Danny Ryan

I'm a composer and orchestrator for TV and games and, having got here via an unusual classical conservatoire-trained route, I've composed, produced, and orchestrated music in a huge variety of roles across the industry.

Quick summary of my background:
- Music synced on shows by the BBC, Sky TV, Nat Geo Wild, on major production music catalogues.
- Regularly orchestrate for Hollywood movies, most recently Masters of the Universe and Project Hail Mary.
- Creates and implements music into video games, from the AAA level ‘Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown’ by Kylotonn Games, to cosy indie titles like ‘Fishing Echoes’ by Duobonza.
- Repertoire of concert works performed by all manner of classical and unusual ensembles, from string quartets to full orchestra, to jazz big band, choir, and pop orchestra.
- Masters Degree in Composition for Screen from the RCM London.
- Undergraduate Degree and the Gold Medal Award for Composition from the RNCM Manchester.
- Originally a Jazz saxophonist, then a rock guitarist and keyboardist.
- Releases Deep House music through artist moniker 'Low Thud'.
- Main DAW is Logic Pro, but also very proficient in Protools, Cubase, and Ableton Live.
- Main notation software is Sibelius, and very proficient in Dorico.
- Very proficient in Wwise, FMOD, and Unity for work in video games.
- More info on my website: dannyryanmediamusic[dot]com

I want anyone I teach to feel that my advice is grounded in both real-world experience and a thorough academic and technical understanding, and I want you to have the opportunity to develop your musical voice in any stylistic direction you fancy! This is my top priority; that we love making new music and enjoy the process as much as the outcome. Whether you want to start writing your first piece for a school jazz band, or you want to create Zimmer-esque cinematic tracks, or indeed you're not sure and would like some help navigating your compositional journey, then I sincerely hope to hear from you.

Lesson Structure:
By sharing the screen and audio of the DAW or notation software, as well as presentations using Miro, a good old white board, and/or a top-down perspective of musical manuscript on my desk, the lessons I give are very practical. I will demonstrate all my points in as much detail as you need; you will actually hear all the musical techniques we discuss, and we will find a way to make all your music into audio files that you can use in your portfolio and play to audiences. This can be through 'mock-up' in the DAW using sample libraries (mine if you don't have any), or through Sibelius playback, or if you can, notating it and giving it to the ensemble you have in mind! I am a firm believer in learning being best through real-world experiences, not just theoretical discussion.