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About Brian
Composer & Pianist
Brian Benison
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Brian Benison is an award-winning composer, pianist, and liturgical music director whose work spans concert music, sacred composition, choral writing, silent-film scoring, and professional music preparation. With a career shaped by both classical rigor and a lifelong devotion to sacred music, Benison writes with a distinct musical voice—one that blends lyricism, contrapuntal clarity, cinematic color, and a deep sense of spiritual invitation. A graduate of Texas Christian University and the University of Southern California, Benison studied composition with Alexander Courage, Bruce Broughton, and Robert Xavier Rodríguez, and piano with Tamás Ungár and Fritz Berens. Their influence—ranging from symphonic tradition to Hollywood scoring to modern American concert music—continues to inform his multifaceted compositional language. Throughout his career, Benison has also been active in the liturgical world. He has served more than 15 years as a music director and pianist across the Diocese of Fort Worth, most recently at Saint Francis Village Catholic Chapel. His sacred works include more than 150 Psalm settings, choral anthems, canons, hand-chime pieces, and devotional music. His compositions are shaped by an understanding of the communal heart of worship: music that is accessible to congregations, meaningful to choirs, and artistically rewarding for performers. Beyond the classical and liturgical worlds, Benison is also known for his extensive work in professional music preparation. His contributions include preparing all scores and parts for Ray Charles’s Grammy-winning album Genius Loves Company, as well as projects for Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Quincy Jones, DreamWorks Animation, and many others. This long experience collaborating with top musicians and producers has strengthened his craftsmanship, attention to detail, and fluency across musical styles. Today, Benison continues to compose actively for piano, choir, chamber ensembles, and liturgical settings. He welcomes new commissions from performers, ensembles, parishes, and arts organizations seeking works that combine emotional immediacy, structural integrity, and a deep sense of storytelling—whether sacred, expressive, or boldly contemporary.
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Commissions
Brian welcomes new commissions from performers, ensembles, parishes, and arts
organizations seeking music that combines emotional immediacy, structural
integrity, and a deep sense of storytelling.
Contact Brian
Awards & Recognition
Recent compositions by Brian Benison have received seven international awards
in composition competitions in the United States and United Kingdom.
Veni Sancte Spiritus
Master Prize
2025 Bach International Music Competition UK
The One Lost Sheep (Toccata No. 2)
Diamond Prize for Original Composition
2025 Carl Reinecke International Music Competition
The One Lost Sheep (Toccata No. 2)
Best Original Composition Prize
2025 King's Peak International Music Competition
Light Breeze and Fugue
Absolute First Prize in Original Composition
2025 Beethoven International Music Competition UK
Toccata for Piano Solo
Absolute First Prize
2026 Bach International Music Competition UK
Hear My Voice
Platinum Prize for Original Composition
2026 Debussy International Music Competition
Hear My Voice
Absolute First Prize
2026 Beethoven International Music Competition UK
Complete Works
A catalog of Brian Benison’s musical works, spanning sacred and concert music,
piano, voice and choir, chamber music, orchestra, popular and electronic
ensembles, original film scores, and incidental music for plays. Select a category
below to explore the complete list.
Musical Setting of Psalms
(All sung at Saint Andrew Catholic Church, Fort Worth, TX)
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2023
Psalm 106 (Wed. Aug 9) Wednesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time
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2023
Psalm 40 (Sat. Jan 14) Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
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2023
Psalm 95 (Thu. Jan 12) Thursday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
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2022
Psalms for Weekly School Mass – Fall Semester - Collection of 22 Psalm settings with piano accompaniment
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2022
Psalms for Weekly School Mass – Spring Semester - Collection of 20 Psalm settings with piano accompaniment
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2021
Psalms for Weekly School Mass – Fall Semester – Collection of 18 Psalm settings with piano accompaniment
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2020
Psalms for Weekly School Mass – Spring Semester – Collection of 19 Psalm settings with piano accompaniment
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2019
Psalms for Weekly School Mass – Fall Semester – Collection of 17 Psalm settings with piano accompaniment
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2020
Four Note Psalms – Collection of 89 Psalm settings with piano accompaniment, Cantor Edition and Choir Edition.
