Your channel is such a mine of information. Here I am, from step 4, didn't even know it! You give me hope that others are wrong and that I will one day make a living out of composing!
Thanks man, you always bring so much clarity to these subjects! I thought I was somewhere in the middle, but in reality I'm at step 2. This whole process is exciting and I can't wait to progress to the next step
This was an absolute eye opener. I love making soundtracks for themed games, and I was looking for how to become a game composer. I do have a question since i'm at step 0. Where does one find out if a developer is looking for music composer? And you mentioned releasing one of our best track available for free, how do developers approach to the idea where a track can be used by someone else too?
After watching this, I went from "this could be impossible" to, "I can totally do this." I already have free content being released (although it's just arrangements currently), already have decided I only want to do video game composing, and already know what type video games I would like to compose for (anything resembling Zelda). Thank you so much, you have given me hope for a future in this field.
Thank you for all your work, Steven! The 10 steps help to put things into perspective. If I am on a step, it is probably step two. Would you say that in order to find the right genre to specialize in, first you need to spread your wings a little bit and try composing in different genres? Some people might know right off the bat, but I love so many different kinds of games and game soundtracks, it's hard for me to narrow it down.
Yeah, definitely experiment and see what you like most! Try my course for a great way to try multiple genres in a structured order: www.udemy.com/share/101qIA/ Only $10 for Black Friday!
Hey Steven, I have been following you for some time and also purchased one of your online courses. Your information and words are very encouraging and inspiring, so thank you, specially for me in times like these where I'm stuck in a covid lock-down with an unfulfilling job: now I'm looking to make the transition into the commitment of video game composing, and was wondering what's your take on which platforms are best suited to promote oneself and showcase the music one composes and at the same time protecting one's copyrights. As you say, I was thinking TH-cam and SoundCloud, but your insight on things to watch out for (if any) would be very helpful. Thanks again!
TH-cam & SoundCloud are your best platforms for sharing music with the world! Use those to attract game developers to download your free game music pack (lead magnet) in exchange for their email address into your Sales Funnel (email list). Email Marketing is still the most effective way to sell in 2020.
Thanks! I’m excited to reach more people this way and be more convenient for those that want to listen on commutes. I personally ingest far more content via podcast episodes than TH-cam videos.
The annoying thing is that the game genre I want to focus on is pretty rare these days ! Kinda frustrating ah ah !! (rôle playing games like Icewind Dale, Neverwinter Nights, Planetscape Torment etc...)
@@StevenMelin I'm on it, I'm currently working on the free custom track for a client who wants to hire me after listening to my portfolio when he'll be done with a kickstarter campaign and I'm waiting for an isometric 3d cyberpunk rpg devs to get back to me after they asked me to send them my details via email. Both using your dm method. I think I'm at step 3 right now btw !
Super motivating thanks Steven! *friends forever!* reviewing these steps are mind blowing because I gotta take alot of steps back Haha Also do you have anymore tips on how you manage your time? do you use/recommend any apps that help you stay more organized with your projects?
You’re not alone! I sent many composers will need to start over to rebuild the machine. Time management? I’m old-school and use pen & paper for almost everything. There’s also this recent chat I had about how I manage quite a bit with limited time: th-cam.com/video/8WIF7uxalFE/w-d-xo.html
I'm working on being an independent game developer myself. But my 2 favorite parts of development are the programming, and composing music. I know. Polar opposites. I'm definitely early in my growth when it comes to development. But I've been making music for half my life. Part of me wants to commit to composing for 2D RPG/Adventure/Platformer games, and develop my own games as a hobby. Perhaps I should spend 6 months or so focusing on composing and doing these steps, to see how I feel about it.
That’s awesome! Perhaps you’ll make the next Undertale or Axiom Verge (both solo devs) :) Yeah, I suggest spending 6 months focusing on one thing to start to gain some traction.
