A highly prolific composer with a career that spans three decades
and over a hundred motion pictures, David Newman has devoted his
life to his passion for film music. Born into a family with a rich
musical pedigree, Newman became an accomplished violinist,
pianist, conductor and composer in his own right, and has spent
the last thirty-five years scoring a host of successful films. His
tireless work has earned him numerous accolades, from the
prestigious Richard Kirk Award from BMI for his significant
contributions to film and television music to an Academy Award
nomination for his work on the animated 1997 film,
Anastasia. Read more
His music has enriched popular movies from box office successes
like Danny DeVito’s Hoffa and War of the Roses
to cult classics like Heathers and Bill & Ted’s
Excellent Adventure through comedy classics like Tommy
Boy to perennial family favorites like Matilda and
Ice Age and all cinematic points in between. He served
on the Board of Governors of the Motion Picture Academy of Arts
and Sciences, was elected president of the Film Music Society in
2007, and continues to serve on the Board of the American Youth
Symphony. When not composing a new project, Newman tremendously
enjoys conducting with a live orchestra to bring beloved film
scores to life on the concert stage.
Newman holds the art, traditions, legacy and lessons of classic
film composition sacrosanct, and speaks with thoughtful,
infectious zeal when engaged on the subject. BMI caught up with
him recently for a brief discussion, and he graciously
expounded. Watch this celebrated BMI composer discuss his
approach to film music.