What does it mean to be a composer? At is root it simply means a person who writes music; however, it can also indicate that one writes music as a professional occupation. Saying that one is a professional generally means someone who engages in an activity as an occupation rather than as a pastime or hobby. I have embraced the definition that a composer is a person that composes. Using that definition, I am definitely a composer. At this time, I maintain a full time job outside of music, but my composition activities are much more than a hobby.
It would seem that I had aspirations to be a composer from an early age. A few years ago my mother sent me this. I don’t know exactly how long ago I wrote it, but based on the penmanship I must have been early elementary school age. Through the years I have done quite a bit of arranging, adding harmony, and transposing music to my vocal range. Starting around 2019 I decided that I wanted to do something bigger. So I started doing video courses and writing some original piano and vocal music. Looking back, it probably wasn’t very good but I loved doing it.
A few years ago I found a teacher/mentor and got more serious. I have now composed for church choirs, handbells, piano, harp, flute, and saxophone. The vast majority of my work would fit into the Christian music genre, but am also interested in writing classical music, country music, and traditional Scottish music. My current music catalog can be found HERE.
I’ve enjoyed creating original anthems and hymns for my church. I have also found the challenge of creating a commisioned work quite exciting. So am I a composer? YES. I write music. Other people sing my music. And, other people ask me to write music. I’m just so fortunate that it is something I love to do.