Although I aim to be as much full time music as I can, I helped an accountant I know to help start clearing and organizing his desk...... now I just need to clear mine in my home office.... it made me think of this - ever heard the saying, "The cobbler's children have no shoes"? It's a quirky way of pointing out how professionals often forget about their own needs or their families while focusing on their work or clients. It's like the irony of a skilled expert neglecting their own expertise in their personal life. OK, enough philosophy, I'll stop typing now 😀
I am a college student, and I am taking one non-music class. It's the end of the year, and finals are approaching. So I'm focusing JUST on that. I haven't practiced in two days.
I "Gave up" trying to do this fulltime. I was also at a point where I was getting anxiety, stressing about the industry and feeling like I had no future. I changed my course, decided to study to become a teacher, and now I feel much much better. Why? Because now I can do music as much as I want, but I do not have the pressure of having to make it professionally. Some people believe it is either one or the other, that doing it on the side means not doing music or something, that is simply not true. If one loves the craft and music, then you are going to do it either way. If you have to do music fulltime to keep doing it, then maybe music isnt for you at all. Sometimes one should ask oneself: Why am I doing this REALLY? What is my highest value and goal? For me, it is having a good life and hopefully a family, my own creative aspirations are secondary, and I belive that is true for almost all of us.
Here in Finland it is quite common to go study music pedagogy in University, become a teacher and do your passion projects on the side. If your passion strikes through you can put teaching on a pause and pursue that instead. Making it as a musician is part of luck and preparation, a bit like entrepreneurship. You cant know when your time comes, if it even comes. Better find a way to make money. Good side in teaching is that you still have job in the industry and you learn a lot through it!
Even tho I know this, it’s good to hear Im not alone in this now n then blockness and is common and there’s a process to get through it so to get back to something we love to do.
That really hit hard. It's somewhat comforting to know that most of us go through similar low moments, and I'm glad we're opening up about it more. Thank you for your words, Zach!
This was good to hear, not only as a hobbyist composer, but also as a full time motion designer and art director. I feel the most at peace with my creative output when I’m able to also work in personal projects or keep up with my hobbies.
In my case,I choose other thing to focus in my life wich is ,go to Japan and live there... So I think I have to gave up in music,I don't think im going to have job opportunitys there as a composer without a degree And u could say "Why don't study to have a degree in Japan?" Studying japanese and working alot,there is NO time to study instrument,theory, composition all alone So Im kinda sad... (Alot) Cause I can't manage to have the things that I love.Im scared of 20 years from now and be like "Oh man... Life wasted" IDK
At the end of the day, what matters is money. We need this for everything. So, if being a music composer doesn't give enough money to pay the bills, let's turn it into a hobby and when we get a good job, let's see music as work
Thank you for sharing this Zach, I guess we all feel the same in one way or the other. The only useful thing I can say is: music should free us rather than stuck ourselves in mental mazes (yeah I know, it's tough!).
A long long time ago, I wanted to write music exclusively for a living, but realized that was not gonna come to fruition. I was a kid in Germany in the 90ies nobody cared about. So I decided to build a career around this wish, became a set sound assistant, a voice over guy, a band producer, a sound designer, and - more recently - an audio director in the games business. This way I have a full very generous salary that pays for my and my family's lives, while at the same time being able to write a ton of music and releasing it in games. When I was part of a mentor-ship program, I also advised a young music grad to do the same, and he now finds himself working at one of the most prestigious game studios in CA. My conclusion was, if there's a will you can succeed. As you said, take the windy road, you'll get there in the end
get into modding video games learning to use game triggers, fmod and game music integration.. I can teach ppl how to do this for a few different games.I have a youtube with content on another channel but no one follows or watches me, i still trucking forward anyway. I'm doing sound design as well as music composition as well as pixel art and slowly learning to use Godot Game engine. I know this is too much for the average person to do.