Hey Steven, would you advise for or against including game references in the titles for the free music I'll release to generate leads? For example listing a Synth heavy retro style track as 'Free Metroid Fusion Style Game Music' or a viola and piano heavy piece as 'Free 2D metroidvania game music in the style of Hollow Knight' Not sure if its better as it narrows down on the specificity of the style or if it automatically deters some game developers as they might not want that specific sound? Thanks! Love all your content
Great question! I’d advise against using game titles for copyright reasons. But in the track description or tags you could use the game title so it pops up in searches.
I'm still at Step 0... I love playing JRPGs and listening to the soundtracks to those games at work, but I have no idea where to start with learning to compose music for that kind of game...
Same here my guy. I love playing games such as the souls series and listening to the music from Nier. I want to start just not sure where. I'm 20 years old right now and I'm trying to figure out where to begin!
Hey Steven. Only recently discovered your content and love the channel., especially the talk you had with William Ratnage. I have recently been getting more and more into composing and find it to be incredibly enjoyable, however I am a mixing engineer first and so I agree that without being able to exclusively commit to composing then it might not be viable career path at least for a primary source of income. My question to you however is do you think there is a business in game audio for mixing engineers? With the majority of composers mixing their own music it doesnt seem like it's a realistic goal. I only ask because I'd still love to play a part in game audio even if I'm not the one writing it. Thanks for all you do Steven!
Hey Joey, it’s definitely possible, but you’ll need to pave your own path forward! Aside from the top AAA guys, I don’t know any game music mixing engineers that are fully sustainable by it alone.
actually, I wonder how it is that the majority of composers mix their own music - I guess at least in AAA games, I see no way that the composer actually does the mixing as well, since a lot of this music is super elaborate... Did you find a job as a mixing engineer for games?
Hello. I’m very new (working on my third song). What is the average amount of tracks (or minutes) per week, a newbie composer makes, vs some one with your experience? I’m also interested In enrolling in your courses, however I’m so new, I’ve only had my current program for a few weeks. Should I learn how to streamline the workflow better before enrolling? I’m a little afraid of being too slow at the moment.
Shoot Matt an email at and he’ll set you up with a 3 day free trial if you’d like to come check out our content! Our Kickstarter Composition course is designed for day 1 beginners and gives 12 weekly tiny assignments to help you take those first steps (compose 8 bars at a time).
Welcome to my channel! ✅ Download my free guide 10 Steps to Become A Game Composer ($17 value!): www.stevenmelin.com/10steps 4:15 Step 1: COMMIT to Exclusively Becoming a Game Composer 5:31 Step 2: DEFINE your Ideal Game Genre 6:41 Step 3: DEVELOP your Sales Funnel 8:14 Step 4: MARKET your Best Music for Free 9:19 Step 5: ATTRACT your Ideal Game Developer 9:57 Step 6: PROVIDE Consistent Value Over Time 11:06 Step 7: SELL at the Right Price 12:26 Step 8: DELIVER Exceptional Results 13:46 Step 9: FOLLOW Up with your Previous Game Developers 16:23 Step 10: CONTINUE the System
That friend you referred is eternally grateful for your kindness. :) Awesome content, dude!
I wasn't gonna name names...but MATT KENYON IS THE GUY
this video has me stoked, im still in highschool and im already PUMPED for this career. much love bro
Thank You so much Steven. You have inspired me so much!
Woohoo! Great to hear.
Your channel is such a mine of information. Here I am, from step 4, didn't even know it! You give me hope that others are wrong and that I will one day make a living out of composing!
Thanks man, you always bring so much clarity to these subjects! I thought I was somewhere in the middle, but in reality I'm at step 2. This whole process is exciting and I can't wait to progress to the next step
That’s a great realization! It’s enlightening to know where you actually are so you can move forward in confidence.
This was an absolute eye opener. I love making soundtracks for themed games, and I was looking for how to become a game composer.
I do have a question since i'm at step 0.
Where does one find out if a developer is looking for music composer?
And you mentioned releasing one of our best track available for free, how do developers approach to the idea where a track can be used by someone else too?
After watching this, I went from "this could be impossible" to, "I can totally do this." I already have free content being released (although it's just arrangements currently), already have decided I only want to do video game composing, and already know what type video games I would like to compose for (anything resembling Zelda). Thank you so much, you have given me hope for a future in this field.
