TECH-ENABLED SOUND
One of the biggest challenges of creating scores for television and film is developing a distinct sound for each project . Chung typically focuses on finding the right tone first . She draws inspiration from watching scenes to get a feel for the aesthetic and the story . Sometimes the characters themselves inspire a certain theme .
Although every project requires a totally new sound with a unique feel , Chung often uses layering and mixed meters , or rhythms . “ I ’ m not a minimalist , I ’ m a maximalist when it comes to my writing ,” said Chung . “ I ’ m consciously trying to practice restraint … I just get very inspired and start adding things .”
Most of Chung ’ s projects are considered hybrid scores , meaning a mixture of electronic synth sounds , virtual instruments and real ( or live recorded ) instruments .
“ As composers we have to be able to demo our music before it ’ s recorded live . We have to have these strong and powerful computer systems with a lot of virtual instrument sample libraries and all kinds of production skills and technological skills ,” said Chung .
Her workspace consists of three large computer screens that display digital audio timelines for live tracking , a couple computer keyboards , and a large electronic piano with a Musical Instrument Digital Interface ( MIDI ) controller . This allows her to select and record any sound she chooses , whether it ' s a violin , a trumpet , or a soft synth pad .
“ Technology really opened up everything for me ,” said Chung . Using a digital workstation allows her to write music faster , she explained . As ideas develop , she can immediately record them , tweak them , add layers of different instruments or percussion , and bring a musical piece
to life all at once . Oftentimes , the virtual instruments sound as good or better than the real thing .
Photo Credit Angela Marklew
SINGER , SONGWRITER , PIANIST & COMPOSER
LOS ANGELES , CALIFORNIA
CLASS OF ' 01
Chung said learning the latest technology is a must for aspiring composers . “ I really do think it ’ s important to have the technical skills insofar as one being able to represent their ideas ,” she said , adding that it ’ s perfectly fine to learn as you go . “ When you ’ re starting out , you don ’ t need to have every single tool … Figure out what works for you .”