This was great to hear because sometimes I get obsessed with music to the point when I am in the downtime period, I keep writing in hopes that this piece will be my breakout. However, like you said, taking care of yourself and trying again is important
I think all creatives need to hear this kind of thing. It helps a LOT to do other things outside of your career. Some of my hobbies include bowling, playing D&D and other table top games, video games, and just simply learning something new. We'll all get to where we want to be, as you said, with time. Enjoy life!
I am a VERY amateur music composer, I do stuff for the game I am making (started about 9 months ago), and althought I don't wanna "be" a professional musician (even thought I play the piano since a couple years ago and I LOVE making good music), sometimes I get frustrated even with it, and I just start thinking that making games is not for me. I suppose this happens to... everyone? Now things are starting to take shape and the game is looking really good, but I feel really identified with this incredible video, thanks Zach, I'll keep fighting!
Thank you Zack this was an excellent video😌I am not a professional composer, but I have found that just taking my time and letting myself to have some time off from making music makes my vision what I want to creat more clear and new songs after break so much better. Also when my grinding mindset was at it worst I totally lost my joy of making music. That made me think what is the point trying to make this my career if I don't get any enjoyment out of it. I think to me music will always be just a hobby, so I can spend my freetime doing what I love.😸
Incredible video Zach! Thank you for sharing. I can totally relate to this, I was there not too long ago. Prioritising health is sooooooo important. Great message 👊🏼
My first paid gig came after 11 YEARS of making a contact. I was also ready to quit, but got a surprise phone call. We haven't been talking in between, their company just expanded, they had a need and I was the first person that came to their mind. I think opportunities like planting an apple tree, you need to be patient to see it grow, even water it every now and then. When the tree is ready it will provide you fruit. So, keep "planting trees", keep practicing (so youre prepared when the opportunity comes) and nice things might happen at some point.
Classic Zach banger as always 🔥 I’ve been wondering why it’s so much easier for me to do things like learn how to play basketball vs. compose a new piece or practice piano. I think you’re right Zach, it’s because i’ve allowed my musical abilities to be so heavily attached to my value as a human being. not a good strategy, i’m learning lmao. I’m either paralyzed out of a debilitating fear of failure, or beating myself up far too harshly for failing. very toxic, and antithetical to progress tbh.
Thank you very much for this video. Not being patient is in fact my biggest challenge. “Is the time really running short or is it that you just want to get there fast? On the spot. Big hug from Portugal, keep up with your amazing content. ✌🏽
I am by no means professional but I really want to do this full time. I have many connections already and plan to go to school for it as well. However, recently I hit a point where I just stopped composing. Although my time was short I would like to point out that this brought me to watch Spirited Away (and proceeded to fall in love with its soundtrack). This gave me inspiration to try again and keep going. We all need a break sometimes to remind us why we’re doing this and where our inspirations come from.
Thanks for the great video, i needed something like this! I am 18 and trying hardly to compose but I'm never satisfied and your videos help me so much understanding film and video games music and discovering new ways to write.
I had this occur recently with music after 8 years of non stop natural drive, but now it is only when the true desire for creating w love/fun/vision is there. The space has allowed to become a very proficient animator which is something new for me and I am on the way to being a licensed architect which was never a possibility I considered. This is definitely relatable, thanks for sharing 🤘🏻if the true desire isn’t there, create space for the true new desire of your life to come through and it will probably bring things about in your life that you never thought you needed or could achieve. Stay patient with the pace of your life
Question: Should composers charge more now that AI is replacing a lot of work? If clients are seeking out composers, does it mean the human touch is more valuable and worth a higher fee for niche cases?
After too many years working on too few projects(several short films and video games paid everytime tho), I started to think differently. I guess the business side of media composing isn't for me. I lost the will to compose even for a while because of that(even for myself). I am now working as an video editor, it's been almost two years.(And I love it. My first career choice was director/editor. Music was the next best thing before it became a passion back in early 00's) After some time, I started to compose again and now I really enjoy again. Maybe things will lead me to compose again for films and VGs but in the meantime I love what I do and I'm not frustrated or worried by the lack of clients(and the lack of food in the fridge). Having multiple strings to your bow is super important. Shoot out to Mike Verta, he got me into thinking differently. Capitalize on your other skills. Don't be afraid of doing it!
