Benson Taylor
Leeds College of Music is delighted to announce the appointment of Benson Taylor as the first ambassador for Film Music at the conservatoire.
Born in Bradford, Taylor is a Yorkshire-bred film composer whose work now spans both sides of the Atlantic. A musical alumnus of the University of California, he has since established himself as an accomplished composer and producer, specialising in both orchestral and electronic music.
Born in Bradford, Benson Taylor is a Yorkshire-bred film composer whose work now spans both sides of the Atlantic. A musical alumnus of the University of California, he has since established himself as an accomplished composer and producer, specialising in both orchestral and electronic music.
His television credits include Orange Is the New Black, Two and a Half Men, The NFL Superbowl and The Big Bang Theory.
More recently, he has scored and produced music for Matthew Cullen’s adaptation of Martin Amis’ London Fields, starring Billy Bob Thornton, Johnny Depp and Cara Delevingne.
Taylor is is fast accumulating critical accolades, having won ‘Best Original Music’ at the 2014 Monaco International Film Festival for his emotional score to Kate Lane’s ‘Fear of Water.’ Since then, MovieScope Magazine has styled him as “The New Sound of Hollywood”, and earlier this year he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate for services to music.
As part of his ambassadorship, Taylor has just delivered his first Masterclass at the college on Film Music. In keeping with LCoM’s industry-relevant model of teaching, students had the opportunity to learn about the business side of music for the film industry.
“A lot of advice was given with regard to the acquisition of work and how to promote yourself as a composer,” said LCoM Production student Alistair Kerley. “The LCoM Masterclasses are a fantastic opportunity for students to expand their knowledge and have their questions answered by industry professionals.”
Benson Taylor said; “I’m really honoured to become an Ambassador for Leeds College of Music. LCoM is hotbed of diverse people and musical study, in all areas & genres. I’m looking forward to working with the teams, and giving an additional voice to the amazing creations that are achieved here.
Having studied myself mainly in the United States, it’s great to be now working alongside an amazing institution closer to home.”
Through its Masterclass programme, Leeds College of Music is committed to providing students with opportunities to learn from professionals who are making a living in the modern music industry.
