James Horner - a tribute

Today was a morning like any other - except that I didn't sleep last night and woke up at 4am. Not one to lay in bed, awake and unproductive, I got in some early work on a music project. At 5am, I took a break to check social media. My heart sank. One of the foremost film composers of our time, James Horner, died in a plane crash last night. Without mincing words to try and explain his influence, here are 5 pieces of music that inspired not only me, but millions of musicians around the world.

Is Jurassic World the Indominus Rex of film scores?

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First and foremost: no spoilers in this post. I haven't even seen the movie yet, despite my enthusiasm, reckless abandon, and borderline embarrassing desperation. We decided to wait until this weekend when the movie theatres wouldn't be stuffed to the brim with dinosaur fans. As much as I've always loved the Jurassic franchise, even this superfan can't stomach sitting in front of a kid who kicks me seat the entire movie, or a few seats down from giggling teenagers who are constantly texting. Dinosaurs must be viewed with reverence, like the first cheeseburger after a 30 day vegan detox.

You Can't Break Into This Industry - Film/Television/Video Game Composing

My video game cabinet - yes, my PS3 is dusty. Not pictured: Nintendo DS, Game Cube, or the pile of games on the coffee table.

It used to be that networking was enough - but not anymore.

The Maleficent Soundtrack - Classic Disney, or Something More?

I have some friends who are hardcore Disney fans. We are talking the people who see every Disney release in the cinema at least twice (yes, even John Carter), can list every movie alphabetically and chronologically, yearly pilgrimages to the Magic Kingdom sort of folk. This review is for you.

May the Fourth be With You: Jedis, Jawa, and John Williams

Star Wars! Because who hasn't blasted the soundtrack while preparing for an audition or interview? (Just me, then?) This music is the definition of iconic, and even people who hate Star Wars know the music. With John Williams at the helm, who would expect anything different?

What does Lord of the Rings and Richard Wagner Have in Common?

Answer: More than you think.

New Music Wednesday: "Sunrise," by Deryn and Dan Cullen

This piece of music is absolutely stunning, and it will be really exciting to hear where it ends up. Deryn and Dan Cullen work together to create some of the most epic cinematic music I've heard, and their partnership is perfection. Listen to "Sunrise" and see what they have to say about their music:

The Death of a Legacy - the von Trapp Family Singers, who Inspired "The Sound of Music"

Maria Franziska von Trapp: Petition for USA naturalization, 1948

Many of us awoke to sad news today - Maria Franziska von Trapp, the last remaining member of this world-renowned singing group, died on February 18th at age 99. At first glance, many will think the mother was the final member, but Maria was in fact the second eldest daughter, played by Louisa in the stage musical and the film. There are several key differences between this real-life family and the fictional family of Broadway and Hollywood. Many people don't even realize that "The Sound of Music" was based on reality!

So, who were the von Trapps, really?