@@ZachHeyde it's always a tough move to change direction but if done right, you never lose! (And it took quite some time to accept). Thanks for your videos and work!
this was A+++. the advice is encouraging & honestly I'm so impressed by your ability to speak casually, clearly, informatively, and cleanly. I was listening while I did some other work & only when you paused for the garbage truck did I realize this wasn't edited down. you've internalized these ideas & you've clearly been thinking about them for some time. thank you so much for sharing them. :) also - "is time really running out? or do you just want to get there faster?" and the following advice about getting there prepared and equipped was terrific and stuck with me.
I really like this type of stuff when it's more actionable than "keep going and believe in yourself!" and this video hit that important stuff so thanks, Zach :)
This is absolutely nailing it. Building the ''toolbox'' is so real. You are not wasting your time by making music even tho you have no work. You are building yourself to be ready for when the day comes. This so well put. well done.
Thanks for this Zach!! I feel like this was posted at the perfect time I was talking with my friend about how I am feeling like this for a month now , this made me a bit better!
Thank you so much Zach! Just yesterday I got the deep feeling, that my years of efforts are leading nowhere. It's good to get a reminder, that I'm not the only one with that struggle. Separating self-value and getting cool projects is a tough one, but I will try in order to keep doing what I love.
Zach, thank you for sharing your story and your advice. It was nice to hear someone else's experience surrounding this journey that we're on as composers and musicians. I hit a crossroads in 2020 as well, became bitter and resentful that my career efforts (and even some of the wonderful opportunities I have had in my career) seemed to dry up or lead to dead ends. I lost hope and walked away from music completely for a couple of years. Thank you for your honesty and for building a community of connection. 🙏
Great video, this is really helpful not only for music but for others things, because your mental health is very important. Thank you for remembering me.
What's something you'll do for yourself this week that's NOT music/career related? Share ideas below!
Although I aim to be as much full time music as I can, I helped an accountant I know to help start clearing and organizing his desk...... now I just need to clear mine in my home office.... it made me think of this - ever heard the saying, "The cobbler's children have no shoes"? It's a quirky way of pointing out how professionals often forget about their own needs or their families while focusing on their work or clients. It's like the irony of a skilled expert neglecting their own expertise in their personal life. OK, enough philosophy, I'll stop typing now 😀
Study Chinese!
Pickleball! So fun!!
Studying japanese!
I am a college student, and I am taking one non-music class. It's the end of the year, and finals are approaching. So I'm focusing JUST on that. I haven't practiced in two days.
I "Gave up" trying to do this fulltime. I was also at a point where I was getting anxiety, stressing about the industry and feeling like I had no future. I changed my course, decided to study to become a teacher, and now I feel much much better. Why? Because now I can do music as much as I want, but I do not have the pressure of having to make it professionally. Some people believe it is either one or the other, that doing it on the side means not doing music or something, that is simply not true. If one loves the craft and music, then you are going to do it either way. If you have to do music fulltime to keep doing it, then maybe music isnt for you at all. Sometimes one should ask oneself: Why am I doing this REALLY? What is my highest value and goal? For me, it is having a good life and hopefully a family, my own creative aspirations are secondary, and I belive that is true for almost all of us.
Totally agree - things have to be done for the right reason, and that often means making the right trade-offs or changing paths. Thanks for sharing!
Here in Finland it is quite common to go study music pedagogy in University, become a teacher and do your passion projects on the side. If your passion strikes through you can put teaching on a pause and pursue that instead.
Making it as a musician is part of luck and preparation, a bit like entrepreneurship. You cant know when your time comes, if it even comes. Better find a way to make money.
Good side in teaching is that you still have job in the industry and you learn a lot through it!
LOVE this super chill and mostly unedited video from you Zach, more please! 😇
Thank you Cheska! Appreciate the support 😁🙏
Fantastic video Zach! I appreciate your well rounded and honest videos. You clearly understand not just composing but the “gig” aspect of it as well.
