if not more important than craft itself. Unfortunately. But as long as you keep being the kind of person you would want to work with to others job opportunities will come and keep coming eventually.

Thanks Christian, always greatly appreciate your realistic insights and industry knowledge. Enjoyed!

Brilliant advice, as always Christian. Thank you for sharing.

I am 31 years Old. A Music teacher and a jazz saxophone player. Discovered my love for composing 2 years ago, after spending 6 years at my work teaching students how to write for an orchestra and then our towns real orchestra played their score back at the end of the year, hearing it live in the hall struck me the first time and have kept inspiring me, guiding my students and working close with the orchestra is really amazing, students are in high school. Even though I have only been into media composing for about 1 and a half years now, on my spare time, I feel inside my heart this is something I must pursue. Even if I don’t make it as a successful composer I need to strive towards it. Your vlog is very inspiring Christian! As a musician and a teacher I have learned over the last few years that we never stop being students and that it also keeps us feeling humble and young in our mind. All the best !

@TheCrowHillCo

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your story.

@ricgus3

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheCrowHillCo Thank you for reading! Keep up the great vlog!

Thank you for this video (and all the other ones)! I am just starting seriously to compose & spend time working on this while having a full-time job (for now)… your words give me confidence in what I plan to do: leave my job and dedicate my whole time to this & find projects. We’ll see how it goes!

very wise words, your open and honest insights are a great help.

Ah, classic Christian. How I love your mountaintop videos!

I appreciate your honesty. Transparency is key in this field

Hi Christian, I respect what you are saying and you may be preaching to the general public. Life can be different. I started learning piano seriously at age 41, within 2 years I had acquired grade 8 and am now studying for a piano diploma. Many would say this is not possible but of course it is. I have been fortunate in that I have had a lot of free time to pursue my dream. I am now beginning to enter the world of composition. Success as you rightly have said is judged from a subjective point of view. sometimes success is sitting at your instrument and beginning, it's what Hans Zimmer does, what Beethoven did and what we hope to do. Age is ultimately irrelevant.

59 and started less than two years ago...focused on becoming a good composer and on getting the work composed...if the music is successful than that has to be success....too many family responsibilities to do what I could have when I was young and single....not interested in writing to story....so I have no expectations of that kind of success...nor would I have sought it when I was free enough to pursue it. Very good candid video about the profession, not that different than trying to make it as a writer which I did for a couple of decades....though there is a different process (and different gatekeepers) in that world. The freedom I do have is to compose what I want in the style I choose.

I am very thankful for you Christian. Thanks!

Superb topic, and excellent insights. The sacrifices are absolutely real and the balance of branding around the music is something it took me far too long to understand myself.

Lots of useful wisdom here, thanks for sharing!

It's so helpful to hear this stuff while I'm in college for Composing. They really do only focus on bringing up your music chops, and they teach you just the basics of your rights and business. But they never talk about how to market yourself, how to keep yourself afloat, or even how to run a successful ship that will last for the long voyage. Love seeing these kinds of videos, Christian. It helps me remember that there is more to this that I have to keep my brain on.

These are my favorite CH videos! Life- and career advice on the hill. Love it!

@TheCrowHillCo

2 жыл бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/laJ-j7ecaNS3kag.html

Sorry to hear about your mum, mate. x Genuinely was totally guted and instantly thought of you and hope you're alright.

Thanks for sharing your experience, Christian! 🙏🙌

Thanks Christian. Found that Information very valuable and inspiring. Thanks for sharing your thought... and I find it very beautiful that you do this talks while being somewhere in nature. Have a good one. :)

I have been watching your career advice vlogs for a few days now and feel enlightened and inspired every time. Maybe even inspired to visit Crow Hill one day. And even at 30, I feel I lack enough energy to work on all the things I want to work on... hoping I can fix that somehow... thank you for sharing!

