News & Events
2017 News & Events
Demo Page Updated Using ReelCrafter
July, 2017
Making short samples, grouping them into a genre of music, and sending them to a director has never been so easy. I can be anywhere on or above the planet and upload a new track. There are more features and it is much better than other platforms that I have used. As a composer, ReelCrafter is one of my helpful tools that I now use.
MasterClass with Hans Zimmer
June, 2017
Hans Zimmer, one of the most prolific film composers of all time, teaches this internet course in writing music for movies. The German composer, who had no formal musical training, has scored the soundtracks for more than 150 films including “The Lion King” — for which he won an Academy Award — as well as “Gladiator” (2000) “Pirates of the Caribbean” (2006), “The Dark Knight” (2008), “Inception” (2010), and “Interstellar” (2014). Zimmer teaches aspiring filmmakers and composers how to use music to tell a story.
2014 News & Events
One-On-One Session with Penka Kouneva
October 16, 2014 Tujunga, CA
One of the very best highlights of my time in Los Angeles was getting to spend time with someone that is highly successful composer and orchestrator in TV/film music and game music, Penka Kouneva. This was such an exciting experience for me and made a fantastic impact on my thinking.
Penka is a celebrated orchestrator on films such as The Need for Speed (2014), Elysium (2013), 9 (2009), Angels & Demons (2009), the Transformer movies (2011, 2009, 2007), Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (2007), and many more. Her movie scores include Primrose Lane (2015), Richard III (2008), Ice Spiders (2007 TV movie), In addition, her credits in the gaming world include Gears of War 3 (2011), Dragon Age II (2011), World of War Craft: Cataclysm (2010), StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty (2010), and many others.
In her home studio, Penka spent time quizzing me on what I know, discussing the challenges of film music, listening to my original music and giving me priceless pointers and ideas, pointers on getting hired, and urging me on. It was the best 3+ hours I have ever spent. This experience was inspirational and I am forever grateful to Penka for her valuable time and guidance. Thank you, Penka! You have my admiration and respect!
Women Composer’s Panel
October 16, 2014 Los Angeles, CA
This was an event held at the American Film Institute with some of the leading women film composers. Left to right in the picture are Miriam Cutler, Penka Kouneva, Deborah Lurie, Laura Karpman, Lolita Ritmanis, and Kathryn Bostic. In addition to discussing their particular contributions to film, there was a discussion about the difficulties of being a women and being hired as film composers. P.S.: Their music was really great! They know what they’re doing!
GameSoundCon LA: Conference on Game Music and Sound Design
October 7 & 8, 2014 Los Angeles, CA
Two days of intensive sessions, panels and masterclasses on the essentials of game music and sound, designed for those coming from Film, TV, music and other traditional media. Brian Schmidt is the founder and creator of GameSoundCon.
Academy of Scoring Arts
February 7, 2014 Studio City, CA
This was a great opportunity to watch and listen to well-known composer, David L. Newman. He offered some great great exercises on conducting and demonstrated his approach to conducting and communicating with an orchestra and how to improve. This event was sponsored by the Academy of Scoring Arts.
NAMM – The National Association of Music Merchants
January 23-26, 2014 Anaheim, CA
The NAMM Show is an action-packed global industry event where you can expand your share of the market with face-to-face meetings, product demos, idea-filled sessions and networking opportunities. As a trade-only event, The NAMM Show is attended by companies that meet the association’s membership criteria (generally those that manufacture, distribute and/or retail musical instruments/products), as well as trade and consumer-focused media outlets. Its also a great opportunity to visit with old friends and make new ones.
2013 News & Events
No Budget Film School
November 9 & 10, 2013 Hollywood, CA
November 16 &17, 2013 Hollywood, CA
Two days of intensive sessions with Mark Stolaroff, and Tom Provost, as well as guest speakers on the nuts ad bolts of no or low budget film making. Mark Stolaroff is an independent producer whose latest films have premeired at the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival and the 2013 Los Angeles Film Festival. Both weekends were at the Charlie Chaplain Theater in Raleigh Studios which is one of the oldest studios in Hollywood dating back to 1915. It is located on Melrose Avenue across the street from Paramount Studios.
GameSoundCon LA: Conference on Game Music and Sound Design
November 3 & 4, 2013 Los Angeles, CA
Two days of intensive sessions, panels and masterclasses on the essentials of game music and sound, designed for those coming from Film, TV, music and other traditional media. Brian Schmidt is the founder and creator of GameSoundCon.
Sundance Institute Film ComposersLab: LA
May 18, 2013 Los Angeles, CA
This is the 3rd annual Film ComposersLab: L.A. Peter Golub, Director of the Sundance Institute Film Music Program, hosted the day’s events. It was a fantastic day that was a condensed version of the Sundance Institute’s more intensive annual Composers Labs. ComposersLab: L.A. is supported by BMI. The Sundance Institute Film Music Program is supported by Time Warner Foundation and the Film Music Foundation.
Southeast Film Music Symposium
March 1-3, 2013 Chattanooga, TN
The inaugural event, hosted by the Chattanooga Symphony and SFMS Artistic Director, George S. Clinton, was the beginning of a new chapter in my composing life. It was a wonderful weekend filled with professional networking, concerts, seminars, and good food.
