reviews · meet just some of the composers

Christopher
Young
â
USA
â
“I’ve taught or spoken at more film-scoring programs than I can count. Without a shadow of a doubt, Nigel, both himself and his program, are 100% absolutely the best there is overseas. What impresses me the most about Nigel is his committed interest in each and every one of the students. Getting to know them before they come into the program and following up on what they’re doing after they’ve completed the program. He completely gets immersed in their lives and is the perfect go-team-go guy. He’s extremely organised, and completely above board legit in everything he does, and that’s what makes the program so appealing to me. I know it sounds like I’m over the top here in the words that I’m choosing, but I wouldn’t be saying these things if I wasn’t totally there on this one. I’m privileged to know Nigel, privileged to have the opportunity to be a part of his program."

Susanna Syrjäläinen
â
FINLAND
â
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Renatto
NunĖez
â
PERU
â
“I had a wonderful two weeks in Spain doing the GEMS Programs, and the final orchestra session with the RTVE orchestra! Thanks Juanjo, Francesco and Nigel, such an AMAZING TEAM! It was a pleasure to meet you guys!”

Leia Sofia Mendez
â
USA
2 TIME ATTENDEE
â
"Nigel and the rest of the GEMS staff, professionals, and colleagues that I met through GEMS were instrumental in me getting a place on the NYU film scoring masters program, I cannot thank you enough for the support and training you have given me these last couple of years."

JuliaĖn
Guajardo
â
MEXICO
â
“”

Riccardo Zangirolami
â
ITALY
â
"An experience I will cherish forever. Lots of learning, growing, and having fun. It's not an every day thing to have the opportunity to learn from people of the caliber of Chris Young and Pete Anthony. Thanks a lot Nigel for making this happen and for your kindness, generosity, and also the fun time spent together. Love you all, ciao!"

Luna
Pan
â
AUSTRALIA
â
"It was such a pleasure working with Gems Music and RTVE on my work Evolution! Here’s the video of their amazing performance. Can’t thank enough to founder Nigel. This piece has landed me a nomination from Hollywood Music in Media Awards. plus best the GEMS orchestration award sponsored by NATIVE INSTRUMENTS! Everyone was so supportive and educational, I loved all the courses and wished it lasted longer! I have learnt so much from Pete with orchestration, Nigel, Juanjo and Francesco are the nicest humans you are ever gonna meet! Most importantly an unforgettable experience that I’ll forever cherish"

Judah
Earl
â
USA
â
"The training I received at the GEMS program was a game changer. It was an amazing experience being surrounded by people who were both encouraging and inspirational, as well as constructive and honest. If any aspiring composer is needing some hands on training that takes their music from their DAW to a real orchestra, the GEMS program is essential."

Gijs van Amelsvoort
NETHERLANDS
â
“I absolutely loved the Gems program, it's packed with a big variety of masterclasses! I learnt a ton from THE experts in the field (the Pete Anthony orchestration class alone is a goldmine in itself!), have been inspired a lot, have gotten a motivation boost, and had a lot of fun too! Nigel, Francesco Juanjo where all really helpful and they really care about the students and their outcome. I can recommend EVERY aspiring composer to participate in this program - may it be you've been in the business for a couple of years, or you are still a composition student."
â

Stephen
Morris
â
USA
"My friends, the GEMS film scoring program has thrown gasoline on the fire of my film scoring dream…what was once a flame is now a blazing INFERNO!"

Francisco
Leo
â
SPAIN
â
"Excellent program"

Madlord
â
PERU - 2 TIME ATTENDEE
â
"My experience was way better than I expected, it provided me more than I wanted, more than I could imagine, it was 100 times more useful and important than I ever imagined, learning from these top professionals was incredible, there is no way to put a price on that."

Mar
Jimenez
â
SPAIN - 2 TIME ATTENDEE
â
“It’s an incredible experience. I honestly think it's the best thing that’s happened in the world of music. Chris has given me a lot of encouragement to continue, and I feel I can write music every day"
Natalia
Martz
SPAIN
â
"Maravilloso curso, inigualable trato personal. Ha sido un sueño para mi, me ha hecho infinitamente feliz, recomiendo sin duda. Maestros tan especiales y con una forma de enseñar totalmente diferente, abierta, sin límites. Ha sido un honor haber asistido. Gracias, con todo mi corazón"

Leon
Estaban
â
SPAIN
â
"Don't think about it, dive in and enjoy the program. You are meeting people from other countries, great people and great composers, so it's really wonderful."

