Today we’d like to introduce you to Deniz Aktas
Hi Deniz, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up in a family of musicians, constantly surrounded by symphony orchestras and operas due to my mother’s career as a harpist. My childhood was filled with classical music, with a violinist brother and a pianist/percussionist sister, ensuring our home was always alive with beautiful melodies.
My musical training began at home with ear-training lessons from my mother and brother, setting the stage for my acceptance into the conservatory at 14. As a conservatory student, I focused on percussion, inspired by the magical allure of cinematic music. This passion led me to arrange famous film scores for our percussion ensemble, and my compositions were well-received at numerous school concerts.
During my eight successful years at the conservatory, I graduated summa cum laude and secured a position at the local State Opera and Ballet as a percussion player. A significant highlight was winning a classical music competition organized by Berklee College of Music, dedicated to the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victims. My orchestral piece, “Sandy Hook Immortals,” won first place, leading to an invitation to the US. Although the concert was ultimately canceled, this opportunity led me to audition for Berklee College of Music.
My acceptance into Berklee College of Music on a full scholarship marked the beginning of a transformative journey. I immersed myself in the rigorous study of Film Music, played in orchestras, improved my English, and worked as a music arranger for orchestras in Turkey. Graduating summa cum laude in 2020 was a dream come true.
Following my graduation, I moved to Los Angeles, where I have been composing music for movies, TV shows, commercials, and video games. My journey from a musician family to an international music career has been a magical and rewarding experience.
In 2020, I had the honor of winning the ScoreLive London 2020 Film Scoring Competition, judged by renowned industry figures such as Garry Schyman (Shadow of Mordor, BioShock), Pete Anthony (Lead Orchestrator of X-Men, Ice Age, The Mandalorian), and Christopher Young (Spider-Man 3, Pet Sematary, Hellraiser). The following year, I earned first place in the ScoreRelief 2021 Film Scoring Competition with my composition for the animation “Spring.” More recently, my work for the short film “Undercover” was nominated for Best Music at the Simi Valley Film Fest.
These achievements highlight my dedication to the craft of film scoring and have significantly shaped my journey as a composer. Each project and accolade reinforces my passion for creating evocative music that enhances storytelling across various media.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey, while fulfilling, has certainly not been without its challenges. Transitioning from a classical musician to a film composer required a significant shift in mindset and skills. One of the early struggles was adapting to the fast-paced and competitive nature of the film industry, which is quite different from the structured and disciplined environment of classical music.
Language was another hurdle. Moving to the United States for Berklee College of Music meant that I had to quickly improve my English to keep up with the rigorous academic and social demands. This was a daunting task, but it ultimately strengthened my communication skills and broadened my cultural perspective.
Financial stability was also a concern initially. Despite receiving a full scholarship to Berklee, living expenses in a new country added up, and I had to balance my studies with on-campus part-time work. This period taught me valuable lessons in time management and perseverance.
Despite these challenges, each struggle has been a learning opportunity, shaping me into a more resilient and versatile composer. The support of my family, mentors, and colleagues has been invaluable, helping me navigate through tough times and celebrate the successes.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a composer specializing in music for films, TV shows, commercials, and video games. My work involves creating original scores that enhance the emotional and narrative aspects of various media. With a strong foundation in classical music and percussion, I bring a unique perspective to my compositions, blending traditional orchestration with contemporary sounds.
I am known for my ability to craft evocative and immersive music that complements the storytelling of each project. My background in classical music gives my work a depth and sophistication that resonates with audiences. I am also known for creating super realistic orchestral sound from VST (Virtual Studio Technology) instruments. In other words, I excel in generating computer-generated music that sounds as authentic and nuanced as live-recorded orchestral performances.
My adaptability and comprehensive knowledge of various musical styles set me apart. My classical training allows me to compose intricate orchestral pieces, and my passion for film music drives me to innovate and explore new sonic landscapes. My experience as a percussionist also adds a unique rhythmic complexity to my scores.
I am proud of my ability to connect with the emotions of the audience through my music. Each project is an opportunity to tell a story and evoke feelings that words alone cannot convey. This passion for storytelling through music motivates me every day, and I am grateful for the chance to contribute to the world of film and media through my compositions.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The Covid-19 crisis taught me the importance of adaptability as I swiftly transitioned to remote work amidst the halt in live performances and collaborations. This period highlighted the power of technology in sustaining the music industry, prompting me to fully utilize virtual tools like VST instruments and digital workstations.
Moreover, the crisis emphasized the value of community and support, as virtual connections with fellow musicians and audiences became vital. Alongside this, I recognized the importance of mental resilience and self-care, ensuring a balanced approach amidst uncertainty.
In essence, the pandemic instilled in me a deeper appreciation for adaptability, technological innovation, community connections, and mental well-being, equipping me to navigate future challenges with resilience and creativity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://denizaktasmusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denizaktascomposer/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deniz.aktas.composer
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdTLVTgbaUbFlB_LhWfRBHQ
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/denizcan-akta