Thanks Mike! 🙌
@@ZachHeyde You're welcome Zach, all the best to you and those close to you!
I'll answer the question about this week too : )
Even tho I know this, it’s good to hear Im not alone in this now n then blockness and is common and there’s a process to get through it so to get back to something we love to do.
Brilliant. Thank you. Realistic. The Master has failed more times than the Beginner has tried.
That really hit hard. It's somewhat comforting to know that most of us go through similar low moments, and I'm glad we're opening up about it more. Thank you for your words, Zach!
Glad this resonated Michael!
This was good to hear, not only as a hobbyist composer, but also as a full time motion designer and art director. I feel the most at peace with my creative output when I’m able to also work in personal projects or keep up with my hobbies.
Thanks for sharing David! Yep, same here 🙂
In my case,I choose other thing to focus in my life wich is ,go to Japan and live there... So I think I have to gave up in music,I don't think im going to have job opportunitys there as a composer without a degree
And u could say "Why don't study to have a degree in Japan?" Studying japanese and working alot,there is NO time to study instrument,theory, composition all alone
So Im kinda sad... (Alot) Cause I can't manage to have the things that I love.Im scared of 20 years from now and be like "Oh man... Life wasted"
IDK
At the end of the day, what matters is money. We need this for everything. So, if being a music composer doesn't give enough money to pay the bills, let's turn it into a hobby and when we get a good job, let's see music as work
Beautiful words my friend! You can export this wisdom into so many other aspects of life. Thanks again for the PSA 🙏
Thank you for sharing this Zach, I guess we all feel the same in one way or the other.
The only useful thing I can say is: music should free us rather than stuck ourselves in mental mazes (yeah I know, it's tough!).
A long long time ago, I wanted to write music exclusively for a living, but realized that was not gonna come to fruition. I was a kid in Germany in the 90ies nobody cared about. So I decided to build a career around this wish, became a set sound assistant, a voice over guy, a band producer, a sound designer, and - more recently - an audio director in the games business. This way I have a full very generous salary that pays for my and my family's lives, while at the same time being able to write a ton of music and releasing it in games. When I was part of a mentor-ship program, I also advised a young music grad to do the same, and he now finds himself working at one of the most prestigious game studios in CA.
My conclusion was, if there's a will you can succeed. As you said, take the windy road, you'll get there in the end
Love this, thanks for sharing your journey!
get into modding video games learning to use game triggers, fmod and game music integration.. I can teach ppl how to do this for a few different games.I have a youtube with content on another channel but no one follows or watches me, i still trucking forward anyway. I'm doing sound design as well as music composition as well as pixel art and slowly learning to use Godot Game engine. I know this is too much for the average person to do.
Thanks for being so open Zach. I'd be amazed if this doesn't resound with everyone that watches.
I truly enjoy these types of videos and greatly value your insights. Thank you very much, friend.
you've always gotten nowhere before you get somewhere. and success is never on the horizon - it's always behind a tree!
This was great to hear because sometimes I get obsessed with music to the point when I am in the downtime period, I keep writing in hopes that this piece will be my breakout. However, like you said, taking care of yourself and trying again is important
So real… thank you for the vulnerability and sharing this🙏🏽
I think all creatives need to hear this kind of thing. It helps a LOT to do other things outside of your career. Some of my hobbies include bowling, playing D&D and other table top games, video games, and just simply learning something new. We'll all get to where we want to be, as you said, with time. Enjoy life!
Love it, thanks for sharing Tony!
I am a VERY amateur music composer, I do stuff for the game I am making (started about 9 months ago), and althought I don't wanna "be" a professional musician (even thought I play the piano since a couple years ago and I LOVE making good music), sometimes I get frustrated even with it, and I just start thinking that making games is not for me.
I suppose this happens to... everyone? Now things are starting to take shape and the game is looking really good, but I feel really identified with this incredible video, thanks Zach, I'll keep fighting!
It's totally normal and part of the creative journey - keep at it and glad this resonated!