Christopher
Young
COMPOSER
â
“An absolutely great week! Thank you very much for inviting me. I am thrilled to be your launching professor, your visiting Hollywood Dude. What I love and why I’m suggesting composers look into GEMS, is no better path than to record your music at the end of the program, whilst making serious friendships with likeminded people."

Gerard
Mack
AUSTRALIA
â
"I absolutely recommend the Gems program. An outstanding program, second to none will provide a wealth of information and inspiration for many years to come. I was truly privileged to meet the tutors and composers and work with them during GEMS program."

Frank
Lui
â
Thailand
â
"Worked hard, played hard - Thank you so much Nigel."

Guillermo Badolato
â
SPAIN
â
"GEMS has been an irreplaceable experience that I recommend. Great collaborative vibe & met long lasting friends. intense, practical courses were great. âĻCongratulations and thank you so much guys for realising this project!!"

Eduardo
Broseta
â
SPAIN
â
"Brilliant! Thank you Nigel."

Guillermo Martorell
â
SPAIN
â
"Amazing programs, amazing teachers. Highly recommended!"

Francesco Bortolussi
â
ITALY
â
"I had the time of my life! Chris is a fantastic teacher and an incredible composer, I consider myself very fortunate to have been a part of this experience. Definitely looking forward to attending more of Gems programs, as this was flawlessly organised! I recommend it to everyone!"

Paul
Schmidt
â
SWITZERLAND
â
“I've never felt more welcome. Thank you Nigel for giving us the space and opportunity for us to be creative. I’ve learned so much! THANK YOU GEMS”

Ana
Beyron
â
SPAIN
â
"Thanks Nigel for organising such an amazing and professional course! It was a pleasure to receive classes from Christopher Young, Pete Anthony, Marco Beltrami, Garry Schyman, Starr Parodi among others. It has changed a lot my life since then. Recording my piece "Diabulus anima" with RTVE orchestra was fantastic. It´s like all my dreams came true."

Rebecca
Boyd
â
USA
â
“The Gems Film Scoring Program honestly lives up to its name. It is one gem after another!!! I loved meeting all of the other composers and the director Nigel thoughtfully prepares and anticipates everything that we would ever dream about wanting to learn from top professionals in the industry. It was an experience I will never forget. The other composers in the program were extremely supportive, and I made many lifelong friends. I cannot thank you enough Nigel for the talented industry professionals that you brought in. They really cared about us and wanted to help us be our best. Thank you to Juanjo and Francesco for your support. Thank you for the amazing opportunity to record with the RTVE Orchestra!!! That brought my music to life in ways I could have only dreamed of. I really appreciate you Nigel, and thank you for shaping our lives, for your kindness, and for believing in me!!!!”

Liam
Diethrich
â
USA
â
"Thank you so much Nigel for putting together such an incredible program. The amount of care you have for each one of us is very special, and I've never participated in a program with this much support towards helping everyone accomplish their career goals. I would love to visit or potentially participate again in the future!"

Emil
Huckle-Kleve
â
UK NORWAY
â
“Had a fantastic time on the Gems Film Scoring program in Madrid. Great people, teachers and experiences. My theme for Jennifer 8 was recorded by the wonderful Orquesta y Coro RTVE, an amazing experience! Thank you Gems Music for this time!"

Anja
Lobnik
â
SLOVENIA
â
“Hi! I wanted to say a HUGE thank you for all the work you did for us online. Thank you for taking care of the technical things for us like links, emails, dropbox and your kindness throughout the course!! It was amazing, you were all so kind. I am sending a picture from the recording of the piece! I was mind-blown that it sounded so amazing at first go!! Wishing you all the best and keep in touch, Anja”

Domina
Monriel
â
GREECE
â
“I simply can't describe how thankful I am to Mr. Nigel Lees, the founder of the GEMS Program, and to the fantastic conductors and professors, Dr. Juanjo Molina and Dr. Francesco Menini, for this wonderful experience. The Nº 1 Film Scoring Summer Program, award winning Hollywood composers, orchestrators, producers share their knowledge and expertise. This brilliant, unique experience being surrounded by these brilliant musicians. concluded with a 40-piece orchestral recording of my music by the Symphonic Orchestra of Radio Televisión Spain RTVE."