So sorry to hear about your mum, I've been a fan of hers ever since I was a kid watching the likes of the Dick Emery Show. She always felt like such a part of our lives, you must be devastated. Best wishes

I fully embrace 10 years!! What got me to wanting to become a film composer in the first was being a kid watching SyFy (used to be the Sci-Fi Channel) movies. I started indeed late as I’m 27 and in the field of marketing trying to do a career shift as it were 😂. But I’m having a lot of fun on my journey and to me that’s important! But along the way I’m blessed to be learning a lot from channels like yours, Tom Holkenborg and Guy Michelmore! I don’t fear being in my 40’s when I score movies haha after all John Williams was in his forties when he scored Jaws! So I’m just plowing through, but enjoying the journey! Thank as always for your content Christian as well as all you and the Spitfire team do!!

Thank you Mr Henson. As usual a thought provoking reflection and one I singularly aim to prove you wrong in.

Thank for this, honest and inspirational. I'm 47 and 20 something years into a completely different career. Music has always been there since I can remember and despite the 10 year timeframe Chris mentions in this video, I am only just beginning to prepare myself to get out there and see if I can make the same money I make now with music...not discouraged by this, but inspired to push even harder!

I never used to like the tone and attitude in your videos but over the past few years you’ve become one of the few people speaking any sense on KZread. Great Knowledge and insights shared 👍

Thank you for your thoughts Christian. I’ve been writing for years but it was last years spitfire competition that got me into film composing. I was 37. I worried I was too late but realised that it’s not. Opportunities come, if you work hard and take time to learn. I have a full time job, so I’m not under pressure to support the family from this, it gives me time to learn what I need to, get in some practice, make some relationships with directors etc and 1 day (maybe in the next 8 or 9) it will have all been worth it. Thank you for your vlogs, they really help.

@unkitwater

Жыл бұрын

Well done, David! As we're often reminded, Morgan Freeman only got his first big hit in his 50s. Realistic expectations are key, but they shouldn't stop you from giving it a shot, and I think Christian's comments balance that well.

15 years and counting, with one major credit to my name so far.. Should have been 2, but ITV just pulled it....

@classicalbanksy4908

2 жыл бұрын

But sometimes in life, you do something because "you have to.." Not because you think you can get rich or whatever, by doing so....

@classicalbanksy4908

2 жыл бұрын

Was that you, C - liking that comment.? If so, bless you - that does mean a lot! If you didn't catch it, here is that one major credit! LOTS of Spitfire used in this, I'm proud to say!! xx kzread.info/dash/bejne/imuY07KKlK-XntI.html

@TheCrowHillCo

2 жыл бұрын

If you’re at 15 years and still not happy I would strongly suggest how you’re approaching what you’re doing not as composer or even HOD but as CEO.

@classicalbanksy4908

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheCrowHillCo There's no way I would have stuck at this for 15 years, writing something every day - as John Williams advises - if I wasn't utterly devoted to it! And living off foodbanks, or smiling inwardly when everyone ignores you on 'so-called' social media - all pale into insignificance, when I'm in front of the screen, with a great idea! What's not to love..? x

Excellent, mature, and objective perspective right here, paired with a level of honesty that the world needs.

Thank you for your wisdom once more and I'm sorry to hear of your loss, my thoughts are with you and your family.

Best wishes Christian. Thinking of you at this difficult time.

Age, used as a criteria for staff selection, is definitely changing. Lots of people pivoting to new careers in their 50s now. But don't disagree that creating a CEO version of yourself takes time, regardless of the discipline being pursued. And media composing looks like a hard slog! Thanks for sharing your views Christian. Your insights are always interesting to hear and reflect on.

I've just seen the news - my deepest sympathies on your loss. Much love from us all in the Henson/Spitfire community.

What a wonderful career you have had. I really enjoy your chats and your tutorials. I got back into music production as a hobby a year ago (at age 63), working in Ableton Live. Love my Spitfire plugins (mainly Albion One, Labs and Eric Whitacre Choir).