When youve tried everything and notjing worked ,take a breat ,eat Sneakers.
thank you for this point. And this is usefull for many aspects of life.
Another wonderful and inspiring video 🙏🏻🙌
Thank you Zack this was an excellent video😌I am not a professional composer, but I have found that just taking my time and letting myself to have some time off from making music makes my vision what I want to creat more clear and new songs after break so much better. Also when my grinding mindset was at it worst I totally lost my joy of making music. That made me think what is the point trying to make this my career if I don't get any enjoyment out of it. I think to me music will always be just a hobby, so I can spend my freetime doing what I love.😸
I've had the same experience, thanks for sharing! 😁
Incredible video Zach! Thank you for sharing. I can totally relate to this, I was there not too long ago. Prioritising health is sooooooo important. Great message 👊🏼
So glad this resonated dude!! 🙏
Thanks for the reassurance! Wish everyone all the best on our journeys
My first paid gig came after 11 YEARS of making a contact. I was also ready to quit, but got a surprise phone call. We haven't been talking in between, their company just expanded, they had a need and I was the first person that came to their mind.
I think opportunities like planting an apple tree, you need to be patient to see it grow, even water it every now and then. When the tree is ready it will provide you fruit.
So, keep "planting trees", keep practicing (so youre prepared when the opportunity comes) and nice things might happen at some point.
Love this! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Classic Zach banger as always 🔥
I’ve been wondering why it’s so much easier for me to do things like learn how to play basketball vs. compose a new piece or practice piano. I think you’re right Zach, it’s because i’ve allowed my musical abilities to be so heavily attached to my value as a human being. not a good strategy, i’m learning lmao. I’m either paralyzed out of a debilitating fear of failure, or beating myself up far too harshly for failing. very toxic, and antithetical to progress tbh.
100% - super common as a creative person!
Thank you very much for this video. Not being patient is in fact my biggest challenge. “Is the time really running short or is it that you just want to get there fast? On the spot. Big hug from Portugal, keep up with your amazing content. ✌🏽
So glad to hear this resonated - thank you! 🙏
I am by no means professional but I really want to do this full time. I have many connections already and plan to go to school for it as well. However, recently I hit a point where I just stopped composing. Although my time was short I would like to point out that this brought me to watch Spirited Away (and proceeded to fall in love with its soundtrack). This gave me inspiration to try again and keep going. We all need a break sometimes to remind us why we’re doing this and where our inspirations come from.
This is awesome to hear Gabriel, good on you for connecting with something you love! 🙂
Thanks for the great video, i needed something like this! I am 18 and trying hardly to compose but I'm never satisfied and your videos help me so much understanding film and video games music and discovering new ways to write.
Glad to hear it - keep at it! 🙌
I had this occur recently with music after 8 years of non stop natural drive, but now it is only when the true desire for creating w love/fun/vision is there. The space has allowed to become a very proficient animator which is something new for me and I am on the way to being a licensed architect which was never a possibility I considered. This is definitely relatable, thanks for sharing 🤘🏻if the true desire isn’t there, create space for the true new desire of your life to come through and it will probably bring things about in your life that you never thought you needed or could achieve. Stay patient with the pace of your life
Love this, great way to put it 🙂👏
Bob is a great guy. I didn’t know you work with him. Thank you for making this video. Things have been very very rough.
Hope things get better for you Olajide!
I've said it once and I'll say it again; wise words from thus young man. His thoughts and remedies can cover anything, not just music, any "art"
Thank you Denise 🙂🙏
Question: Should composers charge more now that AI is replacing a lot of work? If clients are seeking out composers, does it mean the human touch is more valuable and worth a higher fee for niche cases?
Good question - have you checked out my AI video from a few weeks back? You might like it! (And yes I think charging more will be an end result)
Thank you Zach. As someone in the middle of a panic attack on this issue, I really, really needed this video.
Happy to hear it and sorry you're dealing with this - give it time and it will pass ❤️
After too many years working on too few projects(several short films and video games paid everytime tho), I started to think differently. I guess the business side of media composing isn't for me.
