reviews
Francesco
Bortolussi
ITALY - 3 TIME ATTENDEE
“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.”
Sturdivant Adams
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
SPAIN
“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
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"
Gabriel
Evans
ENGLAND
2 TIME ATTENDEE
“It’s a once in a life time opportunity and really it's been one of the greatest times of my life”
Sebastian
Ruiz
MEXICO 3 TIME ATTENDEE
"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."
Jon
Wygens
ENGLAND
2 TIME ATTENDEE
“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."
Yuliya Protasova
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!"
Matthias Azzopardi
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."
Alberto Tresguerres
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."
Veronica
Amaya
SPAIN
"For me, this has been one of the best experiences ever!!!"
Tatiana
Mikova
Czech Republic
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
“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
"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
SPAIN
“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
SPAIN
"Thank you Nigel"
Piotr
Nermer
POLAND
"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:)"
Sebastian
Ruiz
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."
Tylla
Ovezona
Turkmenistan
2 TIME ATTENDEE
"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."
Leia Sofia Mendez
USA
" 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
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
SPAIN
"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
SPAIN - 2 TIME ATTENDEE
"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
"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
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!"
Victoria Dewavrin
SWEDEN
"Thank you! And thank you for everything, it was fantastic!"
Clare
Martyn
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!!"
Andrew
Kirsty
ENGLAND
"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"
Andrew
O'Farrell
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!"
Pete
Anthony
ORCHESTRATOR
"The Best!
Mirela
Nita
ROMANIA
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! 😉GEMS MUSIC ROCKS!!! 🤘😎🖤🎶!"
Marc
Celma
SPAIN
"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
ENGLAND
"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
SPAIN
"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
ITALY
"Grazie Nigel, Fantastico"
Domina
Monriel
GREECE
“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."
Judah
Earl
USA
"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
“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."
Stephen
Morris
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
SPAIN
"Excellent program"
