Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Selena Jin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Selena, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
My journey into music started early, thanks to my dad’s passion for classical music. Beethoven, Mozart, Rachmaninoff – those were the sounds of my childhood, literally! He says they were my “fetal education” music. Getting my first piano at three, a Yamaha upright, was a huge moment. Its bright sound was magical. My first teacher, Professor Zhang, was amazing – a Central Conservatory of Music professor, a friend of my mom’s, and even one of Lang Lang’s teachers! He was incredibly skilled, but also very strict. His influence was huge. But at four, the sheer volume of classical pieces was overwhelming, and I kind of backed away from the idea of being a professional pianist. I kept playing for fun, though, always loving it.
But my heart was already listening to a different rhythm. The spellbinding scores of films like The Legend of 1900, Harry Potter, and The Phantom of the Opera captivated me. By middle school, I discovered a hidden gift: I could effortlessly translate any melody I heard into piano arrangements. The Steinway grand at my international school became my playground, my performances drawing curious crowds and sparking inspiring conversations about music. I was equally at home playing Phantom of the Opera and the latest pop hits, always weaving in my classical foundation. It was then that I found my voice—not just playing, but creating. My piano became a canvas, each improvisation a new expression of emotion, a silent conversation with my soul. My parents recognized this; along with Professor Zhang, we decided it was time to pursue composition professionally.
The grueling preparation for the Central Conservatory of Music High School entrance exam was a crucible, forging my dedication and skill. Classical Repertoire -piano playing, ear training, theory and compositional skills —I tackled it all. Yet, amidst the rigorous classical training, my love for film scores persisted. Alexandre Desplat’s haunting melodies in The Imitation Game and The Theory of Everything resonated deeply, igniting a powerful desire: I wanted to create that magic, to blend the emotional power of music with the captivating storytelling of film. This passion led me to Berklee College of Music, where I immersed myself in a vibrant world of jazz, big band writing, conducting, and—of course—film scoring. The mentorship I received there, coupled with the energy of collaboration, was transformative. I learned not just technique but the art of narrative storytelling through music.
After Berklee, the pandemic prompted a move to NYU for my Master’s in Screen Scoring, deepening my understanding of the collaborative filmmaking process. I learned to communicate effectively, to navigate the inevitable challenges, and to refine my musical voice. My master’s work pushed me creatively, expanding my repertoire and solidifying my unique style. Today, I’m Assistant Music Director and Composer with the Asian Cultural Symphony Orchestra, while also freelancing with independent filmmakers. My sights are set on Los Angeles in 2025, ready to immerse myself in the vibrant film scoring community and continue this exciting journey of creation.
Selena, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My musical tastes are as vast and varied as my experiences. From the Impressionist elegance of Ravel and Debussy, to the raw emotional power of Rachmaninoff and Shostakovich; from the minimalist innovations of Steve Reich and John Adams to the cinematic storytelling of Alexandre Desplat, John Williams, Hans Zimmer, and Ennio Morricone; and encompassing the contemporary works of Nico Muhly, Nicholas Britell, and Carlos Rafael Rivera alongside the iconic sounds of David Bowie, Queen, Michael Jackson, Bill Evans, and even the groundbreaking work of Chinese composers Tan Dun, Chen Qigang, and Liu Changyuan—my influences span centuries and genres. This eclecticism fuels my creative fire, drawing inspiration from unexpected sources—the grandeur of nature, the evocative power of museum exhibits, the energy of live performances (from the Boston Symphony and New York Philharmonic to the intimate jazz clubs of Greenwich Village), and even the surreal landscapes of my dreams.
My creative process is deeply intuitive, often beginning with hours spent at the piano, improvising and recording spontaneous musical explorations. This initial phase of free creation is followed by the meticulous translation of those raw ideas onto traditional score paper—a tactile process that brings me a profound sense of satisfaction. Then, I turn to my preferred DAW, Cubase, to orchestrate, arrange, and fully realize my musical vision. I am drawn to richly colored harmonies and melodies that possess both intellectual depth and emotional resonance. My aim is to craft music that is both intricate and accessible—pieces that are deeply moving yet exquisitely crafted, capable of stirring the soul while simultaneously engaging the mind.
