Ken Joseph Composer & Orchestrator

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PASSION FROM A YOUNG AGE

Ken Joseph was raised in the Detroit area. While in high school, he was influenced by the local sounds of many former Motown staff musicians and arrangers as well as Jazz legends Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson, and Herbie Hancock. Ken studied piano at The Center Of Creative Studies Conservatory and jazz piano at the local university.

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FORMAL EDUCATION

He attended Wayne State University to study piano and composition and received his music degree in Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media. His early classical education was in the orchestral inspirations of Debussy, and Ravel while training in the techniques of the Masters. Encouraged by his piano professor, Ken was educated in the classroom as well as “on the bandstand” while earning a place at music school. In addition to extensive composition classes at school, he was able to perform and study with composers, arrangers and performers that he admired. They were part of the classic Motown sound.

Film Changed Everything

During a weekly trip to a local record store to find the latest jazz recordings, I came across the Braveheart soundtrack. That CD changed me musically forever. I listened to it endlessly, studying the film to see how the composer created the perfect emotion in each scene. Music and imagery became my passion.

The trajectory of my career changed that day. I moved from pursuing a life as a performing musician to focusing on composition and the recording studio. This realization eventually led me to leave Detroit and head to Los Angeles to be a part of this incredible musical medium.

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PASSION FOR THE WORK

After relocating to Los Angeles, Ken had the opportunity to score feature length films and documentaries. He also scored an independent short film, “The Pitch,” that was awarded a Gold Medal of Excellence at the Park City Film Music Festival. Ken is an alumnus of the prestigious ASCAP Film and Television scoring workshop.
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PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE

After landing in Los Angeles it was now time to put the work in. I had to find my way in the new city. It was daunting. I had to find quickly find and took a gig playing solo piano in several jazz clubs and restaurants.  I was also offered a gig playing keyboards in a Persian wedding band. I quickly learned the music. I was immersed in Middle Eastern music and culture. Little did I know this experience would provide the tools and skill set to score the documentary, “Soufra.” The film took place in the Middle East. This film was the silver lining of all those hours of rehearsals and practice to perform with that band. It turned out to be great research for the film.

And Now, my mission...

I think that it’s possible to make your own luck. Hard work and perseverance are what creates luck. Preparation is key. If you’re ready when opportunity knocks, your chances for success are much greater. I have found that every opportunity that I have been give has come from a client’s need to fix a problem. If I can step in and solve a problem the client is usually grateful and loyal for the next project. I put an emphasis on relationships. I want clients to return, so I try to always put my best efforts forward and meet deadlines. Their project is always the most important on my desk, no matter how large or small the budget. I always try to put a personal touch on every project.

Hey, My name is Ken Joseph…

Ken Joseph Music is a full-service music production company. I make every effort to give my clients the most professional sounding track for their media application. Whether they need a soundtrack for a film or a composition orchestrated for a live session, they will receive a professional sounding track while working within a budget and time frame. I specialize in Jazz improvisation and harmony that will give you an authentic sounding period piece or a sophisticated improvisational track for your media project. I work for you until the project is finished. It is a work ethic that was emphasized growing up in Michigan.

Hey, my name is Ken Joseph

NICE TO MEET YOU!

My path as a composer began long before I started scoring films. Growing up in Detroit, studying at Wayne State University, and learning on the bandstand from musicians connected to the Motown tradition taught me to listen, collaborate, and write music with real players in mind. That experience still shapes the way I approach every score today.

Now based in Los Angeles, I bring that background to film, television, documentary, and other story-driven projects. Whether I’m developing a character theme, orchestrating for live musicians, building a hybrid score, or helping a director find the musical language for a scene, my goal is always the same: serve the story and create music that feels inseparable from the film.

If you’re looking for a film composer who can combine narrative sensitivity, orchestration, and a performer’s understanding of music, I’d be glad to learn more about your project.

PUT ME TO WORK FOR YOU

FAQs About Ken Joseph