Gary Chang

The themes of music and technology have pervaded composer Gary Chang’s existence, first appearing in early childhood and enduring throughout his adult life. The son of a New England Conservatory of Music vocalist and a M.I.T. Doctor of Science, Chang tackled early computer music programs while studying at Carnegie Mellon University. After earning an MFA at California University of the Arts, Chang began to develop his reputation as a leader in the use of computer music technology in film.

He spent several years as a studio musician, working with the likes of Al Jarreau, Herbie Hancock, and film music composers Patrick Williams (Mary Tyler Moore) and Giorgio Moroder (Midnight Express, American Gigolo, and Flashdance). Chang went on to work with legendary composer John Frankenheimer on various films including 52 Pickup, which played a crucial role in launching his career. He soon collaborated with Jonathan Demme, John Hughes, and Jan Egleston as well. 1992 was a landmark year as Chang scored the Steven Segal-starrer “Under Siege,” which grossed approximately $100 million worldwide.

His distinctive style interweaves subtle Asian, African and South American rhythms and can be heard on over seventy film music projects, including eighteen feature films. His television work has included scores for numerous critically acclaimed features, including Stephen King’s Emmy Award-winning Storm of the Century, Rose Red, The Burning Season, and John Frankenheimer’s Emmy Award-winning Against the Wall. Never limiting himself to a single genre, Gary Chang has proved himself to be one of the most versatile composers of our time.