Isabella Laudiano-Dray
Course: BA Film Music
Year of Entry: 2023
Bio: My name's Isabella, and I'm a Film, TV & Game music composer and pianist based in Leeds and West-Sussex. I mainly create piano or orchestral and electronic hybrid scores, but I'm up to write anything.
Follow Isabella Laudiano-Dray on socials:
@izzy.laudiano_music (music account)
@notionanimationstudios (superhero animation film I’m currently working on!)
Your Time at Leeds Conservatoire
What is the most surprising or amazing thing you have learned so far?
That our lecturer Brian has met maybe every single famous person ever and is so chill about it. Every other lecture he’d drop another name and we’d just sit there in shock. Also learning how to mock up an existing piece of music exactly how it sounds using samples from Andy was really interesting.
What has surprised you most about studying at Leeds Conservatoire?
The film nights masterclasses the lecturers on film organise for the course. It’s great to have the opportunity to talk to composers in the industry, some of which are ex-students. Having them review and critique your music to film is incredibly helpful, and extra nice when they really like what you’ve done.
What made you choose Leeds Conservatoire?
I wasn’t really sure what I was looking for from higher education apart from doing something composition-related. Film scoring was becoming an interest when I came across the film course online and upon reading more about it, it just seemed a clear choice to apply for because of its specialist nature, and enthusiastic lecturers.
Your Career
What are your career goals/ where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Working on some big films hopefully, I’d love to move somewhere with a big film industry, like South Korea maybe. I want to learn how to conduct an orchestra too (should’ve taken the module!). Working on games would be sick, a recent interest that started at the beginning of third year with the addition of game clips to Panopto.
What have your career highlights been so far?
Being offered to compose music my first feature-length film, a superhero animation where I am also a recording engineer working with voice actors. Releasing a song for it too and getting into paid work as well. Having some of my library music put on Quarry Music and MediaTracks’ ‘Snapshot 3’ alongside many talented composers at the uni.
Studying in Leeds
What's your favourite part about studying in Leeds?
It’s such a vibrant city for what I’m looking for. The number of connections I’ve made here, both musically and film-wise is amazing. The film festival was great too, went with a director I’m currently working with to see a documentary and did some networking.
Share your recommendations for places to visit in Leeds:
Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen for a lovely drink and film screenings too!
There are so many great music venues around, including the warehouse for their dnb raves.
Kirkgate market and trinity kitchen are musts when visiting Leeds for some great food spots.