This is sooooooooo helpful to hear. Thank you for sharing :)

Yes, but having watched quite a few of your videos, its very evident, that with so many chords you strike and sounds you create, that your life is fulfilling. And your contribution to music and all the wonderful things it brings, is a gift for so many. 10000 hours is such a short time if you enjoy so many moments. Yes, unfortunately there's always the inconvenient reality of commercial requirements, but so, so many commit their entire life with so little fulfilment for themselves or others. For some, you insoire them to step out of that mode. You are an inspiration Christian Henson. I am sure not just to me, but to so many others too. Thanks so much.

Really missed the monologues - welcome back.

I missed not seeing your dogs with you, but glad to see you uploading a new video 🙂

Love your Albion Colossus trailer 💚💚💚

Sending my love Christian, especially to you but also to your family too xx

Again more great advice from a living legend, and veteran of the craft ✌️🙏🏻🎶

Great take on the topic, Christian. It's funny, I have experienced ageism mainly for being too young. I consider myself quite lucky to be relatively experienced for my age (27) and I've gained some valuable credits. A lot of the time when I pitch for a project where I would be considered HOD I get the feeling that my age often goes, understandably, against me. Perhaps I'm pitching too far above my station! I'm in a position where I've been able to, and have needed to, burn the candle at both ends and there is absolutely no way I could have done that while juggling any other responsibilities. Arguably I might never be in a better position to work like crazy on projects before I get 'older' and maybe have other things that demand larger amounts of my time.

Thanks for sharing, you are great!

I don't watch much content here but i rarely ignore such topics either. Overall great video much love!

Hi Christian, I saw the most recent " The Go Between " film adaptation. Lovely, brilliant job on the score mate. Malcolm.

@TheCrowHillCo

2 жыл бұрын

That’s very kind thanks.

Great and thanks for your advice

studio moving to a different room The room you spend more life in. Just have two. Inspiring again thanks

8:23 In the same vein of students not being taught tangental but practical skills in formal education, this happens in music school for educators as well. There's (in the two places I went, I'm told) very little emphasis on things like dealing with parents, having a budget, getting along with administration, being a part of a larger organization, community outreach, how to take the abstract concept of "assessment" and put it into the real world of day-to-day rehearsals, etc. etc. etc.

to all of us who are “older”, let your life experiences define your sound. Those are the experiences that cant be taught and are only yours.

My best ideas tend to come to me in the middle of the night! Sometimes, they still sound good in the morning! :)

Brilliant!! I love your 15 min chats on any subject matter but this hits the nail on the head. It is also why I am not a media composer. I am a few months older than you Christian (50!!!) and have all the responsibilities you mention. I used to work in the music industry in my early 20’s (late 80’s) when I had zero responsibilities. I just couldn’t do it now. However, the pay off is I love my music for what it is, a hobby. Sometimes it makes me a few quid which is a nice bonus. Just one important point to finish, when I worked in the music industry, my music was no longer a hobby it was my job. As a result, I never played at home as I wanted a break from it!! The hobby I loved became my day job and I missed it.

Thank Christian for sharing your insights with all of us,I have had a modicum of success,and am still trying every day to improve and earn a living.The one thing that has changed my ability to learn and understand my craft and this business, is the day i discovered your channel. Thank you for your honesty and knowlege.

Thanks Christian for this sobering but honest chat. I guess it's a bit like going on holiday and deciding you're going to sell up and move there - but the reality of living there all the time is not the dream your holiday made it seem. We take ourselves with us after all! I'm in that 40 something camp, with responsibilities and yes, looking in from the outside seeing the greener grass, the wonder of making music for a living (seeing the holiday home and thinking this will be a better place to live!). So, I'm choosing to educate myself, instead of leaving my day job (with the help of the lovely folks at ThinkSpace) and aim to just be better at what I do as a hobby. If the opportunity comes to work on something that pays, then that's a bonus. For now, I'll keep checking in from the outside and enjoying the holidays, without selling up and moving in! I like a good honest chat - thanks as always.

Thank you for your wonderful videos. With sympathy for your loss today.