Great to hear!! Come learn more at Video Game Music Alliance: videogamemusicalliance.mn.co
Great stuff as always Steven! I've recently shifted focus and have been working on my sales funnel, so it looks like I'm on Step 3. :D
Awesome! Time to get to the fun part.
I have been looking for something like this for a while! thanks for sharing your experience Steven!
Very inspiring video. Makes me want to be a composer!
Let’s go!
Thank you for all your work, Steven! The 10 steps help to put things into perspective. If I am on a step, it is probably step two. Would you say that in order to find the right genre to specialize in, first you need to spread your wings a little bit and try composing in different genres?
Some people might know right off the bat, but I love so many different kinds of games and game soundtracks, it's hard for me to narrow it down.
Yeah, definitely experiment and see what you like most! Try my course for a great way to try multiple genres in a structured order: www.udemy.com/share/101qIA/
Only $10 for Black Friday!
Thanks Steven, for sharing your knowledge and experiences!
What step are you on?
@@StevenMelin I'm trying to create my develop sales funnel
Awesome content! I've actually been looking for something like this, and I've been subscribed to you for a while, but I like the rebranding!
So glad to hear!
Hey Steven, I have been following you for some time and also purchased one of your online courses. Your information and words are very encouraging and inspiring, so thank you, specially for me in times like these where I'm stuck in a covid lock-down with an unfulfilling job: now I'm looking to make the transition into the commitment of video game composing, and was wondering what's your take on which platforms are best suited to promote oneself and showcase the music one composes and at the same time protecting one's copyrights. As you say, I was thinking TH-cam and SoundCloud, but your insight on things to watch out for (if any) would be very helpful. Thanks again!
TH-cam & SoundCloud are your best platforms for sharing music with the world! Use those to attract game developers to download your free game music pack (lead magnet) in exchange for their email address into your Sales Funnel (email list). Email Marketing is still the most effective way to sell in 2020.
Awesome vid Steven! I love the podcast method as well as TH-cam
Thanks! I’m excited to reach more people this way and be more convenient for those that want to listen on commutes. I personally ingest far more content via podcast episodes than TH-cam videos.
Become A Game Composer likewise 👏
Thank you for this video
btw, I didn't know you have this youtube channel. I know you from a composer course in Udemy, but as I'm noticing, the content is great as always :p
Thanks for checking it out! Upcoming videos are going to be powerful!
The annoying thing is that the game genre I want to focus on is pretty rare these days ! Kinda frustrating ah ah !! (rôle playing games like Icewind Dale, Neverwinter Nights, Planetscape Torment etc...)
That's amazing - go be THE guy for those games.
@@StevenMelin I'm on it, I'm currently working on the free custom track for a client who wants to hire me after listening to my portfolio when he'll be done with a kickstarter campaign and I'm waiting for an isometric 3d cyberpunk rpg devs to get back to me after they asked me to send them my details via email. Both using your dm method.
I think I'm at step 3 right now btw !
Jeremie Friez - Music Composer Awesome!!
Super motivating thanks Steven! *friends forever!* reviewing these steps are mind blowing because I gotta take alot of steps back Haha Also do you have anymore tips on how you manage your time? do you use/recommend any apps that help you stay more organized with your projects?
You’re not alone! I sent many composers will need to start over to rebuild the machine. Time management? I’m old-school and use pen & paper for almost everything. There’s also this recent chat I had about how I manage quite a bit with limited time: th-cam.com/video/8WIF7uxalFE/w-d-xo.html
@@StevenMelin awesome going to check it out thank you!
I'm working on being an independent game developer myself. But my 2 favorite parts of development are the programming, and composing music.
I know. Polar opposites.
I'm definitely early in my growth when it comes to development. But I've been making music for half my life. Part of me wants to commit to composing for 2D RPG/Adventure/Platformer games, and develop my own games as a hobby. Perhaps I should spend 6 months or so focusing on composing and doing these steps, to see how I feel about it.