Denizcan
Aktas
â
TURKEY
â
“What a week it was! It was truly a great experience to attend GEMS Programs, having my ScoreLive London competition piece mentored by Pete Anthony, and hearing my work performed and recorded by the Spanish RTVE Symphony Orchestra.Many thanks to Nigel for such a fantastic organization and a marvelous Film Scoring program, the maestros Francesco for sharing his experiences and Juanjo Molina for conducting my piece!"
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Cristina
Zadia
â
SPAIN
"This past week I had the pleasure to attend the GEMS program in Spain, where I composed and orchestrated a piece in almost 6 days and then recorded it with the amazing RTVE orchestra. It was my first time writing for orchestra and the experience, though intense, was incredible. Thank you to all the people I met there, Nigel, Juanjo, Francesco, Pete and all the guest speakers who shared their knowledge with us. Can't believe my music was played here. Truly honoured to have participated. Thank you for the opportunity, it was awesome!"

Roberto
EneaVaralta
ITALY
"The best"

Maria
Vertiz
MEXICO
â
"It has been amazing, I didn't expect it to be as good as it has been. I have learnt so much, the teachers are amazing, and got to met the most amazing composers, I am really happy I am, here."
Damian
Mizzi
MALTA
â
"GEMS is a very useful program. No matter where you are, starting out or all ready writing, your'e going to learn a lot, things you don’t get from university, I went to Berklee, I came here & sharpened my skills, it’s the real deal. To met the best industry people top of their game, share everything with you for your career."

Eva
Fernández
â
SPAIN
â
"Do it! It’s great! It’s an incredible experience. I have learned a lot and that’s going to help me in the future. Just Do it!"

Garry
Schyman
BAFTA WINNER
â
"GEMS is a fantastic organisation that is bringing first rate educational opportunities to composer and musicians throughout Europe. I enjoyed very much my lecture in Madrid last week to an amazing group of students and hope to work with Gems again."

Elif
Dincer
TURKEY
â
"Thank you so much Nigel."

Timothy Ehrenreich
SOUTH AFRICA
â
"Thank you for everything, it was fantastic!"
Fernando
Ortega
SPAIN
â
"Un curso de semejante nivel se traiga a España es sencillamente un sueño hecho realidad. NIGEL estuvo TODO el tiempo pendiente de que TODOS los alumnos estuvieramos agusto. Mis expectativas fueron ampliamente rebasadas. Repetiría una y mil veces. TOTALMENTE RECOMENDADO, gracias por todo NIGEL"
Francesco Bortolussi
â
ITALY
â
One of the best programs in Europe, its the complete package, great classes and finishing with the orchestral recording, and Chris is one of the best teachers you can have. I`ve been twice, so I really like the program, and looking forward to coming again next year!"

Christian Ramirez
â
SPAIN
â
“GEMS many thanks for everything because it has been a fantastic course.I'm waiting for the next one;) “

Joan
â
â
SPAIN
â
Boom!!!
Es pec ta cu lar!"

David Palacios Alvarez
â
SPAIN
â
"This was the best experience of my life, writing and recording a main title in 5 days, what a thrill! AMAZING"

Ana
Krstajic
SERBIA
“The program was truly a life changing experience. The mentors were fantastic, very open and interested in each student. I think one of the best aspects of this program is the intimate atmosphere where you feel like part of a big family. The biggest impression from the program was left by Chris Young who selflessly invested all his energy and time to teach and encourage us in the best way to follow our dreams, something that I think is very important for a young composer to get. The icing on the cake was certainly the recording with the fantastic RTVE orchestra at the end of the program. I made very close connections with the participants of the program, my colleagues, with whom I am still in contact, and that is something that is specific to this program, because it is a very rare situation that you can meet and connect with composers from all over the world in one place.”

David
Cerquetti
â
ITALY
â
“GEMS takes care of you, understands what your aspirations are, and tries to push you forward with your career. It's not just a summer program where you learn and record with an orchestra. This course could really change your career prospects. I recommend it to everyone. I also recommend going in person so you can establish a friendly relationship with the faculty, they are the most generous people I've ever met. I can't wait to find out where this summer program will take me. Definitely much farther than I could have hoped if I hadn't done it! So come to Spain!"

Kamil
Bicgel
FRANCE
â
"The summer program last year was a real pleasure. I would live again these moments with all of you and the participants."

Hugh
Downs
â
USA
â
“One of the best summer learning experiences I've had. I really appreciate the welcoming atmosphere, and the practical knowledge and skills provided by our mentors, Christopher Young, Pete Anthony, and Garry Schyman. All of the mentors are relatable and see you as the composer you will be; there is no hierarchy. Christopher Young is generous! The wisdom and experience he shared was invaluable. I recommend GEMS to other USA composers who are interested in film scoring; it's great to have composer friends from around the world. Special thanks to Nigel who is caring and genuinely interested in everyone's success. As a 2023 GEM Scholar and now alum, I am so thankful I got the opportunity to attend. It was fun, challenging and rewarding.”

