Home studio composer for video and games

Independent filmmakers, game developers, small agencies, content creators and companies needing music for videos.

Fixed fees per commission or per track, plus licence fees for library music and possible royalties. Larger projects may be paid in stages.

• Composing and arranging in different styles
• Using music software such as a digital audio workstation
• Working to a brief and to deadlines
• Communicating with non-musicians

• Agree in writing who owns the music and what the client can use it for
• Check any samples or sound libraries you use allow commercial use
• Consider joining a collecting society such as PRS for Music to collect royalties, and check how registration works
• Early work may be low-paid, and income can be irregular
• Check whether your home insurance or tenancy covers business equipment

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £4,000, depending on your computer, music software, instruments and sound libraries. These are estimates, so check that any samples you use allow commercial use.

Monthly revenue is typically around £100 to £2,500, depending on commissions won and licensing. Early work may be low-paid and income can be irregular, so treat this as an estimate of revenue only.

Check who owns the music and what the client can use it for, and agree this in writing. Also check how joining a collecting society such as PRS for Music works, and whether your home insurance or tenancy covers equipment.