Christopher Young

GEMS Visiting Tutor

GOLDEN GLOBE nominated composer - Professor at USC

"It has been an absolute great week! Thank you very much for inviting me. I am thrilled to be your launching professor, your visiting Hollywood Dude. What I love about this class, and why I’m suggesting composers look into this GEMS program in 2018, is I can't think of a better path than to record your composition at the end of the program, whilst making serious friendships with likeminded people."

Garry Schyman

GEMS Visiting Tutor

BAFTA WINNER - BAFTA nominated composer - Professor at USC

"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."

Andy Hill

GEMS Visiting Tutor

GRAMMY winning producer - Author - Former Vice President Music Walt Disney Pictures

"GEMS brought together a bright and enthusiastic group of young composers for my first virtual classroom visit to Spain. Online teaching can be a hit or miss experience, especially when English is a second language, but the presentation was so well-organized and technically glitch-free that we were able to speak mostly in the universal language of music."

2019 Fernando Cabrera Pérez -3 time attendee

COMPOSER

SPAIN

"Excellent program that brings the opportunity to any composer or anyone interested in composing to meet and learn from the top professionals of the industry + a recording experience with a real live orchestra. It is also a great way to stay in touch with other composers and create and expand your network. 5/5 PROGRAM!"

2019 Yuliya Protasova

COMPOSER

UKRAINE

"Fue increíble, una experiencia inolvidable!! El curso te da muchas oportunidades!! Muy feliz de haber podido participar y muchas gracias a Nigel Valencia por la organización!!! Muy recomendable!!!"

2019 Andrés Hernández Pena

COMPOSER

SPAIN

"Of course I recommend it to anyone who wants to work in film scoring, and also for anyone who wants to work with an orchestra, it's highly recommend for them as well."

2019 Maria Vertiz

COMPOSER

MEXICO

"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."

2019 Gerard Mack

COMPOSER

AUSTRALIA

I absolutely recommend the Gems program. From beginning to end a well-conceived and executed course by the tutors and lecturers. The course materials and structure of the main focus areas - film composition, game composition and orchestration are second to none and will provide a wealth of information and inspiration for many years to come. Similarly, the other students who came from all over the world, with their passion for film composing will provide another source of information, inspiration and friendship for many years to come. Finally, without a doubt, the highlight of an outstanding program is meeting and mentored by Christopher Young, Garry Schyman, and Pete Anthony. I was truly privileged to meet them and work with them during GEMS program.

2019 Tylla Ovezona

COMPOSER

TURKMENISTAN

"Everything is amazing, it is such a great program. I recommend everyone to join. I will be recommending it to my friend and colleagues that they need to come here."

2019 Jon Wygens - 2 time attendee

COMPOSER

ENGLAND

“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."

2019 Mirela Nita

COMPOSER

ROMANIA

"Would you recommend Gems Music"? 🤔 HELL YEAH!!!! 🤘😎 Absolutely! 100% YES!!! It's a no brainer. Probably one of the best courses in Europe on film & game scoring and they're only getting better and better each year. 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! 😉GEMS MUSIC ROCKS!!! 🤘😎🖤🎶!"

2019 Sebastian Ruiz - 2 time attendee

COMPOSER

MEXICO

"Nigel, thank you so much. The work you do is unbelievable. You are the kind of guy who makes these impossible things to do, happen! I don't know how he does it but he handles it like a pro. The program is one of those unbelievable things."

2019 Natalia Martz

COMPOSER

SPAIN

"Maravilloso curso, increíbles maestros, inigualable trato personal. Este curso ha sido un sueño para mi, me ha hecho infinitamente feliz, recomiendo sin duda alguna a todo el que quiera aprender de estos Maestros tan especiales y con una forma de pensar y de enseñar totalmente diferente, abierta, sin límites, con creatividad y pasión, este curso inigualable. Ha sido un placer y un honor haber asistido. Gracias, con todo mi corazón."

2019 Madlord - 2 time attendee

COMPOSER

PERU

"Thank you for everything, You bring hope and Inspiration!"