Christian Music
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2025
Hear My Voice (3:05) — Choir (SATB) & Piano
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2023
We Went Down to the Catholic Church (4:26) — Vocals (SATB) & Rhythm Section
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2023
Divine Mercy Chaplet (20:00) — SATB, Piano & Chords
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2016
Stay Awake (3:00) — Vocals (SAA) & Rhythm Section
Hand Chimes
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2021
Hear My Voice (3:05) — Choir (SA), Hand Chimes (4 ringers) & Piano
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2019
Chimes Suite: 1. Theme, 2. Two Rows, 3. Variation, 4. 40 Days (3:00) —Hand Chimes (4 ringers)
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2017
Chimes Interlude (1:00) —Hand Chimes & Piano (7 ringers)
Piano Music
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2025
Fugue in C Minor (2:10) — Piano Solo
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2024
13 Cookies – Piano Solos for Young Pianists — Piano Solo
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2024
The One Lost Sheep (Toccata No. 2) (4:38) — Piano Solo2025 Winner, King’s Peak International Music Competition2025 Winner, Carl Reinecke International Music Competition
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2024
Waltz Lentenesque (5:32) — Piano Solo
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2024
Veni Sancte Spiritus (9:52) — Piano Solo2025 Winner, Bach International Music Competition UK
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2024
Light Breeze and Fugue (4:00) — Piano Solo2025 – Winner, Beethoven International Music Competition UK
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2022
22 Lullabies (25:00) — Piano Solo
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2017
Prelude 8 (1:00) — Piano Solo
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2016
Prelude 7 (1:00) — Piano Solo
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2016
Toccata (2:35) — Piano Solo2025 Winner, Bach International Music Competition UK
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2016
Prelude 6 (1:00) — Piano Solo
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2016
Prelude 5 (1:00) — Piano Solo
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2016
Prelude 4 (1:00) — Piano Solo
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2012
Prelude 3 (1:00) — Piano Solo
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2012
Prelude 2 (1:00) — Piano Solo
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2012
Prelude 1 (1:00) — Piano Solo
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2003
All Day and 3 Violas (4:20) — 3 Violas and Piano
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1999
Brad's Blues (0:45) — Piano Solo
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1989
Rainy Music (0:36) — Piano Solo
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1994
Puppy Love Boogy (0:40) — Piano
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1993
Capriccio 3 (for Kathy) (1:32) — Piano Solo
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1993
Capriccio 4 (for Robin) (1:36) — Piano Solo
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1993
Funky Piano (0:31) — Piano & Electronic
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1991
Little Waltz (1:00) — Piano Solo
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1991
Capriccio 2 (0:28) — Piano Solo
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1991
Mit Angriff (Toccata No. 1) (2:00) — Piano Solo
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1991
Sonatine (3 movements) (6:52) — Piano Solo
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1991
Capriccio 1 (1:00) — Piano Solo
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1991
Ballad No. 2 (0:49) — Piano Solo
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1991
Ballad No. 1 (0:43) — Piano Solo
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1988
Boom Chink (2:26) — 2 Pianos and Electronics
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1985
The Park (Some Light, No Light, Some Trees, No Grass) (7:30) — 2 Pianos
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1985
Minuet (1:20) — Piano Solo
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1985
Roomer (0:45) — Piano Solo
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1985
March Without Trio (1:10) — Piano Solo
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1982
Three Pieces Piano (6:06) — Piano Solo
Organ Music
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2024
Organ Voluntary 1 (1:36) — Organ Solo
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2024
Organ Voluntary 2 (2:48) — Organ Solo
Voice /Choir
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2024
But Just a Sigh (Canon a 4) (1:52) — 4 Voices
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2021
Hear My Voice (3:05) — Choir (SA), Hand Chimes & Piano
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1990
Unrest (2:00) — SATB Choir
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1990
What Could I Tell You? (2:00) — Song for Voice and Piano
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1990
Chikadee Song (children's song) (1:30) — Voice and Piano
