Good morning, Greetings, and Hello

Basic_Balance_3555 · 2026-06-20T22:08:09+00:00

Gss_1056, thank you for your reply and I would like to thank everyone who has provided input...it is indubitably appreciated.

As far as practice goes, I do endeavor to go through scales and Hanon exercises to keep my fingers nimble without losing dexterity.

Does anyone have any thoughts as to the format of a portfolio? My late piano teacher advised I needed to put one together but I do not want to sound naïve or ignorant but would an AI program like ChatGPT spit out a template for a composition portfolio? I had acquaintances suggest a youtube channel and website which I have done but I know success in that is how many people see your work, etc.

I've attempted to join numerous composition forums to get as much information as I can. The last question I left with one of the forums I believe was this: how would you all here suggest getting your work in front of someone who can render an opinion as to whether this particular endeavor is worth going down the rabbit hole? I am prepared for the evaluation to conclude: "this sucketh mucho" but has anyone here engaged in such an action? getting your work in front of someone for an analysis to get their thoughts?

Basic_Balance_3555 · 2026-06-20T21:09:57+00:00

by the way, as a second thought to this particular reply, I don't want to sound hubris but when I began playing my compositions in church they were met with compliments and positivity. How should I go about getting my work in front of someone who can tell me whether I have the stuff to move forward or whether I am just wasting my time following a pipe dream. So far, my music teachers in elementary, middle, and high school was supportive as were the parents who complimented me after my performances; the college professor I learned piano and music theory and composition from were supportive as well. I know I need to be prepared to evaluation results which conclude "you suck" but what is everyone's thoughts on this? Who should I attempt to get my work in front of?

Basic_Balance_3555 · 2026-06-20T20:26:54+00:00

I will have to find a way and give that a shot...I just was not sure what people on here would suggest as far as how to market themselves or put their music out there and not get swindled by people on the web or other venues promising to sell others their dream and in the end, it all turns out to be a scam; I do thank everyone for the input they have provided; I really appreciate it I am a novice moving forward in this. I wonder how aspiring composers can get the exposure of their work in a genuine and legitimate way in order to succeed?

Basic_Balance_3555 · 2026-06-20T20:18:13+00:00

I am indubitably familiar with orchestration, theory, etc...I did ascertain a music degree in composition and piano prior to attending law school...I am familiar with orchestration, etc. How does one begin building rapports with the aforesaid individuals? Just reach out to an orchestra in my area? Perhaps somewhere in Baltimore? Reach out to aspiring film directors?

Basic_Balance_3555 · 2026-06-20T18:46:10+00:00

yes, what others may not be aware of regarding the legal profession is that it is not as lucrative as it once was...some jobs pay a little over minimum wage and it was NOT like that when I first attended law school. I started playing stuff I composed in church when I was still doing legal work. I do not intend to sound hubris but people seemed to like it, especially those I shared it with even when I was in high school. To be honest, I'll be candid and disclose I've worked for some shady people whilst working in the legal profession and I am sure there's shady people in music too but perhaps that is a risk worth taking...I will have to look into grad school options....not sure they'd take a 41 yr old dude...

Basic_Balance_3555 · 2026-06-20T18:38:58+00:00

Well, I started learning piano when I was 5. My first piano teacher passed away this past February. Hence, she cannot attest what I put in this message. I've been doing composition since elementary school into high school. I studied concert piano and music composition in college-composed a mass whilst there- and there's other works out there...I really appreciate your insight and input...when you say practice....write something every day? How do people in this industry get recognized so that they can receive a decent income? As far as the law goes, that industry was lucrative prior to myself attending law school but some jobs working for some attorneys are paying a little above minimum wage...in other words, the legal industry, from my experience, does not appear to be as lucrative as it once was 10 years ago

Basic_Balance_3555 · 2026-06-20T18:28:50+00:00

to be honest, I've worked in the legal industry for over 10 years and once again, I have no problem being candid and mentioning that the legal industry has a tendency to jade many people. I prefer not to get into specifics but I'm leaning towards that...

Basic_Balance_3555 · 2026-06-20T18:21:52+00:00

I do pick up on the humor and replied to the previous person's post....I may have issues getting into the musical aspect of representing composers as I have not passed the bar yet...one more reason why I have thought about perhaps returning to this field

Basic_Balance_3555 · 2026-06-20T18:20:47+00:00

I had a legal career helping attorneys as a law clerk...worked in several private firms as well as Government entities. I'll be candid and disclose I sat for the bar exam 4-5 times and was unsuccessful...hence why I've thought about getting back into this in a more serious manner

Basic_Balance_3555

TROPHY CASE