2019 Tatiana Mikova

COMPOSER

CZECH REPUBLIC

The GEMS workshop has been very valuable for both experienced and aspiring film music composers. Its very intensive film scoring program delivered by Hollywood A-list composer and excellent film scoring tutor Christopher Young was focused on compositional techniques, practical suggestions how to make creative process more effective, including several music score samples. Chris paid special attention to using song form in the film opening titles, theme construction and analysis of his music scores. Extremely valuable were also discussions about music business, career development and 1:1 personal interview. Thanks to excellent organisational skills of Nigel Lees the program delivered maximum to its participants. Highly recommended!

2019 Pablo Cervantes

COMPOSER

SPAIN

"Thank you!"

2019 Therese McCartin

COMPOSER

IRELAND

"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"

2019 Francesco Bortolussi - 3 time attendee

COMPOSER

ITALY

“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, having great classes, making friend within the industry and networking with people, comparing ideas with great composers from all over the world is something special.”

2019 Mara Jimenez Ruiz - 2 time attendee

COMPOSER

SPAIN

"Maravilloso - Gracias Nigel"

2019 Guillermo Martorell

COMPOSER

SPAIN

"Amazing programs, amazing teachers. Highly recommended!"

2019 Timothy Ehrenreich

COMPOSER

SOUTH AFRICA

"Thank you for everything, it was fantastic!"

2019 Matthias Azzopardi

COMPOSER

MALTA

"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."

2019 Frank Lui

COMPOSER

THAILAND

"Work hard, play hard - Thank you so much."

2019 Elif Dincer

COMPOSER

SWEDEN

"Thank you!"

2019 Jake Morgan

COMPOSER

IRELAND

"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!"

2019 Francisco Cuadrado

COMPOSER

SPAIN

An amazing program. The quality of professors Christopher Young, Garry Schyman, Pete Anthony, with such an impressive experience and generosity. All the knowledge you acquire, the experience of having your music recorded with an amazing orchestra best sound engineer in film  recording Jose Vinader. The detail and care of how this program is prepared and directed by Nigel Lees, Juanjo Molina, Francesco Menini.  Share a same passion, collaborate, help and be helped. and enjoy the fun and feel this special connection.

2019 Guillermo Badolato Cillero

COMPOSER

SPAIN

"GEMS has been an irreplaceable experience that I recommend to anyone interested on the subjects, all of them complementary to each other. Very intense courses, practical and to the point. The organisation, teachers and fellow talented classmates from all over the world were great. Great and collaborative vibe over there, met long lasting friends. 
Congratulations and thank you so much guys for realising this project!!"

2019 Gabriel Evans

COMPOSER

NEW ZEALAND

“It’s a once in a life time opportunity and really it's been one of the greatest times of my life”

2019 Eduardo Broseta Largo

COMPOSER

SPAIN

"Thank you!"

Richard Bellis

GEMS Visiting Tutor

EMMY award-winning composer. Board of Director member of ASCAP lectures at USC

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2018 Jon Wygens

FILM COMPOSER

UNITED KINGDOM

"The week was fantastic , very intense and hugely enjoyable. Christopher Young is a wonderful person, great fun and an excellent mentor. Nigel, Juanjo and Francesco we're all were great and all the contributors we're amazing. I'd highly recommend the course to anyone interested in scoring film , games or television whether they are starting out or have experience in the business. A great week well spent and with a lovely group of talented fellow students."

2018 Victoria Dewavrin

COMPOSER

SWEDEN

"Thank you! And thank you for everything, it was fantastic!"

2018 Madlord

FILM & GAMING COMPOSER

SPAIN

"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 all these top professionals was incredible, there is no way to put a price on that."

2018 Susanna Alvarez

COMPOSER

SWITZERLAND

"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!"

2018 Francesco Bortolussi

FILM COMPOSER

ITALY

"It's probably one of the best programs in Europe, because its the complete package, great classes and finishing with the orchestral recording, and Chris is one of the best teachers you can have, also I have been twice, so I really like the  program, and I am looking forward to coming again next year!"
 

2018 Maria Borg

FILM COMPOSER

MALTA

"Loved every second of it. It's a pretty intensive course, but it's taught in a fun and interactive way. Meeting Christopher Young was one of the greatest experiences yet, especially since he's such a kind and humble person - with so much wisdom to share!"

