Lead Music Composer

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Music Composer to shape the emotional landscape of award-winning productions in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. You will lead a talented team, develop musical themes, and oversee recording sessions to ensure the score complements the narrative and visuals.

The role requires at least 8 years of professional experience, a diverse portfolio, and expertise with notation software and DAWs. Hybrid work in Stellenbosch is offered with potential for long-term engagement.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of professional experience in music composition for film/TV/games.
• Portfolio showcasing diverse original musical compositions across genres.
• Proficiency in notation software and DAWs listed.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the composition team and oversee music production.
• Collaborate with directors, producers, and sound designers to set the musical aesthetic.
• Oversee orchestration, recording, mixing, and mastering and budgets.
• Manage music libraries, sample providers, and session musicians.
• Stay updated on trends in music composition for media.

Skills

Music composition

Team leadership

Communication

MIDI programming

Collaboration

Music theory

Education

Degree in Music Composition

Music theory background

Tools

Sibelius

Finale

Logic Pro

Cubase

Pro Tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished film and gaming studio renowned for its award-winning productions, is seeking an exceptionally talented Lead Music Composer to join their creative hub in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This role is paramount in shaping the emotional landscape and immersive quality of our projects through original musical scores. You will be responsible for leading the composition team, developing musical themes, overseeing recording sessions, and ensuring the musical score perfectly complements the narrative and visual elements. The ideal candidate is a virtuoso with a profound understanding of musical theory, a diverse compositional portfolio, and a proven ability to inspire collaboration. This is a premier opportunity to leave your sonic signature on highly anticipated productions from the heart of the Stellenbosch wine region.

Key Responsibilities

• Compose original musical scores for films, video games, and other multimedia projects, adhering to project briefs and creative direction.
• Lead and mentor a team of junior composers and musicians, providing artistic guidance and technical support.
• Collaborate closely with directors, producers, and sound designers to define and achieve the desired musical aesthetic.
• Oversee all aspects of the music production process, including orchestration, recording sessions, mixing, and mastering.
• Develop and manage music budgets and timelines, ensuring timely delivery of all musical assets.
• Conduct research and utilize a wide range of musical styles and instrumentation to create unique and impactful scores.
• Ensure the musical score enhances narrative depth and emotional resonance within the projects.
• Manage relationships with music libraries, sample providers, and studio musicians.
• Stay informed about the latest trends and technologies in music composition and audio production for media.

Requirements

• A minimum of 8 years of professional experience in music composition, with a significant focus on scoring for film, television, or video games.
• A diverse and impressive portfolio showcasing original musical compositions across various genres and styles.
• Expert proficiency in music notation software (e.g., Sibelius, Finale) and Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) such as Logic Pro, Cubase, or Pro Tools.
• Strong understanding of music theory, harmony, counterpoint, orchestration, and arrangement.
• Proven ability to lead a creative team and manage multiple musical projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with MIDI programming, virtual instrumentation, and synthesis.
• A degree in Music Composition, Music Theory, or a related field, or equivalent extensive professional experience.
• A flexible working approach, accommodating a hybrid schedule within Stellenbosch, Western Cape .

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive compensation package for this contract role, with rates commensurate with experience, plus potential for bonuses based on project success. While this is a contract position, opportunities for long-term engagement and project continuity are significant. Access to professional development resources, including masterclasses and industry seminars, is provided. You will work within a world-class studio environment in the scenic and culturally rich area of Stellenbosch . The hybrid work model offers excellent flexibility, and collaborative team projects provide a stimulating creative atmosphere. You will have the opportunity to network with industry professionals and contribute to critically acclaimed productions.