Sandro Manzon
About
Hi, I’m Sandro Manzon, a composer, educator, and passionate mentor for aspiring film composers. With a Master’s in Film Music Composition for Screen and a Master of Education, I’ve dedicated my career to both creating and teaching music at the highest level. I’ve had the privilege of working with and learning from some of the industry’s most accomplished composers, including Howard Shore, Valgeir Sigurðsson, and Hildur Guðnadóttir.
As the founder of the International Composer Alliance, I’m deeply involved in shaping the future of film music, helping emerging composers refine their craft and navigate the industry. I currently teach privately and at an international school where I guide students in both the art and business of film composition. Because here’s the truth: you don’t need a degree to be a film composer... you need skill, talent, discipline, and the right mindset.
My teaching approach is hands-on, real-world, and deeply focused on helping students find their unique voice while mastering the tools of the trade. Whether you're just starting or looking to elevate your career, I’m here to help you build not just great music but a sustainable, successful future in this field.
Let’s make some good music together!
Teaching Style
My teaching style is hands-on, real-world, and deeply personalized and designed to help you grow as a composer while building the skills you need to succeed. I don’t just teach film composition; I mentor and guide you through both the art and business of the craft, helping you develop your unique voice while mastering industry tools and techniques.
Lessons are practical, immersive, and tailored to your goals whether you’re just starting out or refining your skills at an advanced level. I believe that great composers aren’t made by degrees alone, but by discipline, creativity, and the right mindset. That’s why I provide structured guidance, detailed feedback, and industry insights, ensuring you gain not only technical mastery but also the confidence and strategic thinking to navigate a career in film music.
If you’re passionate about composing and ready to take your craft to the next level, I’m here to help you make it happen.
Curriculum
My teaching method is highly practical, immersive, and mentorship-driven. While books provide valuable insights, the most important aspect of learning film composition is hands-on training with a mentor who can guide you in both art and industry—helping you develop not just technical skills but also your artistic voice and career strategy.
I combine structured lessons with inquiry-based learning, following your interests while ensuring you gain a strong foundation in orchestration, composition, notation, and film scoring techniques. Lessons focus on real-world applications, from composing to industry networking, ensuring you develop the skills, discipline, and mindset needed to succeed.
Recommended Texts (as supplements to practical training):
- Composing for the Cinema: The Art & Praxis of Ennio Morricone – Ennio Morricone & Sergio Miceli
- On the Track: A Guide to Contemporary Film Scoring – Fred Karlin & Rayburn Wright
- The Study of Orchestration – Samuel Adler
- Behind Bars: The Definitive Guide to Music Notation – Elaine Gould
- Techniques of Orchestration – Kent Kennan & Donald Grantham
- Instrumentation and Orchestration – Alfred Blatter
While these books are great resources, true mastery comes from composing, receiving feedback, refining your work, and understanding the business side of the industry. My goal is to provide you with real-world experience, creative mentorship, and professional strategies to help you succeed as a film composer.
Credentials & Affiliations
- Master of Film Music Composition for Screen
- Master of Education
- Founder, International Composer Alliance
- SOCAN Award-Winning Composer (Three-time recipient)
- Studied at:
- Wilfrid Laurier University (Canada)
- Conservatorio di Bologna (Italy)
- KASK Conservatorium (Ghent, Belgium)
- Mentored by & Collaborated with:
- Howard Shore
- Valgeir Sigurðsson
- Hildur Guðnadóttir
- Other leading composers in the industry
- Teaching Experience:
- Private mentorship & coaching for film composers
- Instructor at Crescendo Music Lab, Modena, Italy
- Reggio-inspired educator with a focus on inquiry-based and project-based learning
- Industry Experience:
- Scored films featured in major festivals across North America, Europe, and Asia
- Experienced in both the creative and business aspects of film composition.