Hi, I'm Cheska! I'm a film composer from San Diego, CA documenting my journey and sharing what I've learned along the way. I also help new composers connect with filmmakers through social media and land film scoring gigs anywhere in the world. When I'm not doing that, I'm scoring indie films!
Пікірлер
Hi, Cheska. Thank you for sharing this vid, as I really get so much from your perspectives and process. BTW, what monitor are you using...? Thanks again for everything you share with us.
Hi Jaythan, miss hearing from you and hope all is well! I'm using a 34in LG monitor :) Also- so happy you enjoyed this longer kind of video!
Oooooo I can’t wait to come back to this later!!!
I dream big and never give up. My dream is to work with Hans Zimmer. I have been drawn to his music from a young age. I always wanted to listen to the movie soundtracks at a young age. A fulfilling life to me is living out your dreams. With hard work and persistence. You only live once! Great video though!!! I’m just determined!! ❤
Totally valid, I love that! If you're going to work hard for something, it should be for something you love 🤗
@@cheska_yo yesss!!!! I am just not a good creator, I like to add my own spin to existing songs. I loved your video sooo much though!!! You are super inspiring!!!! Keep it up!!!
@@mandybredeweg-bishop4003 I can tell you really love music! I think it's just a matter of learning how to capture that passion in a way that helps people connect with you on KZread. Creating content is a skill, just like all the music skills we've learned. Maybe I can talk about how to approach that as a musician in a future video? Anyways thanks for the support, I really appreciate it Mandy 🥰
This is very helpful Cheska! Thank you!
I'm so happy to hear this, thanks for watching Heidi! <3
I know you've had a full time job (as I still do). I don't think there is anything I don't know about sync licensing (my first and only "gig" was to compose the music for a ten-episode KZread series, but that was bak in 2017), and I have practiced my composing skills be rescoring video shorts or movie shorts. I want to take things to the next level - particularly gaining composing to picture and sync placement opportunities. It just feels like there is a brick wall in front of me moving forward (which is most likely me not getting out of my own way). Did you ever feel that way and, if so, how did you overcome it. BTW, I have subscribed to your newsletter and have the results of the intro quiz. Thanks for you feed here.
Yup I definitely felt that way! It was difficult, especially as a super introverted person- but eventually I started leaning into my strengths as a former scientist and tried to reverse engineer the process of connecting with a filmmaker. This led to me using crowdfunding sites where filmmakers were promoting their projects and training my KZread algorithm to show me filmmakers. From there, it was slowly overcoming the belief that "no one wants to work with me because my music isn't good enough yet or I'm too awkward." Once I started reaching out only to filmmakers I really liked and began landing work consistently, I realized that I could actually be a film composer. I really believe that there is a filmmaker out there who would probably love to work with you, it's just a matter of figuring out who that filmmaker is, where they are online, and getting comfortable with being yourself along the way. P.S. Sorry if this was a lot! Since you took the quiz, we could definitely set up a free call and talk about how you can start making progress if you want
Make more of these videos 😊❤ i love it! Nice job.
Aww thanks Millie, this is pretty old now but it was my first few months of learning to use Logic!
@@cheska_yo cool 😄 it's pretty good for your first few months of learning it!
🌲🌲🌲 Great! 🌲🌲🌲🙂
:DDDD
📚Start landing gigs this summer w/ the GIG HUNTING KIT! www.cheskanavarro.com/gighuntingkit
Hey Cheska , Great Video as always 😊 Regarding the Problem of filming your whole process: i also have asked myself this question and thought it might be a good idea to just record your screen and make a Voice over afterwards where you explain , what you were doing 😊 Stay Safe
Hehe thanks Marcel! You are totally right, recording it and doing a voice over after is a great way to do it. I'll make sure to remember that when I make that video! Thanks for the great idea :)
Congrats on reaching 500 goat. So happy for you! And such great advice as always ❤❤🙌🏾🙌🏾
Hehe thanks Ephraim!!! You should totally join me and share your classical composer secrets on KZread haha XD
@@cheska_yo ugh I knooowwww 😅😂
@@ephraimchampion.composer I double dog dare you to post a video sharing how you got your first big opportunity in the classical world and share tips for young composers 🤣 I will blast it in my newsletter hahaha
@@cheska_yo oh wow. Sigh. Challenge accepted now 😂❤️🙏🏽
@@ephraimchampion.composer muahahahahahaha
Just had a conversation with you about this ! this is great to see that you are actually listening to others reaching out to you and making a video about it🙏🙌🏻🔥
Yup!! Benefits of having this small but tight knit community haha :) Can't wait to see you grow alongside all of us!