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1987
On This Christmas Day (A Carol) (2:00) — SATB Choir
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1986
I Won't Play This Part (3:30) — Voice and Pop Orchestra
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1985
Songs on Texts of Sylvia Plath: Maudlin, Alicante Lullaby, Resolve, Song for a Summer's Day (8:00) — Tenor Voice and Piano
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1985
Illusion (2:00) — Voice and Harp
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1985
Totum Simul (2:00) — Voice and Piano
Chamber Music
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2023
Sarcasm (9:29) — 50 Violas
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2017
Prelude 9 (1:00) — Oboe, Cello, Guitar, Piano
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2003
All Day Long and Three Violas (4:35) — Chamber Ensemble + Electronics
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2003
Alone (1:05) — Violin & Piano
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2003
Alone: Variation 1(1:07) — Violin & Piano
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2003
Alone: Variation 2 (1:06) — Violin & Piano
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2003
Alone: Variation 3 (1:06) — Violin & Piano
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2003
Clarinet Trio (1:55) — Clarinet, Violin, Piano
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2001
Genome Games (0:57) — Chamber Ensemble
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2000
The Meadows (11:37) — Chamber Ensemble + Electronics
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2000
Moment for 3 Cellos (0:22) — 3 Cellos, percussion & strings
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2000
Smoke Wisp (1:06) — Chamber Ensemble
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1998
Sammy's theme (0:28) — Chamber Ensemble
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1998
Finale (1:03) — Chamber Ensemble
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1998
Lanie (0:35) — Piano & Strings
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1997
Alone Music (0:22) — Chamber Ensemble
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1997
Rain (1:01) — Chamber Ensemble + Electronics
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1997
The Fantasy (0:29) — Piano & Strings
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1997
The Vision (1:06) — Voices & Chamber Ensemble
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1996
Boy & Girl (0:26) — Strings & Electronics
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1991
Horror Stab (0:08) — Chamber Ensemble + Electronics
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1998
All So Fast (1:03) — Chamber Ensemble
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1990
Billy, American Indian (0:48) — Chamber Ensemble
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1997
For Alex (3:05) — Chamber Ensemble
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1989
Bob's theme - happy (0:58) — Flute, Cimbalon, Piano, Percussion
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1992
Demons of The Deep (1:01) — Chamber Ensemble + Electronics
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1992
String Slide (0:41) — Chamber Ensemble + Electronics
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1989
Just So Happy (2:11) — Chamber Ensemble
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1997
Knives (1:20) — Chamber Ensemble + Electronics
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1991
Underwater Sequence (5:30) — Clarinet, French Horn, Cello, Piano, Harp
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1991
Lola (1:15) — Clarinet, French Horn, Cello, Piano, Harp
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1991
Three Flutes (2:30) — Three flutes
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1990
Divertimento (2:00) — String Orchestra
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1990
Prelude for Two Flutes (3:00) — Two flutes
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1998
Victorian Lady (1:15) — Flute & Piano
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1995
Ominous (0:53) — Chamber Ensemble
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1994
Bob's theme - pensive (0:33) — Flute, Cimbalon, Piano, Percussion
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1993
Tribe (1:13) — Chamber Ensemble
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1991
After The Vision (0:22) — Chamber Ensemble
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1987
One Bullet (2:09) — Chamber Ensemble
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1986
Pensiamento par mi Esposa (2:00) — Flute solo
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1985
Just Half (2:30) — Alto Sax and piano
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1985
QuartetMovement (9:00) — String Quartet
Orchestra
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2003
An Independent Woman (2:49) — Orchestra
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2003
Kinda (2:20) — Orchestra
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1999
Fanfare (0:14) — Orchestra
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1999
Unexpected Cart Ride (0:30) — Orchestra
