Oscar Nominated Orchestrator

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

A: Peter Ferguson (guitar, keys, bass, production), Emmanuel Echem (trumpet), Will Padget (keys, production), Damian Malnar (songwriting, production), Nik Lizcano (production, vocals). All these guys are absolute pros and lovely people.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: A stage musical, boosting my sync library, and writing an original classical fanfare.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: The variety! There are some days I'm writing music in the morning, tracking in the afternoon, and orchestrating for a client in the evening. I love being able to tell stories through music in entirely different ways.

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

A: I've been playing piano since I was 4 and began adding other instruments at 10. I graduated from Belmont University in Nashville with degrees in filmmaking and commercial music with a composition and arranging emphasis. I've lived and worked in Los Angeles on professional film, tv, and live projects for over 8 years.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Turn off your computer monitors and hit play on your song. Write down anything you hear you want to change, but do not hit pause or look at your DAW as it goes by. You'll be amazed what you hear when you're not distracted by the visuals.

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

A: Cinematic and orchestral music, but I also bring those skills to other genres like jazz and pop. I've added cinematic strings and horns to many tracks.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My ability to listen, both in music and conversations. I'm constantly analyzing for intent and execution in my work.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Listen to the client and what their vision and goals are for the project. If they're unsure how to approach any areas I always get some kind of idea for first directions to try. Then I have at it and send to the client for any revisions or notes they might have. I'm not happy until the client is!

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a simple setup, 2 audio monitors, 2 computer monitors, a Volt 276 audio interface, one all-purpose Rode microphone, and a full weighted MIDI keyboard. Lots of sound libraries from companies like Spitfire, Impact Soundworks, Cinesamples, etc. I've also got a French horn and trumpet ready to record.

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

A: John Williams, William Ross, John Powell, Michael Giacchino, Alan Silvestri, the list goes on.

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

A: Arrangements and orchestrations, either from MIDI or simply a concept they might have.