Composer for videos, games and podcasts

YouTubers and podcasters, indie game studios, filmmakers, small businesses and ad agencies.

A fixed fee per track or project, or a per-minute rate for scoring. Some composers also sell ready-made tracks through music libraries.

• Composing and arranging in several styles
• Using music software and recording at home
• Taking feedback and meeting deadlines
• Clear written communication with clients

• Write clear contracts covering ownership, licensing and revisions
• Register your works with a Canadian performing rights organization such as SOCAN, and check how it applies to your deals
• Check whether a home-based business licence is needed from your municipality
• Income can be irregular while you build a client base
• Once your revenue passes the small supplier threshold, you may need to register for GST/HST

Startup costs are typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on the music software, instruments and recording equipment you need for your home studio. These are estimates, so check what you already own first.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $300 to $3,000, depending on how many clients you have and the projects you take. Income can be irregular while you build a client base.

Write clear contracts covering ownership, licensing and revisions. Check how registering works with a Canadian performing rights organization such as SOCAN, whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence, and GST/HST registration once revenue passes the small supplier threshold.