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1999
Chasing the Treasure (1:30) — Orchestra
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1999
Haste Makes Waste (0:48) — Orchestra
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1999
Where'd Everyone Go? (0:45) — Orchestra
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1999
Try This (1:09) — Orchestra
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1999
Kidnap Scene (0:35) — Orchestra
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1998
Sinister Prank (1:00) — Orchestra
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1998
Big Trouble (0:37) — Orchestra
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1991
Happy Ending (0:25) — Orchestra
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1997
Thunder (0:40) — Orchestra
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1992
Caper (1:13) — Orchestra
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1997
The Plot Thickens (0:27) — Orchestra
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1995
Horror Chase (0:24) — Orchestra
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1990
Golf Cart Caper (0:54) — Orchestra
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1985
Waiting (1:27) — Orchestra
Pop Ensemble
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2000
Oh Kim (1:20) — Voice & Alternative rock band
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1998
Teenage Angst (0:33) — Piano, Bass & Percussion
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1997
Rain, River, Steam (0:50) — Flute, Guitar & Piano
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1997
Rain, River, Ice, Steam (2:29) — Flute, Guitars, Bass & Piano
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1997
Evening (0:32) — Piano, Guitar, Samples
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1997
If The Law Won't Protect You (0:42) — Voice & Samples
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1993
Brushes (0:38) — Jazz Trio
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1996
Hyperion Breakdown (1:03) — Guitar band
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1994
Or Maybe Not (1:16) — Voice & Alternative rock band
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1998
Billy's Theme (0:36) — Piano, Bass, Bassoon
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1997
Blues Up (0:35) — Blues band
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1990
3/4 Rock (0:55) — Rock band
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1993
Sleepyhead Father (1:30) — Flute, Piano & Bass
Electronic
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2001
Blindspot 1MX (2:07) — Electronic
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1999
The Super Humans (0:00) — Electronic
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1999
Sinfonia (1:14) — Electronic Counterpoint
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1995
Wolf Whistle (0:45) — Electronic
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1989
In The Basement (0:54) — Electronics
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1991
Asian Interlude (1:13) — Electronic
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1989
7/8 Funk (0:28) — Electronic Pop
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1992
Texture of Now (2:38) — Electronic & Percussion
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1992
Fun With Nuns (0:22) — Electronic Pop
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1990
Electronica (0:53) — Drum-centered electronics
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1991
Slow Moving Predators (1:03) — Electronic
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1991
Trance (1:25) — Electronic
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1988
Man & Woman (2:04) — Electronic
Big Band
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1990
Drama Club (0:28) — Big Band & Strings
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1990
Blam! (1:29) — Big band
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1992
L'Assasin (1:06) — Big Band
Original Film Scores
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2000
Married Virgin, The (Original release: 1918) Distrib: Kino Video (Feature Film)
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1999
Affairs of Anatol, The (Original release: 1921) Distrib: Kino Video (Feature Film)
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1998
Oranges and Lemons (Original release: 1923) Distrib: Kino Video (Short Film)
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1998
Only Me (Original release: 1929) Distrib: Kino Video (Short Film)
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1998
One Too Many (Original release: 1916) Distrib: Kino Video (Short Film)
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1998
Oh Doctor! (Original release: 1917) Distrib: Kino Video (Short Film)
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1998
Muddy Romance, A (Original release: 1913) Distrib: Kino Video (Short Film)
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1998
Live Wires and Love Sparks (Original release: 1916) Distrib: Kino Video (Short Film)
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1998
He’s In Again (Original release: 1918) Distrib: Kino Video (Short Film)
