Senior Music Composer (Film & Gaming)

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 550,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement contributions

Soweto studio facility

Job summary

Placements24 in Soweto, Gauteng, seeks a Senior Music Composer to create original scores for film and video games. You will develop thematic material, collaborate with directors, and orchestrate arrangements for ensembles.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's or Master's in Music Composition or equivalent experience, with 7+ years of professional scoring, proficiency in Cubase, Logic Pro X, Pro Tools, Ableton Live, and knowledge of Spitfire Audio and Native Instruments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Music Composition, Film Scoring, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of professional scoring for film, TV, or video games.
• Proficient in major DAWs and virtual instrument libraries.
• Strong theory, harmony, orchestration, and production skills.

Responsibilities

• Compose original musical scores for feature films, short films, documentaries, and video games.
• Develop thematic material and motifs aligned with narrative and characters.
• Collaborate with directors and teams to achieve the artistic vision.
• Arrange and orchestrate for soloists to full orchestras.
• Produce high-quality demos and final masters using industry DAWs.
• Record live musicians and manage sessions when required.
• Deliver scores on time meeting technical specs for post-production.
• Adapt scores for trailers, promos, and in-game use.
• Stay current with trends in film and game scoring and sound design.

Skills

Music composition

Arranging

Theory & harmony

Collaboration

Communication

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Music Composition or Film Scoring

Tools

Cubase

Logic Pro X

Pro Tools

Ableton Live

Spitfire Audio

Native Instruments

Job description

About the Role

A leading independent film and game production company in Soweto, Gauteng, is seeking a highly talented and versatile Senior Music Composer. This role is responsible for creating original, compelling musical scores that enhance the emotional impact and narrative depth of our film and video game projects. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional compositional skills, a deep understanding of various musical genres, and proficiency in music production software. You will work closely with directors, producers, and game designers to craft unique sonic identities for our productions. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute your creative vision to impactful projects originating from Soweto.

Key Responsibilities

• Compose original musical scores for feature films, short films, documentaries, and video games.
• Develop thematic material and motifs that align with the narrative and characters of each project.
• Collaborate with directors and creative teams to understand and achieve the desired musical vision.
• Arrange and orchestrate music for various ensembles, from solo instruments to full orchestras.
• Produce high-quality demo recordings and final masters using industry-standard Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) and virtual instruments.
• Record live musicians when necessary, managing sessions and directing performers.
• Ensure musical scores are delivered on time and meet technical specifications for audio post-production.
• Adapt musical scores for different uses, such as trailers, promotional materials, and in-game implementation.
• Stay abreast of current trends and innovations in film and game scoring.
• Contribute to the overall sound design and sonic identity of projects developed in Soweto.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Music Composition, Film Scoring, or a related field, or equivalent demonstrated experience.
• A minimum of 7 years of professional experience composing music for film, television, or video games, with a strong portfolio of diverse scores.
• Exceptional compositional and arranging skills across various genres and styles.
• Proficiency in DAWs such as Cubase, Logic Pro X, Pro Tools, or Ableton Live, and a strong command of virtual orchestral libraries (e.g., Spitfire Audio, Native Instruments).
• Excellent understanding of music theory, harmony, orchestration, and music production techniques.
• Ability to write compelling melodies, harmonies, and rhythmic structures.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with creative teams.
• Experience working with game engines (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine) and implementing adaptive music systems is a significant advantage.
• Adaptability and the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• A portfolio that demonstrates creative range and technical proficiency is essential, showcasing work relevant to Gauteng creative landscape.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement contributions, and opportunities for professional growth. This role is based in our Soweto studio, offering a creative and inspiring work environment. You will have the opportunity to work on diverse and exciting projects, collaborate with talented professionals, and contribute to the cultural landscape of South Africa.