Classical Composer

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

A: An alto sax concerto. I really like it, even a year later. I was the composer.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: My first symphony. It will be a long journey, but it will be worth it.

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

A: I don't know anyone at the moment.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Analog! Its a more authentic experience.

Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

A: My promise is that they will love the finished song, or I can give them a revision.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Being able to earn money for something I'm passionate about.

Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A: The most common question is " can you replicate this style for me?", and my answer is usually yes. There are rare circumstances where i can't do it, and i explain to them why I can't.

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

A: That I'm not "qualified" enough. Even if I don't have any certification yet, I study composition and mastering a lot on my own time. i think certification is just something to essentially prove you have the skills.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I usually always ask them what kind of feel they want the finished song to have.

Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A: Look around at a bunch of different providers first. Its good to see what all the options are.

Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

A: Depends if there's electricity, but if there is, a digital piano, a guitar, a laptop, and that's it I think.

Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

A: I'm just a high school student, but i hope on going to college for music composition. I've been composing for about 6 years though.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: A mix of complex and simple.

Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

A: Kaija Saariaho. Her music is so unique and interesting.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Take breaks, don't work on something for hours at a time, it can alter the way the song actually sounds.

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

A: Classical mainly, sometimes pop or even rock.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I can work around problems very easy, and I'm open minded.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Many, many things. since i work mainly with classical music, there are a lot more details that i have to think about. I have to make it sound alive. Sometimes this is hard, and sometimes it easy.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: When I get the order or commission, I map out what kind of feel or vibe the client wants the song to have. It takes off from there, and I write in all the little details.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Its very basic, I have studio headphones, a midi keyboard, and notation software.

Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

A: Jennifer Higdon. She's cool.

Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

A: I compose mainly classical, but sometimes other styles. I make the whole song/piece from start to finish, including mastering or mixing. Sometimes I also arrange songs.