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1998
Grocery Clerk, The (Original release: 1919) Distrib: Kino Video (Short Film)
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1998
Fluttering Hearts (Original release: 1927) Distrib: Kino Video (Short Film)
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1998
Dogs of War (Original release: 1923) Distrib: Kino Video (Short Film)
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1997
D’Angel Among Us (Original release: 1996) Distrib: A. Yoossefpour (Short Film)
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1996
The Three Musketeers (Original release: 1921) Distrib: Kino Video (Feature Film)
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1996
Orphans of the Storm (Original release: 1921) Distrib: Kino Video (Feature Film)
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1991
20,000 Leagues Under The Sea (Original release: 1916) Distrib: Kino Video (Feature Film)
Original Incidental Music for Plays
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2003
Acting Alone, Author: Nat Colley, Moving Arts at the L.A. Theatre Center, Dir. Mary McGuire
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2003
A Woman of Independent Means, Author: Elizabeth Forsythe Hailey, Fremont Centre Theatre, South Pasadena, CA, Dir. Norman Cohen
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2003
Let the Rocks Speak, Author: Lilly Thomassian, The Fountain Theatre, Hollywood, CA, Dir. Anita Khanzadian
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2002
After Loyal, Author: Robyn Burland, Edge of the World Theater Festival, Los Angeles, CA, Dir. Melissa Marie Thomas
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2002
In the Tank, Author: Rosemary Frisino Toohey, Edge of the World Theater Festival, Los Angeles, CA, Dir. Mark Chaet
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2002
The Scream, Author: D.T. Arcieri, Edge of the World Theater Festival, Los Angeles, CA, Dir. Paul Stein
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2002
Match (winner of the competition), Author: Marc Chun, Edge of the World Theater Festival, Los Angeles, CA, Dir. Kimberly Glann
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2002
Busted Jesus Comix, Author: David Johnston, Edge of the World Theater Festival, Los Angeles, CA, Dir. Julie Briggs
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2002
Crossed Wires , Author: Mark Chaet, Edge of the World Theater Festival, Los Angeles, CA, Dir. Stu Levin
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2002
Casse-tête, Author: Rob Nixon, Edge of the World Theater Festival, Los Angeles, CA, Dir. Michael Cooper
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2001
Like Mystery, Author: Traci Parks, Edge of the World Theater Festival, Los Angeles, CA, Dir. Julia Hamilton
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2001
I ♥ Kant, Author: Ken Urban, Edge of the World Theater Festival, Los Angeles, CA, Dir. Megan Larmer
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2001
Genome Games, Author: Suzanne Cogan, Edge of the World Theater Festival, Los Angeles, CA, Dir. Nikki Hevesy
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2001
Our Own Dear Anton's Abandoned Story Cycle, Author: Joseph Skibell, Raven Playhouse, North Hollywood, CA, Dir. Virginia Morris
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2001
Dear John, Author: Marcia Cebulska, Fremont Centre Theatre, South Pasadena, CA, Dir. Julie Briggs
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2001
Exit Polls, Author: Dan Beck, Jerome Lawrence One-Act Play Festival at the 24th Street Theatre, Los Angeles, Dir. Lee Wochner
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2001
Honkies With Attitude, Author: Matt Pelfrey, Moving Arts at the L.A. Theatre Center, Dir. Darrell Kunitomi
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2001
A Good Smoke, Author: Don Cummings, 7th Annual Fifteen Minute Play Festival at the American Globe Theatre, New York, NY, Dir. Michael Cooper
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2001
The Birthday Song, Author: Stace McQueen, Loves and Losses at Hudson Avenue Theatre, Hollywood, CA, Dir. Mary McGuire
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2000
Body Found, Author: Trey Nichols, Edge of the World Theater Festival, Dir. Trey Nichols
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2000
Morning Tea, Author: Robert Barnett, 2000 Moving Arts Premiere One-Act Festival, Los Angeles, CA, Dir. Julie Briggs
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2000
A Feast of Famine, Author: Matt Pelfrey, 2000 Moving Arts Premiere One-Act Festival, Los Angeles, CA, Dir. Patrick Varon
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2000
Trepanation, Author: Tom Lavagnino, 2000 Moving Arts Premiere One-Act Festival, Los Angeles, CA, Dir. Megan Larmer
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2000
Cow, Author: David Johnston, 2000 Moving Arts Premiere One-Act Festival, Los Angeles, CA, Dir. Kimberly Glann
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2000
Pickup Lines, Author: Rob Miller, 2000 Moving Arts Premiere One-Act Festival, Los Angeles, CA, Dir. Jim Cashman
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2000