Matteo
Maria Salvo
ITALY
â
"Attending GEMS Summer Program has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life and musical life both. I had the opportunity to hear my music played by the great RTVE Orchestra, to meet great musical mentors and smart people who sincerely care about building up a better musical future for us. Thank you so much to Nigel and to all the team from the bottom of my heart. Looking forward to repeat the experience in the near future"

Sturdivant Adams
â
NETHERLANDS
“GEMS is one of a kind. It was an incredible opportunity to build lasting connections and receive substantive mentoring from some of our industry’s most successful, knowledgable and thoughtful people. It was a privilege to learn from Pete and Nigel.”
Fernando
Marin
â
SPAIN
â
“Last year I had the amazing opportunity to attend the Film Scoring Summer Program organised by GEMS Programs in Madrid. It's a real baptism of fire for any composer. A very valuable experience that I will remember my whole life and which has been decisive in my journey to "cross the river". And thanks to you, Nigel Lees, for being back there doing the Lord's work, making all this possible.”

Javier
Camera
â
SPAIN
2 TIME ATTENDEE
"Unforgettable experience ! The program, the assistants, the Maestros and, of course, Mr. Nigel. Keep going in this way and mood. Congratulations to everyone and Thank you for sharing "Magic"

Jon
Wygens
ENGLAND
2 TIME ATTENDEE
â
“Anyone interested in composing for film, TV game at what ever level, it's brilliant. Thank you Nigel for organising this and running it so well, and bringing such talented people to tutor and creating a happy happy atmosphere."

Matthias Azzopardi
MALTA
â
"Had a wonderful time at this course - it was great fun as well as a great learning experience! The tutors were amazing, and everything was well organised. 5 stars, 10/10, A+. Definitely would recommend it."

Veronica
Amaya
â
SPAIN
â
"For me, this has been one of the best experiences ever!!!"

Tatiana
Mikova
Czech Republic
â
GEMS is valuable for experienced & aspiring composers delivered by Hollywood A-listers. Extremely valuable talks about music business, career development and 1:1 interview with Chris. Thanks to excellent organizational skills of

Carles
Tur
SPAIN
â
“When I presented my score to Christopher in the morning class and he started to click his fingers, enjoying the music, my music, I was so happy and proud.“

Andy
Hill
GrammyWinner
â
"GEMS brought together a bright, enthusiastic group of young composers for my first virtual classroom visit to Spain. Online teaching can be a hit or miss, but the presentation was so well-organized & glitch-free that we were able to speak in the universal language of music."

Guillermo Corral
â
SPAIN
â
“I was in the Garry Schyman Videogame Scoring Masterclass and it was exciting and educational, as well as meet great artists who share your passion for music. Excellent work!“

Pablo
Cervantes
â
SPAIN
â
"Thank you Nigel"
Piotr
Nermer
â
POLAND
â
"A fantastic opportunity to meet and develop strong and lasting friendships. I enjoyed every single minute of it and after its over, I felt an enormous boost of creativity. I recommend it to anyone interested in film scoring. Don't hesitate, just sign up for the next edition:)"

Sergio
Llopis
â
SPAIN
â
“This program offers a great atmosphere and lots of amazing lessons from the best in the scoring world business. So lucky to call most of the people I met (students and teachers) in the program my friends and have the opportunity to change my career in the film scoring world. Thank you Nigel for your passion and your time, what a wonderful program and this experience!”
Chrysoulla
Markoulli
â
AUSTRALIA
â
"The GEMS Film Scoring Summer Program is the perfect opportunity to learn from the best in the business. The faculty and guest speakers are the most generous, passionate, dedicated and knowledgeable people you will ever meet and the scope of what is covered in 12 days is incredible. The program challenges you to demand more from yourself and truly inspires you to persist in your journey as a composer. In addition to developing your skills, knowledge and mindset as a composer, it provides a platform for you to connect with international composers and professionals. I highly recommend the GEMS Summer Program to any composer and would gladly do it again! Forever grateful for the life-changing experience."

Dmytro Kosynets
â
UKRAINE
â
“I received the parcel! Thank you so much! I want to say a big thank you for this opportunity. Tons of inspiration and knowledge. For me it was like a breath of fresh air in these difficult days. And even now, after a while, I feel my self much more inspired than before. So it really means a lot for me. Now I will continue my journey in film music with more confidence. Thank you.”