Thanks for this good and realistic advice Christian... when it comes to saying 'No' to projects, I think it's important to remember that every time you say 'Yes' to something, you also say 'No' to other things... and it's important to be clear about what you implicitly are saying 'No' to when you say 'Yes'...

I am in my late 50s and have had a 25+ year career in tech after studying music 30+ years ago and switching to tech. The kids are out of the house and I am thinking about my next chapter post tech career. My strategy, if you will, is a series of milestones of success. Complete a few scores for a short films for free. Check, just did a 48hr film competition and loved every minute of it. I have a few more of those to do before I feel comfortable taking the next step, getting paid to do a short film. The next major milestone after that is to make enough money to cover costs for hardware, software, and training as I still feel like a first year student in a four year program. The final milestone is your definition of success, supporting myself and my family making music. That may or may not happen, and thanks to a long tech career, that's okay financially. But most importantly in all of this, I love learning, I love seeing incremental improvements, I love some of the music I produce, and I love the prospects of achieving a few of those milestones over time. Given all of that, I feel pretty fortunate to be on this path and your vlog and Spitfire Audio have played a pretty big part in all of that.

Deepest sympathy for the loss of your dear mum Christian. I hope you draw comfort knowing she was a must loved entertainer and a British icon. A fine character actress that will be remembered fondly. Thoughts are with you and your family.

Thinking of you today Chris.

Well said Christian!

Wonderful and insightful as always Christian but “Get out and about… and lose yourself in thought…that’s where the ideas come” Was the gem of this video. Thanks!!

Hi Christian, Another lovely vlog with stunning views. Do you have any other recommendations for the kind of work you could do whilst starting out and honing your craft, in addition to the ones that you mentioned? Something that might not be a known option for most but would still relate to music. (Also love that you always encourage people to get outside and move about. Let’s be honest, most of us need it 🤪)

@TheCrowHillCo

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Egle, I think creating sounds and sampling is an excellent way of getting in with composers you may want to assist. Oh and yes, lets get out and about!!!

Christian, I'm very sorry for your loss.

Just seeing this at 25, thanks for sharing real thoughts & honest advice, Christian. In school I was a decent writer & had to learn video & audio production by staying up late and studying from people who knew more than me. Being able to make music's helped so much w/ my early gigs & how I express myself & it's just let me see the possibilities that're out there no matter where you're from or when you started getting into music. As I'm looking at composing, music theory & sync I'm like geez these r super daunting lol but vids like these help me to chill n put my journey in perspective. Every day is a school day 🏫

@unkitwater

Жыл бұрын

By your comment I take it you've learnt more of the production side of things but less the music theory. I'm the opposite. And, we're exactly the same age. Could be cool to connect if you'd like. No worries if not.

As someone in his mid-40s trying to turn his career over to some form of music production, be it producing, composing, mixing, all of the above, I'm well aware of the difficulties to dedicate time to build up the knowledge, the network and the experience to reach a level that would be considered successful in the terms you used to define it. So I wouldn't say it's off-putting to hear you say these things because if it were easy everyone would be doing it but I suppose the reality for me now is that this isn't likely to work as a full-on career for another 10 years or so. That's not to say I'm going to give up but it is disconcerting in some way to know that until the cogs have started to turn and the wheels have their own momentum, it will be difficult to consider this as more than a hobby... Best wishes from Midlothian :)

All very very well said.

This was fantastic

If authentic caring honesty and a sincere and deeply felt concern for your audience’s current and future wellbeing was the tone you were going for in this video, I think you succeeded magnificently. I am always surprisingly and warmly touched by the end of your videos, which is why they are the only TV I regularly and consistently watch. Sir, you are a bloody inspiration - not just by your inspiring words, but by the very fact of who and what and why and how you are you how you’re you how you’re you. It’s like a fucking lightning bolt infusion of how to be a good and strong and present and honest human being…. And how to live that, come what may. I can’t wait to show the world how it’s goaded me into truly madly being. It bears repeating. So, thanks mate, sir. I know that I’m not alone in this within your vibrantly emboldened and girded community, no matter their chosen paths and path ways.