I love what you said about showing people alternative paths in your content cause that’s what I think I’ve been struggling with with my channel
So glad to hear this resonates with you, but I know it's definitely easier said than done! I feel like for my first 10 videos I kept thinking "does anyone actually want to hear this" and oh "this is too niche and specific to me" and tried to play it safe with the value packed content I thought people would want. I'm pretty certain that you're on your way to doing it already!
I really like the personal tone of your videos. Was I #500? 🙂
Thank you so much!! I'm not sure, but if you subbed in the last week there's a high chance you are hahah
@@cheska_yo I did, so I'm counting it! Keep doing what you're doing & you'll have the next 500 in no time flat.
YEAAAAA 500!!! NOW TO 1000!!!
YIPPEEEE!!!!
Coolios. I am also very introvert and yep I get you too. Watching your video today is so chill and understanding your thoughts too Happpy weekend Cheska. Another fun weekend ideas :)
Glad you're liking these chill videos! Happy weekend to you too :D
LOVE THIS! I also noticed how "niche" and interesting the questions are. More fountain pen content please.
More fountain pen you say?? XD Say no more.
Have a question that didn't make it into the video? Drop it below and I'll answer 🤗
Cue "scary strings": AI question: Using AI in creating the visuals in your portfolio? I'm using reelcrafter and then creating visual art using AI. Due to budget -of course-. Ive received some backlash from people, but had to explain that when I reach out to animators/artists the last 10 years; they are generally not interrested in collaborating. Most of them say "I already use sfx I create myself... Not interrested." Or " I use music from [insert random free music site].... The result is me using comic book art, pexels videos and now AI generative programs like Leonardo... Would love to hear your input.
Ooooh scary strings! I think your reason for using AI in your portfolio is totally valid. However, I think it might be worth while to change your approach to contacting animators/artists. One of my workshop students took what I taught him and reached out to animators he admired, told them their work really inspired him, and asked if he could make music inspired by their film and share it online to not only practice his skills but promote THEIR project. He was able to get opportunities from doing this and I think it's a really smart application of what I teach in the Gig Hunting Kit but for animated films!
@@cheska_yo Cool 🙏🏻 Thank you
Woohoo!!! 🎉🙌😂 I first started with finale, noteflight, sibelious, and music writer app.
Woohoo!!! :) Can't wait until you start making music on Logic or Cubase too!
@@cheska_yo Yeah that would be amazing! 😍 I'll be posting a KZread video soon it's about a clarinet solo I composed and I'll play it to see if it's playable since I'm a clarinet player. 😁😸🙌🎉🎶
Hello. Unfortenly i don't have instagram. hope its okay i ask here. What do you think we should do as daily practices in order to train as a composer?(besides the obvious of composing of course) Congrats on 500 subs! :)
Hmm, I'd say to make it a habit to go out in the world and experience new things and just live life instead of staying at home to make music! I think going on adventures, even if they're small like going on a hike or trying a new hobby can inspire better music and keep composing enjoyable. For a more daily habit though, I think journaling is super helpful. It might lead to some new ideas that influence how you approach composing for the day or build a career moving forward (if that's something you want to do!) And thank you!! <3
Great point Cheska! Although I came to this conclusion myself, sometimes I think that my music is crap and that until I am a top composer I won't be able to get any collaborations (that's why I keep buying some books and looking for courses on the internet 😁😂)...I know that's not true and that everyone has their place under the sun and if the music I make is good enough for the director's criteria, then that's it - nothing more is needed. I don't really like the idea of a glamorous studio and that type of composing job, and I don't think I would feel comfortable in those conditions.
Totally relate to you, I don't like the idea of a glamorous studio and all that either haha 🤣 Also super guilty of buying courses instead of actually composing and connecting with people. At the end of the day, as long as we have fun and try to make our next piece better, that's all that matters!
