Why I'm Scoring Less Films 😅

[@cheska_yo]

Edit: One thing I forgot to mention in the video is that I want to optimize for impact rather than continuing to grind it out as a film composer. There will always be the next short or feature film to work on, and it's very easy to overwork yourself in this industry. It was really uncomfortable to start saying "no" this year, but I'm starting to understand why. It might've been more obvious to you than it was to me, but I've been headed in this educator direction for quite a while now. Some of the most fulfilling moments I experienced this year had nothing to do with film scoring. The times I felt I had the most impact were when I was trying to help another composer whether they were a student in my course, a 1:1 coaching student, or one of my friends. At the end of the day, the best career is a sustainable one and sometimes that requires us to rethink our priorities and where we want to go. I hope that you found this video helpful and thank you guys for all your patience and support this year! -Cheska

[@adityakmr1361]

Okay so first of all the burnout part is SOOO relatable cuz you've been at it w the professional film composing, 1:1 sessions, curated courses etc so its quite natural to feel kinda 'stretched' in multiple directions and feeling burnt out (that's my assumption). Also while following your career path you might explore other avenues similar to/related to your primary field which may just end up interesting you more than what you initially thought you were interested in. Its all a part of self discovery and no shame in admitting it hehe. Proud of you for making this vid and as always, great video! :)))

[@cheska_yo]

Thanks for always having my back Adi!!! No shame indeed! :)

[@rissamayrox]

CHESKA- proud of you for checking in and being honest with yourself about where you're at and where you want to go. I'm currently in a similar burnt-out-ish space... and it's funny, I'm so grateful to have made so many projects in this past year or so (including finally getting to work with you...), but I've missed making KZbin videos. It's all I can think about sometimes, and I know the way to fix that is to just to do it. In other words, you're inspiring me to get back on here... you inspire me, periodt.

[@cheska_yo]

MARISSA!!!! Dude, thank you so much and it's really funny you say this- I'm so ready for you to make videos again!! They had a big impact on me when I was getting ready to leave my old job, and I'm sure I'm not alone in looking forward to you posting again :) Maybe we can collab on a KZbin video one day hehehe 😁

[@ephraimchampion.composer]

CHESKA!!! The world needs more people like you ❤️❤️❤️ thank you so much for the vulnerability you continually show. I’m sure there are a lot of people who can relate-we appreciate you for sharing your story! Love this avenue of teaching you’ve delved into and so happy you’re passionate about it. There’s too many teachers who teach without caring. But to have a teacher who ACTUALLY cares about their students? How invaluable. Keep shining goat ❤️🙌🏾💯🙏🏽💪🏾🔥🐐

[@cheska_yo]

EPHRAIM!! Thank you SOOOO much, I'm glad that I have your support. I feel really good about everything moving forward and I can't wait to document more of it for y'all!!

[@leahhidalgomusic]

Hey Cheska, thanks for sharing this! I've also experienced moments of burnout while composing for film, and I think it's amazing that you're focusing on another music pursuit that brings you joy. I feel like it's good for our mental well-being to take a step back, rejuvenate ourselves, and find the spark again ✨

[@cheska_yo]

Leah!! You are definitely right. I think I'm most excited about having the space to not do music and focus on myself, so that when I DO make music, I feel more happy and relaxed. P.S. Maybe you could make a video about how you've dealt with burnout in the past! I'd love to learn from you too 😇

[@vincentdargere]

You know, I have always lived my life following some kind of inner, unconscious rule I wasn't really aware of, but which still keeps firing up every time I find myself having a hard time in my professional life, and this rule is simple: if you feel in your deepest that something's wrong with what you do, if you're not happy, if your activity brings you more stress, sadness, pain or even mere but prolonged boredom than joy, satisfaction and growth, it is a particular sign it is time to change. Follow your heart. Not what comes to you on a whim, but what lingers within you and patiently waits for you to make the right decision, even if it takes years. This is what happened to me a few months ago. I realized at 46 that what I was meant for is nothing else than to be a composer, and this is something I've had in me since I was a teenager. I tried every possible thing that I thought could possibly suit me professionally, and everything failed miserably. For when you're meant for one thing, it's no use trying anything else. I wish you joy and success and to love, love, love what you do. And I think I'd be happy to be one of your students. - Vincent

[@cheska_yo]

Vincent! Thank you for such a lovely comment, I really resonate with your perspective. For most of my life I did feel like there was something off, and this passion for music and teaching definitely lingered in my heart for years. I'm so happy you found your way to this channel and that we're both moving towards a fulfilling life as a composer. Don't hesitate to reach out in the future, I think I'd be happy to have you as one of my students too!

[@vincentdargere]

@@cheska_yo I'm currently in the middle of a training to be a media composer, but I may call you in a couple months to get your advice and find my first gigs. 😉

[@chrishurn7097]

Love these videos. Your thoughts echo mine especially lately, and I am thinking about a lot of the same sorts of things (burn out, original career goals and how they pivot over time, lifestyle, etc). Lots to digest - thanks for posting these. I can relate to so much of what you put out there. Gives me a ton to think about.

[@cheska_yo]

I'm really really glad to hear this. There's absolutely no shame in changing directions and pivoting, I think it was just hard to admit that I was more interested in something that isn't directly about composing and the lifestyle I was headed towards wasn't what I wanted. I'm happy that we can all learn about this together!