One of the most powerful tools in film scoring is also one of the simplest: the ostinato . If you’ve ever felt your pulse quicken during...

Superhero themes are more than just background music — they’re branding. The best ones become musical catchphrases, embedding the...

What makes certain film cues feel instantly cinematic , even before a melody kicks in? Often, it’s the chord progression — the emotional...

When David Fincher’s The Social Network hit theaters in 2010, audiences weren’t just captivated by the story of Facebook’s controversial...

Have you ever watched a film scene and suddenly felt your pulse quicken — not because of the dialogue or visuals, but because of the...

You’ve felt it before — that uneasy tension when a movie scene goes quiet… then a sound starts rising. It’s dissonant, pulsing, growing....

Last week I watched F1: The Movie , a high-octane and emotionally charged tribute to one of the most extreme sports in the world. Scored...

When you hear the Mission: Impossible theme, your brain immediately goes into spy mode—pulsing rhythms, stealthy vibes, and...

If you’ve ever watched a Christopher Nolan film or played a modern action-adventure game, you’ve felt the power of the string ostinato....

Have you ever found yourself stuck, staring at a blank DAW screen, unsure of where to begin? Deadlines are approaching, inspiration is...

Film scoring is a field full of possibilities, but also filled with misconceptions that can hinder those looking to enter or grow in this...

When scoring a film, the right musical choices can instantly transport the audience to a different era. Fly Me to the Moon (2024) does...

If you’re wondering whether it’s possible to break into the world of film scoring without experience, expensive equipment, or clients,...

As 2024 comes to a close, I’ve taken a moment to reflect on the incredible journey this year has been. From launching new initiatives to...

As 2024 draws to a close, it’s time to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of my students. Their dedication, creativity, and talent...

At Virginia Commonwealth University, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration is at the heart of preparing students for real-world...

On October 15, 2024, four of my talented VCU's composition students —Jason Leung, Aniyah Ricks, Austin Sellick, and Myles Black—took a...

On October 31, I had the privilege of speaking about the art and technique of film scoring to the talented cinema students at the...

On November 7, 8, and 9, I hosted the live workshop From Your First Soundtrack to Your First Client , and it was an incredible success!...

Film scores often stand out not only for their memorable melodies but also for the diversity of instruments that compose their sonic...