I lost the will to compose even for a while because of that(even for myself). I am now working as an video editor, it's been almost two years.(And I love it. My first career choice was director/editor. Music was the next best thing before it became a passion back in early 00's)
After some time, I started to compose again and now I really enjoy again. Maybe things will lead me to compose again for films and VGs but in the meantime I love what I do and I'm not frustrated or worried by the lack of clients(and the lack of food in the fridge).
Having multiple strings to your bow is super important. Shoot out to Mike Verta, he got me into thinking differently. Capitalize on your other skills. Don't be afraid of doing it!
So awesome you've found alignment man, congratulations and thanks for sharing your journey 🙂
@@ZachHeyde it's always a tough move to change direction but if done right, you never lose! (And it took quite some time to accept). Thanks for your videos and work!
Such an important topic to discuss, my friend. Well done, here
Thanks Ryan 🙂
Great video Zach! I would definitely enjoy more videos like this one.
Thank you - more is coming! 😁
I felt like you were speaking to me, Thank you so much!
Love hearing this - planning more like this video!
I agree with your points here
this was A+++. the advice is encouraging & honestly I'm so impressed by your ability to speak casually, clearly, informatively, and cleanly. I was listening while I did some other work & only when you paused for the garbage truck did I realize this wasn't edited down. you've internalized these ideas & you've clearly been thinking about them for some time. thank you so much for sharing them. :) also - "is time really running out? or do you just want to get there faster?" and the following advice about getting there prepared and equipped was terrific and stuck with me.
Thanks so much for sharing this, Tim!!
Thanks for that, I needed to hear it
I really like this type of stuff when it's more actionable than "keep going and believe in yourself!" and this video hit that important stuff so thanks, Zach :)
needed to hear this. thanks
Thank you for sharing this! Feels good to know we’re not alone and hear tricks to get through it.
So glad to hear it man!
This is absolutely nailing it. Building the ''toolbox'' is so real. You are not wasting your time by making music even tho you have no work. You are building yourself to be ready for when the day comes.
This so well put. well done.
Thanks so much and so glad it resonated 🙂
Thanks for that 🙏
Thank you, Zach! I am so happy that I have an opportunity to watch not only your workflow but your thoughts as well. This is a therapy.
Great video!
As always, true piece of wisdom, kindness and beauty. Thanks a lot. 🙏
Thanks for this Zach!! I feel like this was posted at the perfect time I was talking with my friend about how I am feeling like this for a month now , this made me a bit better!
thx
It's crazy how these kinds of videos manifest when you need them the most. Thanks, Zach.
Always a good reminder, thank you sharing this Zach.
I appreciate this video a lot. Just wanted to say that!
🙏
Thanks for shareing this. All of us are the part of a one peace of life and if life dont want to create something now - let it go
Thank you so much Zach! Just yesterday I got the deep feeling, that my years of efforts are leading nowhere. It's good to get a reminder, that I'm not the only one with that struggle. Separating self-value and getting cool projects is a tough one, but I will try in order to keep doing what I love.
So glad this resonated!
Zach, thank you for sharing your story and your advice. It was nice to hear someone else's experience surrounding this journey that we're on as composers and musicians. I hit a crossroads in 2020 as well, became bitter and resentful that my career efforts (and even some of the wonderful opportunities I have had in my career) seemed to dry up or lead to dead ends. I lost hope and walked away from music completely for a couple of years. Thank you for your honesty and for building a community of connection. 🙏
Thanks for sharing Michael 🙏
Thank you for sharing! I appreciate.
Great video, this is really helpful not only for music but for others things, because your mental health is very important.
Thank you for remembering me.
So glad to hear it ❤️
wise words Zach! Thank you 🙏
This video was SO helpful! thank you Zach!
😁🙌
Really great video and superb advice, Zach. Thanks!
Thanks Frank!
Thanks
Thank you Ben!!
wow so relatable.
grate video!
Great talk, I love this format of youtube videos
So glad to hear it!
This is great Zach!
great and helpful vid!
Great video! ❤