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Welcome to i-SAFE's Celebrity Corner. This is the only place to get an inside
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A composer writes the instrumental music that supports the action or emotion of a scene in a TV show or movie. It can be a huge orchestral sound like “Lord of the Rings” or a small intimate sound like “American Beauty.” Jonathan has composed the scores for many TV shows including, Joan of Arcadia, She Spies, Scrubs (additional music). He has also written some songs for films such as, Sometime They Come Back Again, Max and Grace, and Full Tilt Boogie.
Question: What does a composer do?
Answer: A composer writes the instrumental music that support the action or emotion of a scene in a TV show or movie. It can be a huge orchestral sound like “Lord of the Rings” or a small intimate sound like “American Beauty.” I have composed the scores for many TV shows including, Joan of Arcadia, She Spies, Scrubs (additional music). I have also written some songs for films such as, Sometime They Come Back Again, Max and Grace, and Full Tilt Boogie.
Question: How did you get started in the business?
Answer: I started as a touring musician in a folk rock band, singing and playing guitar. After 10 years, I tried my hand at writing songs for TV shows. That went well and I met a few people in the biz as a result. From those contacts, I have gotten jobs as a composer.
Question: Describe the set-up in your studio, including the equipment and instruments that you use to make music.
Answer: I use 7 computers with programs including ProTools, Digital Performer, GigaStudio, Forte. My desk has 4 computer screens for all the computers and a large screen LCD TV to look at the picture I am scoring. Additionally, I play guitar, bass and piano. Most of what I do is written recorded and performed by me in a little guest house behind my home. All of my computers are networked together and work in sync with each other. At any given time I am running 6 or 7 different programs, and controlling them with the various keyboards, mixers and drum pads.
Question: How do composers earn a living?
Answer: We earn a living by writing music for TV and film. We get paid for our work by the producer of the project. Additionally, when the show is played in theaters or on TV we are paid royalties. About 1/3 of our income is from these royalty payments.
Question: How are you affected by piracy?
Answer: Not as a composer, but as a songwriter. People will make copies of my band’s CD (Dogwood Moon).
Question: Do you advise a young person to go into the music industry?
Answer: Just like anything else, if you don’t love it, don’t do it. The road is hard,long and often heartbreaking. Everyone will tell you that you’re not good enough, including yourself! However, I have noticed that the people who are most successful are those that don’t stop trying. That’s why I say only do it if you love it. It’ll take everything you’ve got to give...and then some.
Question: Is there anything else you want to say?
Answer: The Beatles RULE!
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