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....

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...

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

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

In the realm of composition, music serves as a powerful narrative tool. It can dictate the pace of a scene, amplify emotions, and even...

This August was a remarkable month for me as a composer. My piece, Ocean Storm , found itself resonating through the halls of the...

As an artist dedicated to pushing the boundaries of creativity, I'm excited to share that my composition, String Samba, is a highlight of...

Exploring Your Passions and Interests When it comes to having creative ideas, it's important to connect with what you love. Make a list...