2018 Damian Mizzi

FILM COMPOSER

MALTA

"The GEMS course is a very, very, very useful program. It does not matter where you are, if you are just starting out or have been writing music for a few years, because you are going to learn a lot, you learn things you don’t get from university, and I went to Berklee, and I came here and I sharpened my skills, it’s the real deal. You get the opportunity to met the best people in the industry and they are at the top of their game and willing to share everything with you, useful for your career, that you will carry back home."

2018 Ignacio Ferrando

FILM & OPERA COMPOSER

SPAIN

"Wonderful experience with amazing people. A privilege, enjoying the friendship, experience and wisdom of Christopher Young. Very well organized by Nigel with the help of the magnificent Juanjo Molina and Francesco Menini. Great classmates. THANKS."

2018 Leon Estaban

FILM COMPOSER

SPAIN

"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."

2018 Andrew Kirsty

FILM COMPOSER & PRODUCER

UK

"I can’t recommend this course highly enough! Book onto it -

it will be the best way to spend your hard earned cash.

It’s inspirational and motivational, but most of all it equips you with key skills for the world of film composition."

2018 Piotr Nermer

FILM COMPOSER & ORCHESTRATOR

POLAND

"A fantastic opportunity to meet creative people sharing the same interests as you (film music of course) as well as professionals from the industry. But the best part of it is developing a strong and lasting friendship with them. I enjoyed every single minute of it and after the programme is over, I feel an enormous boost of creativity. Chris Young is the one who triggered it and he's the best mentor you could dream of. I recommend this programme to anyone interested in film scoring. Don't hesitate, just sign up for the next edition:)"

2018 Sebastian Ruiz Velasco Aguado

FILM COMPOSER

MEXICO

"A world class organization! I had the opportunity to assist to the Christopher Young Film Scoring Program and it was incredible. The organization was flawless, the instructors world class and the experience they offer is like no other."

2018 Andy O'Farrell

FILM COMPOSER & DRUMMER

IRELAND

"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!"

2018 Alberto Tresguerres

FILM COMPOSER MUSIC PRODUCER

SPAIN

"A great experience. A great team. A new family. Totally recommended, if you can sign up next year ... An experience that opens your mind to new ways in film composition. Song form, the importance of the melody, and writing against the clock."

Craig Stuart Garfinkle

GEMS Visiting Tutor

EMMY Nominated Composer - Award Winning Music Producer

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2017 Fernando Ortega

FILM COMPOSER

SPAIN

"Hice el Christopher Young Film Scoring Program. Que un curso de semejante nivel se traiga a España es sencillamente un sueño hecho realidad. Para colmo, la organización 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, GEMS!"

2017 Mara Jimenez Ruiz

FILM COMPOSER

SPAIN

“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 like I can write some music every day."

2017 Francesco Bortolussi

FILM COMPOSER

ITALY

"I had the time of my life at the Christopher Young Film Scoring Program. 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 Music's courses, as this summer program was flawlessly organized! I recommend it to everyone!"

2017 Joris Hermy

FILM & TV COMPOSER

BELGIUM

"The Christopher Young Film Scoring Program was an unforgettable experience! Besides a dazzling versatile composer, Mr. Young is a passionate mentor and the most generous guy to be around. Gems Music managed to organise a workshop where everybody feels very welcome and offers a dynamic week of music and film with like-minded people."

2017 Clare Martyn

FILM COMPOSER

IRELAND

"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!!"

2017 Eva Fernández

FILM COMPOSER

SPAIN

"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.
Do it!"

2017 Veronica Amaya

FILM COMPOSER

SPAIN

"For me, this has been one of the best experiences!!!"

2017 Joan

FILM COMPOSER

SPAIN

"Boom!!! Es pec ta cu lar!"

2017 Fernando Cabrera Pérez

GAME COMPOSER

SPAIN

"Excellent course with great people, and one of the very best Hollywood composers and teachers I've ever had!"

2017 Christian Ramirez Parrilla

FILM COMPOSER

SPAIN

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

2017 Carles Tur

FILM COMPOSER

SPAIN

“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.“

2017 Riccardo Belletti

FILM COMPOSER

ITALY

“Thank you.“