New Shoes, Author: Sheila Callaghan, 2000 Moving Arts Premiere One-Act Festival, Los Angeles, CA, Dir. Darrell Kunitomi
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2000
A Good Smoke, Author: Don Cummings, 2000 Moving Arts Premiere One-Act Festival, Los Angeles, CA, Dir. Michael Cooper
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2000
Monsieur Felix Fox Fly, Author: John Arnold, 2000 Moving Arts Premiere One-Act Festival, Los Angeles, CA, Dir. Melissa Thomas
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2000
Two Men Losing Their Minds, Author: Michael Moss, Moving Arts at the L.A. Theatre Center, Dir. Michael Cooper
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2000
Mimi's Guide, Author: Doris Baizley, Fremont Centre Theatre, South Pasadena, CA, Dir. Virginia Morris
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2000
The Meadows, Author: Trey Nichols, Moving Arts at the L.A. Theatre Center, Dir. Julie Briggs
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2000
You're Gonna Pass, Author: Peter Sherman, Moving Arts' 6th Annual One-Act Festival, Dir. Michael Cooper
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1999
Milk, Author: Mike Hemmingson, Moving Arts' 6th Annual One-Act Festival, Dir. Greg Davis
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1999
Monkey, Author: Matt Pelfrey, Moving Arts' 6th Annual One-Act Festival, Dir. Julia Hamilton
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1999
The Clawfoot Interviews, Author: Werner Trieschmann, Moving Arts' 6th Annual One-Act Festival, Dir. Darrell Kunitomi
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1999
My Africa, Author: Greg Kalleres, Moving Arts' 6th Annual One-Act Festival, Dir. Richard Ruyle
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1999
Pigs in Zen, Author: Ron Klier, Moving Arts' 6th Annual One-Act Festival, Dir. Mark Kinsey Stephenson
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1999
The Stroller, Author: Micaela Villanueva, Moving Arts' 6th Annual One-Act Festival, Dir. Melissa Thomas
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1999
Failing the Improv, Author: Werner Trieschmann, Moving Arts' 6th Annual One-Act Festival, Dir. Julie Briggs
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1999
Lawyers, Author: Nat Colley, Moving Arts at the L.A. Theatre Center, Dir. Julie Briggs
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1999
Visiting Ours, Author: Lee Wochner, Moving Arts at the L.A. Theatre Center, Dir. Julie Briggs
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1999
Jack and I, Author: Lee Wochner, Moving Arts at the L.A. Theatre Center, Dir. Julie Briggs
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1999
Animals, Author: Lee Wochner, Moving Arts at the L.A. Theatre Center, Dir. Mark Kinsey Stephenson
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1999
Outlaws, Author: E. H. Wasserman, Moving Arts at the L.A. Theatre Center, Dir. Joe Mustacchi
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1999
The Superhumans, Author: Tom Scanlon, Moving Arts at the L.A. Theatre Center, Dir. Matt Almos
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1998
Lady of Fadima and Dolores, Author: Edward Allan Baker, The Raven Playhouse, North Hollywood, CA, Dir. Mary McGuire
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1997
Happy Fun Family, Author: Lee Wochner, Moving Arts at the L.A. Theatre Center, Dir. Mary McGuire
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1997
Rain, River, Ice, Steam, Author: S. L. Daniels, Moving Arts at the L.A. Theatre Center, Dir. Julie Briggs
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1996
A Sensitive Man, Author: Nat Colley, Moving Arts at the L.A. Theatre Center, Dir. Julie Briggs
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1995
Michael The Mist, Author: Mitch Teemley, Heresy & Hearsay, A Festival of One-Act Plays at Moving Arts, Dir. Mary McGuire
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1995
The Pope’s Nose, Author: Robert La Rocca, Heresy & Hearsay, A Festival of One-Act Plays at Moving Arts, Dir. Trey Nichols
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1995
Blue Laws, Author: Joe Santi, Heresy & Hearsay, A Festival of One-Act Plays at Moving Arts, Dir. Julie Briggs
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1995
Remember I’ll Always Be True, Author: Kevin Barry, Heresy & Hearsay, A Festival of One-Act Plays at Moving Arts, Dir. Lee Wochner
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1995
Fathers at a Game, Author: Trey Nichols, Heresy & Hearsay, A Festival of One-Act Plays at Moving Arts, Dir. Mary McGuire
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1995
Meat Market, Author: Ernest Kearney, Moving Arts at the L.A. Theatre Center, Dir. Julie Briggs
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1995
Dog Star, Author: Werner Trieschmann, Moving Arts at the L.A. Theatre Center, Dir. Mary McGuire
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1994
Goddess of My Heart, Author: Kerry Madden-Lunsford, Moving Arts at the L.A. Theatre Center, Dir. Joe Mustacchi
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1994
I Will Love You at 8 P.M. Next Wednesday, Author: Kevin Barry, Moving Arts at the L.A. Theatre Center, Dir. Joe Mustacchi
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