@@cheska_yo That's right! 🙂
Hi Cheska! Here I am finally in the comments. 😁Once again I want to congratulate you and say that your content is excellent. Keep up the good work, I think you are a great inspiration to others, and that is very important. 😊🙌
Haha hey, you made it! Thank you so much for the encouragement. Sometimes I have no idea if this is going anywhere until I get comments from amazing supporters like you. I'll remember this!
@@cheska_yo Of course it's going somewhere, regardless of the fact that you currently have a relatively small channel (but with a lot of useful information) with several hundred subscribers. I don't know what your plans are with the channel, but the approach you have with your honesty and simplicity will always get people interested in viewing the content. Just keep it up! 😊🔥
Great idea~ you are good at brainstorming!
Aww thanks for watching this older video Daniel, I still agree with most of what I said here! Hope you use some of these ideas 🤗
@@cheska_yo oldie but goodie
Love this, Cheska! Thanks for making this video.
Glad you liked it Owen! <3
Hey Cheska.. I have been following you for a while.. even though I'm not a film composer, I enjoy your videos and your thoughts, especially.. I really liked your idea of being available to your friends and relatives without compromising on your dreams .. it can happen only when we know where we stand and till where we want to climb.. because on a long run satisfaction matters and not money or huge fanbase.. much love and support to you Cheska ❤❤
I'm happy to hear you found your way to my channel <3 You are totally right, satisfaction is what matters most. Thank you so so much for your support and leaving such a kind comment :)
Great questions! Those are things everyone should consider. Thank you!
Glad it helps! :)
Hans Zimmer fucking blows anyway.
I always wanted to be a full time composer and really put a lot of time into my creations and at some point I realised that I was losing the fun of the whole thing. It wasn't until I realised that I was putting too much pressure on myself to release new music and compose new music. I thought about whether I wanted to live my life like this and possibly get frustrated at some point because things weren't moving forward or whether I should change something and simply have a different mindset. I've now found the perfect balance between leisure time and composing. Composing is no longer my main job, but a side job that doesn't necessarily have to earn money. This allows me to compose much more freely and, above all, have fun. I love composing music, but you should also collect lots of impressions and great experiences, because these in turn inspire you to compose. Free time is a really important factor. Thank you for your video!
I love that! I am also striving to improve my leisure time and composing balance. Keeping it fun and protecting our relationship with music isn't something a lot of people think about, so I'm really happy to hear that you found what works for you. Thank you for sharing your perspective with us, and happy composing!
It applies to every career I guess, well said. Thanks.
You are definitely right, it does apply to every career- I'm glad you found it helpful!
Thank you for this!
Of course ☺ I hope it inspires you to think more deeply about the kind of career you want
This is an EXCELLENT video Cheska - such valuable insights here 👏👏
Thanks Zach!!! 😁
Non 👏 Negotiables 👏
YUP 🙌
Such a needed message right now, my vision of being a full time composer has shifted drastically over the years. I thought I just wanted to do huge shows and films all year round for a living, and while a piece of me still wants do projects like that, I primarily want to lead a life where art and expression is celebrated throughout my week. I don’t want to work the boring lifeless unfulfilling jobs, I want to be involved in something that feels revenant to not only my human experience but something that will bring fulfillment and belonging to myself and the people in my life (and possibly a future family). And who knows maybe I’ll do big projects in the future, idk but my goal is to live a more simple & quiet life whilst pursuing work that matters to me. That could be educating, KZread, composing, sample libraries selling, performing. Preferably yes composing but who knows, I’m along for the ride! Just a note, Hans is also a guy who certainly encourages & works with people who have a different set of unique passions and skills. As humans I think we try to gravitate with what we think works in a career all the time but the truth is I believe there is a different road for each and every one of us. Thanks for making videos like these!
Fulfillment, belonging, living a simple and quiet life, and pursuing work that matters- those are all things that I care about too! I'm really happy to hear that you were able to make this realization for yourself and that you're not too caught up with what music related job titles will get you there. I definitely didn't expect to creating content to become a big part of how I get fulfillment and belonging, but it's the best kind of surprise! Also, thanks for pointing that out about Hans, you're definitely right about that and I think it's awesome how open he is collaborating with talented musicians. Anyways so happy to hear you enjoyed this, let's continue creating our own paths and have more great discussions like this!
@@cheska_yo Agreed!