I'm only slightly younger than you Christian and came to film music in my mid 40s pretty much by accident. I don't have big ambitions, just to enjoy it. I've always loved making music and never made a living from it alone. I've started writing production music as I think it's a more likely income source for someone my age. I do wish I'd started earlier but I'm very much a realist and having a second job is fine by me. I also have little responsibilities despite my age as my son is now grown up and his mum kicked me out years ago :D

I love what you are saying from your beautiful hills. I will soon be 80, still pushing myself to make and play music.. Your videos are inspiring for me.

I think I've stopped worrying so much about success...when it boils down to it I love to make music, and I love to tell stories. I want to keep it fresh and work on stuff I like and enjoy doing. I'm not too concerned with making music my career. It will be something I do forever regardless if it's my day job or not. Don't get me wrong if someone hears my stuff and likes it and wants to work with me, I'm not going to pass it up. I'm just going to continue to pursue and hone my voice and my craft. For the sake of art and story. I think we get caught up in "I HAVE TO MAKE MUSIC FOR A LIVING OR I'LL DIE" or "I HAVE TO HAVE THIS GIG, PROJECT, OR JOB TO FEEL HAPPY". and we end up trying to be everything to everyone. I think some people very deliberately seek and others wander and find their way to it. Make music and hone your craft. Do your very best. Let the pieces fall where they may.

@TheCrowHillCo

2 жыл бұрын

I think this is very admirable, aiming for happiness is a great way to go. But for others reading here I do also stress that if you decide to embrace the CEO aspect of the job you have more control over your future than you may believe. The successful composers I meet all have a very firm grasp of strategy marketing and brand.

Funnily enough, I've been doing The Unfinished for nearly ten years now. And whilst I'm not exactly a composer (though I do try), a lot of what you said chimes with me. Thanks to being something of a flaneur for most of my life (unsuccessfully chasing a comedy and writing career for the first 15 years after leaving university), I was able to start The Unfinished journey aged 36, without many responsibilities. Some ten years later, now having a wife and two young daughters, I am certain that if I tried to start now, I simply wouldn't have anything like the time or pigheaded enthusiasm I had during the first five or so years. I also would have struggled because part of the reason of The Unfinished being a success was the blind luck of starting when I did, when not many people were making synth sounds for composers. Running the business absolutely gets in the way of the fun creative stuff but, the CEO bit is vital for the fun bit to work (and makes the space and the money for the fun bit to actually exist). Not sure I'm actually making a point here but, maybe you don't have to be young for your theory to work. You just need to still have the 10 years to apply yourself.

@TheUnfinishedSynth

2 жыл бұрын

One thing I would mention though, and you kind of alluded to it with the example of the composer who quite his job and was supported by his wife... Those ten years to build a career don't just spring out of the ether. There's a lead up to them. And one of the things that allows those ten years to start, more often than not, is the emotional and financial support to take such a risk. And a lot of people have neither. Most people don't have the space to take a risk. The pressures of every day life are already too much. It's not a controversial thing (I don't think) to say that it remains a hell of a lot easier for someone who is middle class (or higher) to choose to work in the arts, because they usually have a safety net. A safety net is vital. Because no matter how good you are at jumping, occasionally those jumps are actually going to just be falling. And you need somewhere to land. I grew up in a fairly working class family. But, by the time I made my jump, I would definitely have described myself as middle class (I worked at Oxford University at the time, for fuck's sake!). Those are the next barriers to break down. Computer music has made things more affordable, for sure. But the emotional space required to pursue a career in the arts and music is rare. It takes a village to raise a child, and all that jazz.

One thing to consider is that media composing may just be a piece of your creative pie. My main focus is now working towards a career in media composing but I am coming off over a decade of composing, producing, engineering and teaching. I think all of those add to my skill set and although a switch of focus later in life seems daunting, all of this experience adds to what I can offer.

@TheCrowHillCo

2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely, more strings to your bow, diversification is key. The tough balance for me was being a jack of all trades versus having the focus required to drive success.