Avi Wiseman chatted about his career as a music composer in the digital age and he opened up about his influences. He also furnished his advice for hopefuls that wish to pursue a career in the music industry.
How did you get into music?
It began when I was eight years old, completely captivated by the operatic voices of Emma Shapplin and Sarah Brightman on the radio.
I learned to sing by matching their phrasing and melodies, performing at events until my voice naturally changed. That transition forced me to the piano, where I found my true calling.
My choir director recognized my ear for improvisation and guided me toward classical training, eventually leading me to study under national champion pianist Galina Kleiman.
By 15, I was writing orchestral scores for local ceremonies, and people were already telling me my music had a massive, cinematic scale. Discovering Jerry Goldsmith’s masterful arrangements changed everything for me.
After formally studying composition, a connection in music clearance opened the door to TV and film scoring, and the rest followed naturally.
What inspires you each day as a musician?
I draw inspiration from everywhere—attending live concerts, analyzing the mechanics of great compositions, and listening to global traditions, from Ethiopian and Chinese instrumentation to Estonian choral works and ancient archaeomusicology.
Honestly, the greatest gift for a composer is silence. Silence creates the necessary space for emotion.
Think of John Williams’ score for Jaws—it’s the spaces between the notes that build the terrifying tension that still makes us jump. I use silence as an active, deliberate instrument.
How does it feel to be a musician in the digital age?
Early on, platforms like SoundCloud offered a great testing ground, but the sheer volume of the internet can easily drown out artistry. You quickly realize you have to build your own distinct identity rather than letting algorithms define you.
Today, balancing my work as a film composer, producer, and the Art Director and Content Supervisor of Hollywood Hills Magazine, I’ve firmly found my footing.
I hold myself to the absolute highest standards across all these disciplines, and the digital age simply becomes a powerful tool to project that vision globally.
How do you use technology in your daily routine?
My studio is built around highly expressive technology. Beyond the core computing power, instruments like the ROLI Seaboard allow me to manipulate pitch and tone with deep, physical nuance, creating immediate tension or vulnerability in a score.
I also incorporate Leap Motion technology to control instrument parameters in real-time through hand gestures, making the digital process incredibly organic.
Add in my graphic tablets for visual design, and my entire workflow is optimized for bringing complex ideas to life instantly.
What do your plans for the future include?
My ultimate goal is to shape how audiences experience the world, steering their perception toward positivity and deep emotional connection. I want my work to advocate for unconditional acceptance, especially for the LGBTQ+ community, bringing inspiring, untold stories to the forefront.
Professionally, I have my sights set on writing unforgettable music, earning an Academy Award for “Best Original Score,” and continuing to create art that resonates on a massive, global scale.
Your music was recently a part of the short film ‘Holocaust Day’… How did that feel?
I am highly selective; I only take on projects that evoke a profound emotional response from me first. Whenever I score a film, I am driven by a deep curiosity about what gives it that sweeping, blockbuster scale.
Knowing exactly which emotional chords to strike within the audience, almost like a surgeon, is an incredible feeling. When you connect with people’s deepest feelings through music, there is nothing quite like it.
What are some of your proudest professional moments?
It’s hard to choose just one. Performing live on television across multiple networks playing the cello and taking the stage in front of thousands at stadium shows were incredible rushes.
In film, winning at the Sorrento Film Festival and having my work screened at Capri Hollywood have been major career highlights.
On the visual side, directing magazine covers for cultural icons such as Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Meta World Peace, and Jonathan Bennett has been deeply fulfilling.
What is your advice for young and aspiring musicians?
First, master your craft—learn the universal language of music thoroughly. Once you have those core tools, expand your skill set.
Understand how to produce live events and how to define a distinct visual and sonic identity from the micro to the macro level. When writing songs, put yourself in the audience’s shoes; the phrasing and pronunciation must feel completely natural to sing.
For aspiring film composers, master the spotting session with your director. Learn the power of restraint. Often, surrounding noise or sheer silence does more for a scene than a dense arrangement.
Your ultimate goal is finding the perfect balance between serving the director’s visual narrative and creating a piece of music that stands strongly on its own.
What does the word success mean to you?
It’s very simple: waking up every morning feeling genuinely happy and creatively fulfilled, knowing that the art I am putting out into the world is making it a brighter, more positive place.
To learn more about music composer and producer Avi Wiseman, follow him on Instagram and visit his official website.
