Conducting in the Studio

The premise is simple: Excellent musicians deserve excellent conductors—whether in the concert hall or the studio.

Similarly, composers, producers, and instrumentalists deserve recording sessions that are precise, efficient, and cordial.

Geoffrey Pope believes in fair compensation and treatment of all the musicians who bring life to a score. Music budgets are often disproportionately low, sometimes forcing composers to choose between hiring live musicians and ensuring their own fair compensation as composer. While the media music industry continues to push for reform, it remains the case that a live scoring session is usually the greatest expense incurred by a composer during a project. It is also a capstone challenge for the composer and their team—both musically and reputationally.

A scoring session can also be a transcendent experience for the composer, director, and producer. Many filmmakers view it as the moment a film truly coheres.

Every second counts.

Bringing the best from every musician in every take is essential, as is effective communication with the control room and respect for the composer’s requests—all within the framework of an expensive and time-limited experience. Geoffrey Pope brings sensitivity and experience meeting these sometimes-competing demands. While most often a conductor, he has also served as score supervisor in live and remote sessions in the United States and Europe.

He brings additional musical skills, such as free-time conducting with punches and streamers when a more organic recording is needed, and has developed techniques of eliciting more fluidity from musicians when recording to click.

Pope holds a master’s degree in conducting from the Eastman School of Music, where he conducted almost exclusively 20th century and contemporary music, and a doctorate in orchestral and opera conducting from UCLA. He combines this training with a keen understanding of session pacing, dynamics, and workflow—ensuring the most musical and timely of results.

Conducting and orchestration package deals are available. To receive an estimate for services, please fill out the contact form or call +1 (323) 334-0747. Direct email: geoffrey@geoffreypopemusic.com.