Composer and multi-instrumentalist Paul Henning enjoys a versatile career. He has orchestrated over 50 feature films, including Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Chocolat and has performed on the soundtracks to Rogue One, Frozen, X-Men: Days of Future Past, Furious 7, Moana and many more. He has also played violin for Barbra Streisand, Michael Bublé, Neil Young, Aretha Franklin, Andrea Bocelli and Josh Groban. Paul has served as Concertmaster for the Golden State Pops Orchestra since 2004. In 2016, he released a debut solo piano and orchestra album, Breaking Through.

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Composer and orchestrator Paul Henning discusses his new album Breaking Through, life as a Hollywood composer and orchestrator (including orchestrating for John Williams!), and key networking strategies.

Topics discussed in this episode:

  • Growing up in Eastern Washington
  • From farming to living in Southern California
  • Relationships
  • Christopher Young
  • Helping a friend & getting opportunities
  • The Force Awakens
  • John Williams & his sketches
  • Orchestrating for Williams
  • Mark Graham at Joanne Kane
  • Being surprised by what happens
  • Breaking Through
  • Self-funding the album
  • Releasing the album
  • Selling, marketing, & fundraising
  • Union politics
  • Keeping the momentum going
  • Showing up to events & doing network maintenance
  • Clive Davis: The Soundtrack Of Our Lives
  • Keeping up & staying relevant
  • Introducing yourself
  • Keep practicing your instrument
  • Learn the piano

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