That’s awesome! Perhaps you’ll make the next Undertale or Axiom Verge (both solo devs) :) Yeah, I suggest spending 6 months focusing on one thing to start to gain some traction.
how did it go bro
Thank you so much .
Hey Steven, would you advise for or against including game references in the titles for the free music I'll release to generate leads?
For example listing a Synth heavy retro style track as 'Free Metroid Fusion Style Game Music' or a viola and piano heavy piece as 'Free 2D metroidvania game music in the style of Hollow Knight'
Not sure if its better as it narrows down on the specificity of the style or if it automatically deters some game developers as they might not want that specific sound?
Thanks! Love all your content
Great question! I’d advise against using game titles for copyright reasons. But in the track description or tags you could use the game title so it pops up in searches.
I'm still at Step 0... I love playing JRPGs and listening to the soundtracks to those games at work, but I have no idea where to start with learning to compose music for that kind of game...
My VGM course will help you get started! 🎮 www.udemy.com/course/video-game-music-the-complete-composers-guide/?referralCode=4F9F6710AC8A61755504
Same here my guy. I love playing games such as the souls series and listening to the music from Nier.
I want to start just not sure where. I'm 20 years old right now and I'm trying to figure out where to begin!
is it possible to skip step 2? i love all genres and cant like give up my other ones and keep going with one...
Nothing wrong with doing multiple styles simultaneously! But I do suggest you pick one to actively showcase / promote publicly.
You might want to check on your URL...the one at the end of your free document doesn’t work.
I mean, Step 0.: Be a composer.
Hey Steven. Only recently discovered your content and love the channel., especially the talk you had with William Ratnage. I have recently been getting more and more into composing and find it to be incredibly enjoyable, however I am a mixing engineer first and so I agree that without being able to exclusively commit to composing then it might not be viable career path at least for a primary source of income. My question to you however is do you think there is a business in game audio for mixing engineers? With the majority of composers mixing their own music it doesnt seem like it's a realistic goal. I only ask because I'd still love to play a part in game audio even if I'm not the one writing it. Thanks for all you do Steven!
Hey Joey, it’s definitely possible, but you’ll need to pave your own path forward! Aside from the top AAA guys, I don’t know any game music mixing engineers that are fully sustainable by it alone.
actually, I wonder how it is that the majority of composers mix their own music - I guess at least in AAA games, I see no way that the composer actually does the mixing as well, since a lot of this music is super elaborate... Did you find a job as a mixing engineer for games?
Hello. I’m very new (working on my third song). What is the average amount of tracks (or minutes) per week, a newbie composer makes, vs some one with your experience?
I’m also interested In enrolling in your courses, however I’m so new, I’ve only had my current program for a few weeks. Should I learn how to streamline the workflow better before enrolling? I’m a little afraid of being too slow at the moment.
Shoot Matt an email at and he’ll set you up with a 3 day free trial if you’d like to come check out our content! Our Kickstarter Composition course is designed for day 1 beginners and gives 12 weekly tiny assignments to help you take those first steps (compose 8 bars at a time).
Thanks, very exciting!
or step negative one
hey, so the page doesn't exist anymore.... Any chance I could get the guide any other way?
I couldn't follow your URL for the guide above.
Same
Error 404 for the PDF
Composer? I barely know her!
Welcome to my channel!
✅ Download my free guide 10 Steps to Become A Game Composer ($17 value!): www.stevenmelin.com/10steps
4:15 Step 1: COMMIT to Exclusively Becoming a Game Composer
5:31 Step 2: DEFINE your Ideal Game Genre
6:41 Step 3: DEVELOP your Sales Funnel
8:14 Step 4: MARKET your Best Music for Free
9:19 Step 5: ATTRACT your Ideal Game Developer
9:57 Step 6: PROVIDE Consistent Value Over Time
11:06 Step 7: SELL at the Right Price
12:26 Step 8: DELIVER Exceptional Results
13:46 Step 9: FOLLOW Up with your Previous Game Developers
16:23 Step 10: CONTINUE the System
n⁰1: Remember to have rich parents and not be born poor. This step is crucial.😂
Have the steps changed over the last 4
Years? 🥹