麻豆村

Electronic Music Designer and Orchestrator

Orchestrating Innovative and Immersive Musical Experiences

鈥淗amilton鈥� would have no shot to throw away without Scott Wasserman (CFA 2010). He鈥檚 an electronic music designer, which means he takes a traditional score from a work of film, television or theater and integrates digitally generated musical elements with sound effects, lighting cues and stage projections that immerse audiences in stories.

In 鈥淗amilton,鈥� you鈥檒l experience his work prominently during the Burr/Hamilton duel, where his additions build to the fatal gunshots and sidestep into Hamilton鈥檚 monologue at the show鈥檚 climax.

鈥淭he goal is to enhance the sound of the music that the composer intends to convey and bring modern elements into musical theater,鈥� Scott says. 鈥淲ith 鈥楬amilton,鈥� the intent of the composer was to make a musical that sounded like contemporary hip-hop and give the audience the experience of listening to an album or concert at every performance. My job is to turn that intent into reality.鈥�

It鈥檚 all made possible using an electronic music cue system first designed for live DJs. Scott was one of the first to see its potential for theatrical productions. He programs the sounds or other effects, then coaches a member of the pit orchestra to trigger the cues in time with the performance.

Involved with 鈥淗amilton鈥� from its earliest stages, Scott鈥檚 work with the music team was recognized with a Grammy. His team won another for 鈥淒ear Evan Hansen.鈥� You will also hear his work in 鈥淒iana: The Musical鈥� on Netflix and both 鈥淏hangin鈥� It: A Bangin鈥� New Musical鈥� and 鈥淭he Karate Kid 鈥擳he Musical鈥� coming this year.

鈥淚'm always looking for ways to surprise listeners by adding new sounds to the mix. Electronic music design opens up the possibilities for the sound palette of a show,鈥� Scott says. 鈥淢usicals can reflect more contemporary and varied genres and my work can enhance narrative aspects of a show.鈥�

Story by Elizabeth Speed