Whether it is orchestral, house, tango or death metal, a common thread links the music composed by Adam Starr. Over the past 5 years, Adam has varied and refined his techniques through a combination of rigorous training, and composing for a wide range of projects. He writes with intelligence and sensitivity, resulting in well-crafted cues that are true to the image they accompany.
Having recently completed a Masters in Composition for the Screen at the Royal College of Music in London, and a Masters in Composition from the University of Melbourne, Adam has begun a PHD in composition at the University of Melbourne. The first piece to be performed during this period was The Ballad of Alberto and Elliot, written for Orchestra Victoria under Richard Mills. It was performed at the Iwaki Auditorium in July of 2008, and will be nationally broadcast some time soon.
Adam has scored approximately 25 short films, a 50-minute documentary, 4 feature scores, the music for the television series Living with Footballers (2001-2005, Foxtel Footy Channel, Australia) and music for theatre and advertising. His original music has been recorded on more than 10 CDs by a variety of artists and bands. Adam is currently working on short film Ours, directed by Mike Hill, and writing a weekly music segment for radio show The Mishenbergs .
As a performer, Adam has worked with many of Australia's best musicians, both in Australia and throughout Europe. When preparing for a recording session, Adam secures the availability of these key musicians and then orchestrates the music specifically for these players, instead of orchestrating music for a faceless orchestra or ensemble. This approach best allows the special talents of the musicians to shine through and move audiences, bringing an added richness and personality to every score. Through these long-standing associations, Adam has developed a common language with the musicians he works with, allowing for great musical flexibility, as well as saving time in the studio.
Adam has composed themes and cues in the following styles:
- Orchestral: Full Orchestra, Mozart Orchestra, Chamber Ensemble
- Tango
- Dance: House, Funk
- Latin
- African
- Jingle
- Country and Western
- Circus
- Metal: Thrash, Hard Rock
- Electro-Acoustic
- Hip-Hop
- Pop
- Jazz: Trad, Modern, Big Band
- Sound Design