EP164. How Concert Composers Build Successful Careers: Voice, Network, and the "Time Horizon"
Fri Jan 09 2026
In this in-depth conversation, successful concert composer and educator @saadhaddadmusic shares how composers actually build sustainable careers — not through shortcuts, but through long-term focus and thinking he calls the "Time Horizon."
Saad also breaks down his two foundational pillars for compositional success:- Finding your true compositional voice- Building a strong, intentional network of contacts
Together, these three elements form a realistic roadmap for composers navigating today’s classical and concert music world.
We discuss:- Saad's personal journey to a successful concert composing- Whether making a living as a concert composer is still possible (or needed)- How long-term thinking and consistent work for years changes career outcomes- Why your musical voice matters- How network and relationships quietly shape real opportunities
This interview is essential viewing for composers, educators, students, and anyone pursuing a serious career in composition.
Guest: Saad Haddad - YouTube Channel: @saadhaddadmusicTopics: Classical composition, concert music, composer careers, music education
#composer #classicalcomposer #concertcomposer #musiccareer #composition #makingalivinginmusic
WORK WITH SAAD:🎼 Composition: Refine your musical voice and develop your ideas.🎻 Orchestration: Learn to write effectively for any ensemble.📚 Music Theory & Counterpoint: Strengthen your technical skills.🎓 College Coaching: Get expert advice for music program applications.💼 Career Coaching: Navigate the path to a professional music career.📖 Self-Publishing: Learn how to publish and promote your own music.https://www.saadnhaddad.com/private-lessons.html
WORK WITH ME:Work directly with composer and producer Eric Copeland and his sync production company Positive Spin Songs to develop albums of music for pitching to sync licensing for TV, Film, Ads, and Gaming. Weekly Partner Zoom Meeting, Monday Morning Updates, and work on an album monthly directly with Eric.https://positivespinsongs.com/partners/
GET STARTED NOW AT:http://SyncInRealTime.com
Get FREE stuff athttps://makemusicincome.com/free/
DISTROKID:Get your music to Spotify, Apple, Youtube, and more for one yearly price.Get 7% Off: https://distrokid.com/vip/seven/911910Get 50% off if you are a student or educator! https://distrokid.com/student/911910
NEED GEAR?SWEETWATER SOUND: Support the channel by using this link to find the latest deals and get the gear you need at our favorite music store, Sweetwater Sound!https://sweetwater.sjv.io/q4JEB5
DISCO: Show off your amazing portfolio and be where the music supervisors and music buyers are!Click here: https://disco.ac/signup?b=2095&u=34391
IDENTIFYY: Get paid when your music is used on YouTubeClick here: https://identifyy.com?referral=MTMzMjc2
POND5: Get into Music Licensing easily! Use this referral code to sign up and get started selling YOUR music with Pond5!Click here: https://www.pond5.com?ref=FromtheMomentMusic
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY ON DISCORD:https://bit.ly/3fYDSVd
MY SYNC LICENSING MUSICPositive Spin Songs - https://positivespinsongs.com
MY PERSONAL MUSIC:https://www.ericcopelandmusic.com
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In this in-depth conversation, successful concert composer and educator @saadhaddadmusic shares how composers actually build sustainable careers — not through shortcuts, but through long-term focus and thinking he calls the "Time Horizon." Saad also breaks down his two foundational pillars for compositional success:- Finding your true compositional voice- Building a strong, intentional network of contacts Together, these three elements form a realistic roadmap for composers navigating today’s classical and concert music world. We discuss:- Saad's personal journey to a successful concert composing- Whether making a living as a concert composer is still possible (or needed)- How long-term thinking and consistent work for years changes career outcomes- Why your musical voice matters- How network and relationships quietly shape real opportunities This interview is essential viewing for composers, educators, students, and anyone pursuing a serious career in composition. Guest: Saad Haddad - YouTube Channel: @saadhaddadmusicTopics: Classical composition, concert music, composer careers, music education #composer #classicalcomposer #concertcomposer #musiccareer #composition #makingalivinginmusic WORK WITH SAAD:🎼 Composition: Refine your musical voice and develop your ideas.🎻 Orchestration: Learn to write effectively for any ensemble.📚 Music Theory & Counterpoint: Strengthen your technical skills.🎓 College Coaching: Get expert advice for music program applications.💼 Career Coaching: Navigate the path to a professional music career.📖 Self-Publishing: Learn how to publish and promote your own music.https://www.saadnhaddad.com/private-lessons.html WORK WITH ME:Work directly with composer and producer Eric Copeland and his sync production company Positive Spin Songs to develop albums of music for pitching to sync licensing for TV, Film, Ads, and Gaming. Weekly Partner Zoom Meeting, Monday Morning Updates, and work on an album monthly directly with Eric.https://positivespinsongs.com/partners/ GET STARTED NOW AT:http://SyncInRealTime.com Get FREE stuff athttps://makemusicincome.com/free/ DISTROKID:Get your music to Spotify, Apple, Youtube, and more for one yearly price.Get 7% Off: https://distrokid.com/vip/seven/911910Get 50% off if you are a student or educator! https://distrokid.com/student/911910 NEED GEAR?SWEETWATER SOUND: Support the channel by using this link to find the latest deals and get the gear you need at our favorite music store, Sweetwater Sound!https://sweetwater.sjv.io/q4JEB5 DISCO: Show off your amazing portfolio and be where the music supervisors and music buyers are!Click here: https://disco.ac/signup?b=2095&u=34391 IDENTIFYY: Get paid when your music is used on YouTubeClick here: https://identifyy.com?referral=MTMzMjc2 POND5: Get into Music Licensing easily! Use this referral code to sign up and get started selling YOUR music with Pond5!Click here: https://www.pond5.com?ref=FromtheMomentMusic JOIN OUR COMMUNITY ON DISCORD:https://bit.ly/3fYDSVd MY SYNC LICENSING MUSICPositive Spin Songs - https://positivespinsongs.com MY PERSONAL MUSIC:https://www.ericcopelandmusic.com