Hello! My name is Derry McDermott. I’m a composer from Ireland. I’ve also produced, arranged and taught music over the years.

Super brief background:

I trained at the Royal Irish Academy of Music, studying piano (primarily), percussion and double bass. I graduated from Trinity College Dublin with a joint honours degree in Mathematics and Music. During this time I played in orchestras, choirs and Irish trad sessions, all of which have influenced my musical outlook. I am a member of the Screen Composers Guild Ireland and was shortlisted for the London Philharmonic Orchestra Young Composers programme. I was recently awarded the George Moore scholarship to study at USC Thornton.

Over the last 2 years I have worked at KPMG in IT Audit (very different, I know!) During this time I learned how to be professional, organised and disciplined with my work.

How I compose & approach visual stories:

• I am inclined towards hybrid scores, mixing to varying degrees orchestral, acoustic, electroacoustic and electronic techniques depending on the project.

• I score music under the assumption that it may only be heard once, as often happens the first time someone watches the story. I believe if a cue can’t be felt (and somewhat understood) on first listen then I’m not sure how well I’m doing my job.

• I strive to create scores that are accessible and engaging, blending orchestral and modern elements to break down barriers, serve the story, and connect with audiences from all backgrounds. In particular I aim to reinvigorate the image of orchestral music in film to appeal to a modern audience with modern tastes and sentiments.