Steven Shaefer

I am a multi-instrumentalist with many years of experience writing for a variety of different genres and for ensembles of varying sizes. I've done music and sound design for trailers, TV series and short films. I specialize in modern/contemporary music but I have lots of meaningful experience in 20th century Jazz, Rock and Pop. I'm somewhere between Michael Giacchino and Trent Reznor if that tells you anything about my style. I've included a short summary below of the pieces highlighted in this kit, please have a look to learn more about each one!

Today (2009)

Pop Music / Art House / Classical-Orchestral

"A Real Treat!" - Chris Colfer, Cast of GLEE

A winner at the 2010 College Emmys in Los Angeles, Today was an experiment in audio/video recording and the magnum opus of Where They Landed, my collegiate future jazz ensemble. This multimedia presentation transformed the band's original six-piece instrumental track into a 16-minute jazz/orchestra/rock monolith that paid homage to the natural splendor and landmarks of their native Cincinnati, Ohio. The orchestra score was recorded (and their performance filmed) entirely in non-traditional acoustic environments, including Alms Park and the Grand Foyer at The Cincinnati Art Museum. A truly remarkable piece that promises to touch the soul..

Runtime 17min, full presentation available.         

Strangers (2009)

Drama / Thriller / Short Films

A dramatic short film that pulls back the curtain on the evils and horrors of the American pharmaceutical industry. Produced by former colleagues of mine in Cincinnati, Ohio, Strangers is a gut-wrenching story of four people whose lives become fatally entangled as they navigate (or puppeteer) the vile landscape of overpriced medication and the desperate people who rely on them..

Runtime 36min, full presentation available.         

The Couple (2012)

Drama / Thriller / Short Films

A dramatic short film about a distraught couple in a toxic relationship who meet with a terrible fate. A compendious masterstroke of human sadness, The Couple leaves you feeling equal parts heartbroken and determined to be a better partner to your spouse..

Runtime 2min, limited video available.         

Add1ng Mach1ne: A Mus1cal (2010)

Theatrical Musical / Drama / Trailers and Promos

A dramatic musical theater piece about what it means to become truly obsolete, Add1ng Mach1ne: A Mus1cal produced a display of human devolution and madness so striking even Sigmund Freud would be concerned. A story about a turn-of-the-century man whose job is replaced by a machine, this production would have certainly hit home today. Although not filmed live, a local marketing campaign was run around town in Cincinnati, Ohio leading up to the debut of the play at The Know Theater. I did the music and SFX design for the trailer..

Runtime 1min, trailer only.   

Chalk Preschool Online (2013)

Children's Television

An online edutainment channel for preschool children, Chalk Preschool Online removes barriers and puts learning back in the hands of young children everywhere. While this is still an active series in production, I only provided music services for the first season. A brief spoiled clip from the show is included for reference, but please have a listen to the sound samples for a better idea of my take on this genre..

Runtime 1min, limited video available.      

Cartesian If: (2010)

Pop Music / Math Rock / Experimental

Probably the most advanced piece of pop music I ever wrote, Cartesian If: was the opening theme to a concept album I was working on at the time of Where They Landed's breakup. The rest of the suite was never finished and now only this MIDI track and the band's score remain. It serves as a testament every day to all of the things I love about music (and I hope you love it too)..

Runtime 3min, Audio and Score Only.