Mastering Your Musical Identity: A Guide for Aspiring Composers

The Importance of Finding Your Unique Voice

Have you ever wondered how you might stand out in a sea of composers? There is so much music and noise that it may seem difficult to cut through and find your niche. It’s important to remember that your sound is unique and that someone out there needs to hear your message. Composers often mistakenly believe that their genre, their outfit, or even a goofy smile will set them apart. Your personal identity is far more important than any of these gimmicks. The trick is to discover what makes you unique and express that to the world. In the end, your authenticity and true self are your most powerful assets. If you channel that into your music-making and promotion, you’ll eventually find your people.

Discovering Your Musical Influences

Start by thinking about what you have listened to, who you have learned from, and what has excited you. If you can identify the things that spark your enthusiasm, you’re in a better position to connect with people who will resonate with both you and your music. I’m not a particularly funny person, and I don’t do cartwheels when I discuss a new theory concept or create a new course—but I am myself. Over time, my audience has discovered me, not the other way around. Why are you reading this article? Why did you make the effort to click a link, and why are you still here? There is something about the information I present that resonates with you, and that’s all you need to find your audience.

Discover the specific influences that move you, and then share that information with the world. If you experience a small thrill listening to a particular composer, let that excitement show—you’ll be in a better position to connect with people who relate to your music. Before you can find your niche, you must first understand yourself. What makes you tick? What are you willing to accept, and what is unacceptable? These boundaries will help you form a lasting connection with an audience that shares your belief system. Start with your influences, and turn them into your own unique style.

Building Your Signature Sound

Having a solid technique is important, but you also need more than that to create your signature sound. Learn about the music that has come before you, but take time to develop your own interests and sound as well. When you work hard to find your own unique path, you’ll be better equipped to share it with others. Avoid relying on tools like Artificial Intelligence in the hope that they can present your unique ideas in ways you can’t achieve yourself. Instead, develop your compositional skills independently and then consider using AI merely as a second opinion. The danger of relying on AI is that eventually, you might lose the ability to create anything truly original. You may attract an audience that appreciates what AI can produce, but you risk being seen as inauthentic because you’ll never write music that is genuinely your own. AI is a tempting technology that can help you get things done faster, but try to keep it out of your creative process as much as possible.

The process of inventing and refining your sound takes time. It’s possible that AI could eventually become more adept at creating music, but human consciousness remains deep. You have access to a vast trove of insights and melodies that aren’t built on formulas or overly theoretical understandings. You can—and should—write music that is creative and reflective of your own abilities and skills.

Sharing Your Music with the World

Don’t underestimate the power of self-promotion. Post your music on social media platforms and take advantage of algorithms that can help you find your people. It can take years for your presence to grow, but finally finding your audience is indispensable. Don’t limit yourself to sharing only with friends and family—let the world find you through your work. When you do this, you’ll build an audience based on your own efforts.

Collaborate with others to further discover your tribe and build connections. When you encounter kindred spirits on social media, reach out and explore opportunities for collaborations or interviews. If you’re nervous about putting yourself out there, remember that you will never feel completely ready—nobody is ever ready. Put yourself out there today, start practicing, and continually improve your craft. You can succeed in the world of music by relentlessly working as your authentic self.

Continuing Your Musical Journey

Take courses with instructors you admire. Never stop learning. When you find an instructor who resonates with your style and works well with you, work hard to maintain that connection. We often say, "Those who can’t do, teach." But the truth is that those who do had really great teachers. Start the evolution of your musical identity, and continue to grow and evolve your sound.

Not created with AI