Meet two-time Akropolis composer, Jason Turbin. Mr. Turbin is a Los Angeles-based composer who, after graduating from the Los Angeles Recording Workshop in the North Hollywood Arts District, has written scores for several independent films in Hollywood. He is also a member of the Traction Avenue Chamber Orchestra and the progressive-rock band, Cannon.
As an accomplished musician and vocalist, Turbin studied voice from Seth Riggs, whose students have included Prince, Stevie Wonder, and Michael Jackson. Turbin also performs on violin, guitar, recorder, flute, trumpet, ukulele, banjo, piano, harmonica, and mandolin.
With an enormously large skill set, Turbin's goal has become to master a wide aray of sytles both as a musician and a composer.
After Turbin wrote his first piece for Akropolis "The Old Rusty Merry-Go-Round" (video can be found here) we immediately asked him to compose a second piece. His new addition to the ever-expanding reed quintet repertoire was written as part of Akropolis' UNRAVELED composers project. "Morse Code" combines Turbin's expertise as a film composer with a unique compositional idea, in which the music slowly winds itself together.
"Morse Code" was premiered by Akropolis on the Hart Community Performing Arts Series in Hart, MI, January, 2013. Due to the piece's overwhelming popularity with both students and audience members, Akropolis was pleased to announce that "Morse Code" will be the third installment of our Web Premiere series which features both the work as well as a pre-performance interview from Turbin (past episodes of the Web Premiere series can be found here).
Before the We Premiere airs Wednesday, May 1 at 8:00pm, we asked Jason the following questions about his compositional inspiration, as well as what drew him to compose for Akropolis.
ARQ: What sparked your interest for becoming a composer?
Jason Turbin: I started as a song writer and arranger. I fell in love with composition after I heard Bach and then ventured into learning counterpoint.
ARQ: Describe you compositional style as a composer. What influences you when you compose?
Jason Turbin: I feel I have a lack of style...this could be a bad thing, but I really love all styles and genres of music. I can't seem to settle on just one style in particular. Gospel, jazz, folk, country, dubstep, etc. All of these styles are fascinating to me!
ARQ: As a composer, how was writing for reed quintet appealing to you?
Jason Turbin: I like the reed quintet simply because it is different, and because its sound is very well suited to so many different styles and works.
ARQ: Can you describe your new work for reed quintet?
Jason Turbin: "Morse Code" moves towards the minimalist genre, but isn't completely minimal. I'd describe it as "technical music," with quick variations of rhythm.
ARQ: Why were you interested in collaborating with Akropolis?
Jason Turbin: The group is absolutely incredible! Who wouldn't want to collaborate with such a fantastic group of prodigies?
ARQ: What are some of your upcoming projects and how can we find out more about them?
Jason Turbin: I just finished writing, arranging, and orchestrating music for a film called Proxy. Think There will be Blood with music from Pyscho. I'm currently writing and arranging 80s style songs for a film collaboration that's in the works which should be fun once it's done. I also hope to write more for Akropolis!
Click here to "attend" the web premiere event on facebook May 1 at 8:00pm.
Connect with Jason Turbin on twitter, facebook, IMDb, and on his website www.jasonturbin.com.
Check out Jason Turbin's music video, "Rain," to get a taste of his vocal skills and compositional style.