Your academic journey includes training at the University of Music, Vienna, and the Royal College of Music, London, with degrees in Composition for Film and Classical Composition, among others. How have these diverse educational experiences shaped your approach to composing and your versatility as a musician?
My training in classical composition laid the foundation, covering crucial disciplines like orchestration, music theory, and musical structure. The study of film composition added a technical dimension, teaching me scoring to picture, technology, and film analysis. My background as a concert violinist and my subsequent training as a conductor complement each other further, contributing to a multifaceted approach to my work.
Your music has achieved significant success on streaming platforms, with over 14 million streams. How do you see the role of digital platforms in shaping the landscape for film composers, and how has this accessibility influenced your approach to sharing your work with a global audience?
Before the rise of digital platforms, sharing music as an independent or emerging artist was a challenge. However, with the accessibility of music streaming platforms, I now embrace the opportunity to connect globally with an audience that was once out of reach. Achieving over 14 million streams is a testament to the fantastic support from audiences worldwide and I'm grateful to digital platforms for amplifying my music. This exposure has provided me with the opportunity to expand my reach and create connections with music enthusiasts and filmmakers around the globe.
Can you tell us about the creative process behind composing the score for an animated short film?
The creative process behind composing a score is a collaborative journey with filmmakers, which is something I enjoy. It begins with a discussion to understand the musical style the filmmakers have in mind. Once this has been established, I like to suggest the main musical themes. Once these have been identified, I move on to crafting the actual score, again in close communication with the filmmakers. The recording session, where the music comes to life, performed by either a few musicians or a large symphony orchestra, is often one of the most exciting and rewarding parts of the scoring process.
What challenges and rewards do you find in navigating and succeeding in the competitive landscape of film composition and original scores?
One challenge that the film industry poses is the task of securing projects consistently. Another challenge can be dealing with budget and time constraints that may impose certain creative limitations. However, working with talented individuals and the rewarding experience of contributing to storytelling through music make these challenges worthwhile.
How do you adapt your composition style when working on projects with non-fiction narratives?
I'm proud of my ability to compose and produce music in various genres, a skill that becomes important when working on projects with non-fiction narratives. For instance, crafting music for a documentary film about the Middle East demands a different approach than an animated fantasy film. In certain cases, researching musical cultural backgrounds becomes necessary and the possibility of using traditional or ethnic musical instruments as part of the musical score can be quite intriguing.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians out there?
My advice to aspiring musicians is to continuously seek opportunities to learn and grow. Embrace challenges as they come, and don't be afraid to explore various genres and styles. In my opinion, the journey in music is a marathon, so it's important to have a lot of staying power.
Looking ahead, what aspirations or projects do you have on the horizon, and how do you envision the next phase of your career as a composer, violinist, and conductor based on your extensive experiences and successes so far?
Looking ahead, I have standalone music releases scheduled for 2024, starting with a solo piano single to be announced soon. On the film music front, I'm currently composing for the feature film "The Entertainer" directed by my friend David Clay Diaz, expected to hit festivals in 2024. With additional projects in the pipeline, I look forward to an exciting year ahead, drawing upon my wealth of experience as a composer, violinist, and conductor.
Instagram: https://instagram.com/rosgilman