A recent highlight is The Light of Express, a new orchestral work—akin to a piano concerto—commissioned for the 2025 LAFCI workshop and recently recorded at Warner Bros. Studios. This piece is a personal journey, a musical representation of my life’s experiences, and I am immensely proud to share it with the world. Other works I hold dear include Misty, recorded by the Budapest Symphony Orchestra, and Re: Beauty, my composition for contemporary dance. My current focus is on creating impactful music that resonates deeply with listeners, culminating in the release of my debut album and the ongoing sharing of my music via Spotify throughout 2025. I’d love to collaborate on exciting new projects. Let’s create some magic together!
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
My management and entrepreneurial thinking has been shaped by a fascinating blend of Eastern and Western influences. Growing up in China, yet surrounded by Western culture (both my parents worked for international companies, my father studied in New York, and my aunt’s family are American), I’ve been fortunate to experience and appreciate two distinct cultural perspectives. This duality is reflected in my literary preferences as well. In Chinese literature, Dream of the Red Chamber holds a special place, alongside the poetry of Xu Zhimo and the poignant prose of Sanmao and Eileen Chang.The West has also contributed significantly to my worldview. From childhood favorites like Grimm’s Fairy Tales to the profound reflections in The Moon and Sixpence, Walden, The Little Prince, Pride and Prejudice, Camille, Les Misérables, and Gone With the Wind, these stories have shaped my understanding of human nature, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams. And, let’s be honest, the Harry Potter series had a significant impact too!
Cinema has also played a crucial role. Among countless films, Cinema Paradiso stands out as a personal touchstone. The line, “Life isn’t like in the movies. Life… is much harder,” resonates deeply. It serves as a constant reminder of the challenges inherent in any entrepreneurial endeavor, demanding perseverance, adaptability, and a clear vision. While I don’t have a specific list of management books or videos that have directly shaped my thinking, the wisdom gleaned from these diverse literary and cinematic experiences has provided me with a rich and nuanced framework for navigating the complexities of building a creative business. It has taught me to appreciate the beauty of both the grand narrative and the small, intimate details, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, emotional depth, and the enduring power of storytelling.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
What non-creatives often struggle to understand about the creative journey is the inherent ambiguity and seemingly illogical nature of the process. It’s not always a linear progression from A to B; it’s more like navigating a labyrinth, often with unexpected twists and turns. There are moments of intense inspiration, followed by periods of self-doubt and frustration. The process of creating something from nothing, of wrestling with ideas and translating intangible emotions into a tangible form (in my case, music), is often messy, unpredictable, and emotionally charged. It’s not just about technical skill; it’s about emotional vulnerability, about exposing a part of yourself to the world.
For example, the spontaneous nature of my creative process—spending hours improvising at the piano—might seem inefficient to someone outside the creative field. But these seemingly unstructured periods are crucial to unlocking new ideas and tapping into a deeper well of inspiration. The act of translating those spontaneous ideas into a structured score, a meticulous process I find incredibly satisfying, is equally crucial. It’s a balance between raw emotion and precise execution, intuition and logic, chaos and order. This blend of seemingly contradictory approaches is central to my creative work.
Moreover, the idea of continuous learning and adaptation is often misunderstood. In my case, I’ve drawn inspiration from diverse sources—classical music, film scores, jazz, even pop music—constantly pushing my boundaries and expanding my creative vocabulary. For someone used to a more structured environment, this seemingly constant need to evolve and adapt might seem erratic. It’s really not. It is crucial to my development. It’s a journey of constant refinement, of learning from both successes and failures, a testament to the unwavering passion for this never-ending creative process.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://selenajinmusic.squarespace.com/
- Instagram: @selenajinmusic
- Facebook: Selena JIn
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/selena-jin-8772842b3
- Soundcloud: Selena Jin
- Other: My Demo Reels Link: https://play.reelcrafter.com/9P5vHWgsRXWH_Yyk1159ZA
Image Credits
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