Katherina Hristova
â
GERMANY
â
"I had two wonderful, unique, and unforgettable weeks participating in GEMS, a two - week summer program about film music. We had the opportunity to work with and listen to incredible professionals as Christopher Young, Pete Anthony, Garry Schyman. I left GEMS with new knowledge, skills, connections, and friends from all around the world. I enjoyed every moment of it and am extremely thankful to have been part of this - memories, events, and laughter I'll never forget"

Jeff
Markey
â
USA
â
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I’m hoping this helps lead me to a career change to film and game composition full time, you can reserve my spot.”
Francesco
Bortolussi
â
ITALY - 3 TIME ATTENDEE
â
“Nigel this is a fantastic program and you are awesome organiser. This program really changed my life. The whole package, recording with an awesome orchestra, great classes, industry friends, networking, great composers from all over the world is something special.”

Leia Sofia Mendez
â
USA
â
" I virtually attended the GEMS film scoring program where I composed an orchestral piece of music in the genre/style of film music. Yesterday, my piece for this program titled “The Bridge” was recorded by the RTVE Symphony Orchestra in Spain!!! I’m incredibly grateful for Nigel, Juanjo, Francesco, Pete, Neil for making this program possible for myself and my new friends that I met through GEMS!!! This program has once again confirmed that I am on the right path to my dream career: being a film composer. I can’t wait to share more about this piece in the next few days!!"

Therese McCartin
â
IRELAND
2 TIME ATTENDEE
"Absolutely super, I am so glad I did it. Before I came, I wasn't sure I was suited to the program, but the program was absolutely perfect for me, I go a lot out of it, and delighted I did it"

Miguel Vallejo Amatriain
â
SPAIN
â
"I was lucky enough to attend the GEMS Film Score Summer Program. What a great experience! The classes, the classmates, the tutors, Wonderful classes with Pete Anthony, and the luck that he reviewed our work one by one. The final culmination was to record with the RTVE Orchestra the piece that we had composed. I just have no words. Hearing your music performed by musicians of this category for the first time. I would like to thank Nigel for the organization and support at all times, thank you Nigel! the professors and directors Juanjo, Francesco and all the participants in Madrid and those who were online."

Wesley
Wong
MALAYSIA
"Wonderful"
Fernando
Pérez
â
SPAIN - 2 TIME ATTENDEE
â
"Excellent program with opportunity composers interested to meet and learn from top industry professional people and recording experience with a real live orchestra. A great way to stay in touch with composers to create and expand your network. 5 star program"

Jake
Morgan
IRELAND
â
"I would absolutely recommend the GEMS Courses to composers of all levels. These courses are very professionally organised. The tutors are exceptional. The camaraderie amongst the participants is inspiring. The experience in invaluable!"

Susanna
Alvarez
â
Switzerland
â
"Hello! It was for me an incredible and amazing experience I will never forget. I met with nice people! Also to mention how Nigel and especially Maestro Christopher Young were really kind with me as I don't come from the music industry. So carry on with new projects and ideas !. Congratulations to GEMS program!"

Victoria Dewavrin
SWEDEN
â
"Thank you! And thank you for everything, it was fantastic!"

Clare
Martyn
IRELAND
â
"This is a top class course! The people are the best one could ask for and I loved every minute of my time on the Christopher Young Film Scoring Week!!! A-mazing :) Friends for life after it!!"

Andrew
O'Farrell
IRELAND
â
"Do it! I’d say go for it! It's just fantastic! I was a little nervous that I was not experienced enough to join, but I had a blast, it was fantastic!"

Pete
Anthony
ORCHESTRATOR
"The Best!
Mirela
Nita
ROMANIA
â
Best courses in Europe. Brilliant tutors, run by a great team, impressively well organised and filled with sweet, kind & very helpful people. I've had the best time of my life & lived some of my wildest dreams thanks to them. Believe me, you don't wanna miss this! ðGEMS MUSIC ROCKS!!! ðĪððĪðķ!"

Marc
Celma
â
SPAIN
â
"This program was all I could've wished for. A great learning experience with Garry Schyman, followed by an amazing concert with some of my favourite pieces of modern game music. 100% recommended."

Jon
Wygens
â
ENGLAND
â
"Nigel, amazing! The week was fantastic, intense and hugely enjoyable. Chris is a wonderful person, great fun and an excellent mentor. I'd highly recommend the GEMS program. A great week well spent and with a lovely group of talented fellow students."
Francisco Cuadrado
â
SPAIN
â
"An amazing program. The detail and care of how this program is prepared and directed by Nigel. The quality of professors with such impressive experience and generosity. The knowledge you acquire, and experience of having your music recorded with an amazing orchestra."

Riccardo Belletti
â
ITALY
â
"Grazie Nigel, Fantastico"