Today we’d like to introduce you to Bryan Morgan.
Hi Bryan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, where music wasn’t just background noise—it was part of the fabric of our family. One of my earliest memories is a photo of me as a baby, sitting in my grandmother’s lap while she played the piano, my tiny hands reaching for the keys as she guided me. Music was everywhere in our house—jazz, gospel, R&B, classical—it all flowed through the walls like air.
My dad played the clarinet in school ensembles, and my mom sang in bands with her friends growing up. My Aunt Rosalyn also played clarinet, and fun fact: the clarinet I started on in 5th grade was the very same one she used when she was in school. It felt like I was continuing something special, something passed down.
I sang in my church choir from a young age all the way through high school, started playing clarinet in 5th grade, and haven’t stopped since. I found my way into composition in middle school, experimenting with melodies on my grandparents’ piano. When my friend Aaron Truitt and I stumbled upon Finale Notepad online, we were off to the races, notating every little idea we could think of. I’ve been lucky to have a circle of friends, family, and teachers who encouraged and nurtured that creativity every step of the way. Their support lit the spark that made me want to pursue music professionally.
I went on to earn my bachelor’s degree in music from Duke University in 2011—while also playing on the football team. During my time there, I had the chance to write a lot of music, including a band piece that was premiered by the Duke Wind Symphony. Later, I earned my master’s in music education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2016. Along the way, I kept writing: I composed the alma mater for Voyager Academy in Durham, NC, and a flute piece for my friend Deshaun King, which he premiered at his senior recital at Duke.
From 2016 to 2023, I taught music—and a few other things—at Mercersburg Academy in Pennsylvania. Even while teaching full-time, I made a promise to myself to keep writing as much as I could. That led to some incredible opportunities: arranging and composing music for school events, co-writing a song that became a tradition at Baccalaureate, and collaborating with students on music for theater productions.
Each summer, I’ve returned home to Alabama to work marching band camp with my friend Matt Martindale, who is the Director of Bands at Shelby County High School. I’ve had the chance to help students learn their music and drill, while also arranging some of their show music, pre-show/post-show pieces, and even voice-over announcements.
In 2023, I took a leap. After earning an advanced professional certificate in Orchestration for Film, TV, and Video Games from Berklee Online, I decided it was time to pursue my dream full-time. I left my teaching job, moved to New York City, and began a second master’s in Screen Scoring at NYU.
Now, I’m immersed in the world of media composition—scoring short films, writing for a TV special at the NYU Sports Film Festival, and assisting composers in studio sessions. It’s been a journey fueled by passion, community, and a deep love of storytelling through sound. And I’m just getting started.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Of course not! I’ve definitely had my share of growing pains. One thing I still deal with all the time is imposter syndrome. It’s wild—sometimes it really feels like I’ve tricked everyone into thinking I’m a “real” composer. I’ll catch myself thinking, “Why are these people trusting me with their project?” But then I take a breath and remind myself: I am good at what I do. I love bringing stories to life through music, and that feeling is always so rewarding.
Another challenge, especially early on, has been just finding consistent work. Breaking into the industry is a slow burn—you really have to put yourself out there, keep networking, and be your own biggest advocate. I’ve learned to stay open to all kinds of opportunities, and I’m always ready to try new things.
That said, I definitely didn’t get here on my own. Anyone who claims they did it all by themselves is seriously mistaken. In my case, I’ve got prayer warriors lifting me up every single day—probably more than I even realize! I’m so thankful to God for them. I’ve also got an amazing circle of family, friends, and loved ones who support me in so many other ways as well. I love them deeply, and we’ve always got each other’s backs.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a composer who writes music for both concerts and media. On the concert side, I’ve had a blast writing for all kinds of ensembles—chamber groups, bands, orchestras—you name it. And when it comes to film, I’m especially proud of the documentaries and animations I’ve scored. Those were some of the most fun and meaningful projects I’ve worked on!
One thing that really sets me apart is how flexible and creative I am. If something I’m writing isn’t hitting the right emotional state for a film, I’m not afraid to switch gears and try something new. That usually starts with a good conversation with the filmmaker to figure out what’s not quite working. I also love playing around with sounds—blending orchestral instruments with synths, or even recording and transforming my own voice. There’s just something super satisfying about creating a sound world that feels totally original.
How do you think about luck?
I definitely believe in a little bit of luck, but more than anything, I know I’ve been favored by God. I’ve been really blessed to have some incredible experiences in my career so far, and I don’t take that for granted. I know not everyone in my position has had the same chances.
That said, it’s not like opportunities have just magically shown up—I’ve had to put myself in the right places to grow. I do what I can to move forward, whether that’s going to conferences, networking events, performances, festivals—you name it. Sometimes it’s just about being around other creatives and making real connections. Nothing’s ever guaranteed, but I know for sure I won’t get anywhere if I don’t show up and put myself out there.
Pricing:
- For music inquiries: [email protected]
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bryanmorganmusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmorganmusic62/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bryan.morgan.96
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-morgan-music/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BMorganMusic62
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/bmorganmusic62
Image Credits
Isom Morgan III (@isommorganphoto)
January Yucheng Li (@january_photo)
