We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Katie Jenkins. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Katie below.
Alright, Katie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
One of the most meaningful projects I’ve had the privilege to work on is the ballet commissioned by Revolve Dance Project. This project holds special significance because it was created in collaboration with choreographer Emily Adams from Ballet West. It is so rare to meet a collaborator with such brilliant synergy; we really worked so well together artistically despite completing much of the collaborative process from different states.
The journey began with discussions on themes of life forming form dust. Adams writes, ”Inspired by the age-old notion of dust, PULSE explores how our individual stories weave together to form a beautiful and harmonious tapestry of human experiences”. Drawing inspiration from personal experiences we embarked on a creative exploration that melded my musical compositions with Emily’s choreographic concepts.
The work is scored for violin, cello, piano and drum kit with an electronic track that provides some very ethereal ambience. After the work was notated, the music still developed further. Once we arrived at our residency in Rhode Island, the musicians were encouraged to take some creative liberties with the score. Our violinist Josh Knowles who is well versed in a whole range of popular music styles was able to improvise passages using loop pedals and amplified effects. Our drummer, Cameron MacIntosh with a background in Jazz drumming brought a unique twist to the work by filling improvised sections.
Adams’ choreography is so dynamic and layered; each time you watch the work it is like watching for the first time as different things stand out and you hear the music in a different way. Once we arrived in the dance studios for the final week, the process really took off as Adams carefully refined the movement to integrate with the music. It was so fulfilling to see the music come to life in three dimensions!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m Katie Jenkins, a composer and music producer originally from Wales and currently based in New York City. My journey into the world of music began at a young age, fueled by a deep-seated passion for composition and a desire to explore the emotional and narrative potential of music. I pursued formal training at The Juilliard School, where I earned both my BM and MM degrees in music composition under the mentorship of Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Melinda Wagner.
In terms of my offerings, I specialize in creating a diverse range of musical compositions tailored for various mediums including stage, screen, and concert settings. My portfolio includes choral, piano, and instrumental works published by respected publishers such as Hal Leonard and Murphy Music Press. I also collaborate extensively across disciplines, providing bespoke compositions for film, dance, fashion shows, and multimedia installations. Whether crafting evocative scores for filmmakers, designing immersive experiences for choreographers, or collaborating with fashion designers to enhance runway presentations, my work aims to elevate storytelling and evoke powerful emotional responses.
One of the core elements that sets me apart is my commitment to collaborative excellence and the creation of supportive environments where artistic visions can flourish. I thrive on the challenge of blending artistic innovation with technical proficiency, leveraging my expertise in music technology and screen scoring to deliver impactful results. I’m particularly proud of my ability to navigate diverse creative landscapes—from composing for prestigious events like New York Fashion Week to creating commissioned works for esteemed institutions like NASA and the New York City Ballet’s Choreographic Institute.
My work is driven by a passion for innovation and a dedication to pushing artistic boundaries. Whether you’re seeking a captivating film score, an emotive concert piece, or a transformative collaboration that merges music with other art forms, I bring a unique blend of technical skill, artistic vision, and collaborative spirit to every project. I invite you to explore my portfolio and discover how music can elevate and enrich your creative endeavors at www.katiejenkinscomposer.com.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist, for me, is the ability to connect deeply with audiences and evoke emotions through my music. It’s incredibly fulfilling to create something that resonates with others on a profound level, whether it’s a film score that enhances the narrative of a movie, a poignant concert piece that moves listeners or a dynamic collaboration that brings together multiple art forms to create something greater than the sum of its parts.
Being an artist also allows me to continuously grow and evolve creatively. Each project presents new challenges and opportunities for learning, pushing me to explore different musical styles, techniques, and collaborations. This ongoing journey of artistic exploration and self-discovery is deeply fulfilling and fuels my passion for creating meaningful and impactful music.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Reading “The 5 AM Club” by Robin Sharma had a significant impact on my career as a composer and music producer. The book’s emphasis on the importance of disciplined daily routines, particularly starting the day early with a focus on personal growth and productivity, resonated deeply with me. It reinforced the value of structured time management and setting aside dedicated hours for creative work amidst a busy schedule.
Implementing the principles from the book, such as the “20/20/20 Formula” (dedicating the first hour of the morning to exercise, reflection, and learning), helped me establish a more disciplined and productive routine. This structured approach not only improved my personal well-being but also enhanced my creative output. By starting each day with clarity and intention, I found myself more focused and inspired when approaching composition tasks, whether it was writing a new piece, collaborating with artists, or preparing for teaching engagements.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.katiejenkinscomposer.com
- Instagram: katieejenks
Image Credits
Alexander Sargent