BRIAN
ENGLISHMAN
Area of Study: Music Theory, History and Composition
Current City: Portland, ME
Graduation Date: 2010
Current Occupation: Composer for Commercials + TV, Self-Employed
Why did you choose WCU and/or the School of Music?
I originally chose WCU for it's outstanding music education program. I quickly realized
that teaching was not the path for me and switched into the Theory/Composition program.
How has the quality of education you received from WCU and/or School of Music prepared
you for life after graduation?
The composition staff at WCU taught me how to shift my perspective when writing music
and look for alternatives to conventional ways of composing. They also embraced my
more popular music background and style while pushing me to embrace new and techniques
and ideas..
What is a typical day like for you?
No day is like the other. Some days I will have multiple projects on deck while others
I wait for new ones to come through the door. When I am working I like to get started
early in the day rather than working at night. It helps me keep a somewhat normal
routine.
What advice would you give to someone who would like to enter your field?
Learn to work with the tools you have. Buying the newest and most expensive softwares,
headphones or studio equipment won't make you a better writer. Logic comes with an
enormous amount of great plugins and instruments to get you started. Also - a clean,
simple and attractive website that highlights some of your work. Include a short bio,
maybe a photo of yourself and an email address. This is something that can make you
look very well established and professional.
What advice would you give to our graduating seniors?
Go on a month long road trip. That's what I did! After that look for an internship
or entry level job at a music production house or ad agency. You're going to have
to start from the very bottom in this business.
What makes the WCU School of Music standout to you?
Dedicated teachers that hold you accountable and build great relationships with their
students.
When you were a student at WCU, did you do an internship and/or study abroad? If so,
describe those experiences.
Yes! I studied abroad in Reading, England. It was the absolute best time and I highly
recommend everyone doing it. As a music student it can be a bit more difficult making
it work but I am living proof that it can.
What is your favorite memory of being a student at WCU and/or School of Music?
My one on one lesson with various composition staff professors.
What's the most interesting thing about you that we wouldn't learn from your resume
alone?
A couple years after graduating WCU I attempted to start a record label with a bunch
of friends. It was more of a local collective of bands but it made for some great
memories. RIP Trunk Rock Records.