Meet Gexuan An

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Gexuan An. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with GeXuan below.

GeXuan, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

Building my confidence has been a long and evolving journey, especially since I started my path in music much later than most of my peers. In the beginning, I felt a lot of doubt, particularly because I didn’t have the same formal foundation others seemed to have. But I realized that the best way to overcome this insecurity was through constant practice and exposure. By repeatedly immersing myself in challenges—whether it was learning orchestration, composing for indie films, or working with professional musicians—I slowly began to trust my abilities.

One of the most memorable experiences was my first orchestral recording. I was so nervous that I struggled to keep time while conducting. For a new composer, it felt like a disaster in the moment, and I left the session doubting myself. But then I heard the final recording. The musicians brought my work to life in a way that was far beyond what I’d imagined. That moment, hearing my music come together so beautifully, reaffirmed why I was pursuing this career. It reminded me that even when things feel overwhelming, the results can still be worthwhile.

Since then, I’ve taken those lessons with me. For example, when working with directors, I’ve learned to focus on creating an open and collaborative process. After experiencing moments where my music was replaced without explanation, I realized how important it is to have clear and transparent communication with directors from the start. It’s not just about presenting my vision but also about understanding theirs and finding a balance between the two. Each challenge became an opportunity to grow—whether it was learning from my mistakes or refining my craft.

For me, confidence is about persistence. It’s about learning from failures, celebrating the small wins, and approaching each new challenge with a calmer and more open mindset. Every setback has shaped me into the composer I am today, and I truly believe that with the right attitude, even the hardest experiences can lead to meaningful growth.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m a composer specializing in scoring for visual media, and what I love most about it is how music can completely transform the way a story feels. A well-placed melody or soundscape can enhance the emotional weight of a scene, build tension, or create a sense of wonder. Music acts as an invisible storyteller, shaping the audience’s experience in ways they might not consciously notice. To me, that’s the magic of composing for film—it’s about helping stories come alive in a way that words and visuals alone can’t achieve.

My time at the Jacobs School of Music was pivotal to my growth as a composer. Before Jacobs, I had already built a solid foundation in modern scoring techniques like sound design, advanced sequencing, and blending electronic elements with live performances. While there, I had the opportunity to refine these skills and, at the same time, immerse myself in the school’s classical tradition. This classical immersion expanded my perspective, allowing me to integrate the depth and sophistication of orchestral techniques with the innovation of contemporary scoring. This balance has become a defining part of my approach to storytelling through music.

Right now, I’m working on building more collaborations in Los Angeles, the heart of film and media scoring. I’m also sharing my story with others who may feel they’ve started late, proving that with passion and persistence, it’s never too late to follow your dreams. Whether it’s composing for short films or finding new ways to mix classical and modern elements, I’m excited to keep exploring how music can tell stories in new and impactful ways.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, I think three things really shaped my journey: resilience, curiosity, and collaboration. Of course, everyone’s path is unique, but these have been important for me.

Resilience has been essential. As I mentioned, my first orchestral recording and some early collaborations didn’t go as planned. Those moments could have made me stop and question if I was on the right path, but I chose to see them as part of the process. I learned to keep going and focus on improving rather than getting stuck in frustration. If you’re just starting out, I’d say it’s okay to feel discouraged sometimes—it’s natural. What matters is not letting it hold you back. Take those moments as opportunities to grow.

Curiosity has always driven me. My love for music began when I discovered Joe Hisaishi’s work. His melodies are not only incredibly beautiful but also deeply personal, with a strong sense of his unique style. At the same time, his music always fits perfectly with the themes of the films he scores. That combination of individuality and storytelling inspired me to explore how music can connect so closely to the emotions and narrative of a story. This curiosity led me to study different composers, experiment with my own ideas, and constantly look for new ways to express emotions through music. For anyone starting their journey, I’d suggest staying open to inspiration everywhere—whether it’s a film score, a performance, or even a conversation with someone who shares your passion. Curiosity can take you in directions you never expected.

Finally, collaboration has been a huge part of my growth. Working with directors taught me how to balance my artistic vision with someone else’s needs. In film music, success isn’t just about creating something you love—it’s about serving the story and the director’s vision. Sometimes that means letting go of your attachment to a piece you’ve written, knowing that the music is there to enhance the film, not to stand on its own. I’ve learned that truly successful collaborations happen when both sides feel heard and the music works seamlessly with the visuals. For those just starting out, I’d recommend collaborating as much as possible and practicing the art of compromise. Each project will teach you something new about yourself and your craft. And be patient—it takes time to find your rhythm in collaborative environments.

I don’t think there’s one “right” way to grow—it’s really about finding what works for you. For me, these qualities have made the ups and downs of the journey feel meaningful, and I hope they might be helpful for others too.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Absolutely! I’m always excited to connect with people who are passionate about storytelling and believe in the power of music to bring their vision to life. Whether you’re a filmmaker, a producer, or working on a creative project that needs a unique musical voice, I’d love to collaborate and explore how we can create something meaningful together.

I’m open to trying all kinds of projects because I believe every collaboration is an opportunity to grow and discover something new. Having started as a newcomer myself, I know how challenging it can be to break into this industry, which is why I’m especially eager to work with emerging filmmakers. I enjoy helping them enrich their stories through music and bringing their creative visions to life in new and impactful ways.

If you’re interested in working together, feel free to reach out! You can connect with me via [email protected]. I’d be happy to chat about your project and see how we can create something special together. Let’s bring your story to life through music!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gexuanmusic.com
• Instagram: @gegegexuan
• Facebook: GeXuan An