Love this vid cuz i also believe that being dedicated to work is important but doing so at the cost of missing out on fun moments or family time is something that just doesn't feel like a fair trade-off. Great stuff! :)
Glad you love it Adi!! Hopefully the Zimmer fan base responds well to this hahaha
As a composer with a lifelong marketing career and degree in marketing, I would make the following suggestion. It is something that was drummed in my head when I first started working in my first marketing job in cardiology many years ago. I never forgot it. It's WIIFM which stands for "what's in it for me". Your career in film music is not about YOU. It's about helping the film director/producer solve a problem. Most directors want to be reassured a film composer can deliver on tight deadlines under pressure of hifting edits required etc. Can they trust YOU as a composer to deliver promptly. Can they trust YOU to be a team player. Your marketing message to a film producer/director should demonstrate that you have the qualities necessary to minimize the risk in hiring you.
Totally agree with everything you said! In my experience almost 3 years after making this video, I would add that directors hire whoever they know or like better (a friend or mutual contact) over the most efficient or qualified composer though. Delivering the music and not making the project about you is kind of the bare minimum...
Such a cool video format Cheska! I love this video!
So glad you like it! After our talk I thought this would be a good way to show that I am a working composer (social proof for getting more students) and keep up the weekly upload schedule haha 🤣
Looks nice 🥰 Greetings from Poland
Dziękuję! Hopefully that says thanks 🤣
@@cheska_yo YES :) Great! 🥰
Awesome! Glad it went well! Keep up the great work!
Thanks Pax :)
@@cheska_yo You're welcome!
Bruh this is too real 😭 I work in data, and had my "scanning tubes of blood" moment a couple months ago. It's been a crazy grind since! Thanks for sharing your story, and I'm super happy things seem to be working out since you took the leap :)
So glad you get it, the grind always grinding 🥲 It's just like, choose your grind! I definitely wouldn't have been able to take the leap without teaching and creating content which is honestly a second passion of mine. Some of the people I look up to teach piano lessons, perform at gigs, and compose for video games or films. The dream has always been to do something creative and musical!
Great video - thanks for sharing these DMs and your journey as a whole! Much love from a fellow San Diegan 😁
Omg thank you so much and I'm so excited to hear you're also from SD! 🤗
There is no reason for "us" artists to be ashamed of wanting to present ethnic music to be represented more in our social lives. Im a "white" guy from South Africa and teaching under-privilaged people music theory, with the aim to get them (trad music/beliefs) to be represented in the industry. So, be proud if you want to have your agenda represented in society and the media that people consume, and never apologise for being insenstitive about wanting to present the world with new cultural values that are not discovered yet. Loving your style of vlogging. Thank you for doing it 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Thanks for the encouragement and support Shawn! P.S. Your work sounds amazing and I'm happy to hear that you get to be a resource for others who need it. Super inspiring, thank you the wonderful comment!
@@cheska_yo Thank you :)
So good. I’m the same way. I have kids so I’m not trying to be a top 1% anything. I just want to work with good people who don’t mind that I can’t really leave my house 😂
I LOVE that 😂 Priorities. A huge motivator for me was wanting to stay home with my dogs since they're seniors now! Not the same as kids, but they do pee a lot more frequently and I wouldn't want an accident to happen 🤣
Soooo thankful for you Cheska! Great stuff here 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Awww thank you so much Tara, every time you comment it just makes me want to keep going!
I recently finished my first professional gig scoring a short film and was genuinely surprised to find I was scoring without any footage. For absolutely no reason at all, I thought I would get at least a rough edit of the scenes I'd be scoring.. But I did not. I scored it blind, going on just the script and the story (which is, of course, the most important thing) as well as the director's notes and ideas about what they want people to feel when they hear the music. Thankfully, my practice is often creating scores for the fantasy/romantasy books I read so I wasn't super put off but, I was a little unnerved by it. Like, what if my music really doesn't fit with the scene?! And I will not know until I see the finished film!! Anyway... My big lesson during my first time professionally scoring a short film is that, you might get footage. But it's really, really common not to. 🙃
Yeah... every filmmaker works differently 😅 Yet another reason why practicing won't prepare you for everything. Sounds like your practice of creating scores from books came in handy though! It's definitely not ideal to score a film blind, but that's where we as composers can educate our filmmakers on how we like to collaborate. Congrats on your first professional gig nonetheless Claire!!! <3