It has been far too long since I have updated this blog. Thankfully, though, it’s not because I have nothing to say. I have been having a blast learning from and getting to know so many talented people here in California. Even my professors have written several scores that I’ve loved (some since I was a kid): Bruce Broughton and Garry Schyman! Bruce did the score for The Rescuers Down Under, as well as a few excellent westerns such as Tombstone. Garry did the soundtracks to all of the Bioshock games.
Bruce Broughton
And of course, I’ve met a slew of talented composers, recording engineers, copyists, contractors, orchestrators…the list goes on. I have nothing but praise to sing about the program at USC. It is expensive, but worth every last penny. We have weekly forums with guests such as Pete Anthony, John Powell, Austin Wintory and Peter Rotter (next on the docekt: MB Gordy, a hero of mine in the percussion realm! :D). We also have nearly weekly recording sessions at impressive studios such as The Bridge, and there’s even a great recording session on-campus for student project scoring!
Of course there’s the added benefit of living in the same city as all those people you have only read about. I’ve seen Gustavo Dudamel live, literally on a whim, conducting Mahler 5. In fact, I met another hero and inspiration of mine not too long ago at a Los Angeles Philharmonic concert: Bear McCreary. He’s a super chill and humble guy, and was very patient with my fanboi ramblings.
Woohoo!
I also can’t stress enough the level of quality these studio musicians maintain. They can play almost anything…and SIGHT READ it no less! They also manage to sound amazing even up to the last minute of the day, after incredibly taxing music.
There are some exciting projects coming up for me here shortly, and I can’t wait to share my experiences with them. Already this has been a dream come true!