Meet Leona Sigmund

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

Leona , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

For me, discovering my purpose as a composer wasn’t a sudden revelation—it was a slow, steady process of growing more connected to what I do. It’s not the kind of clarity that strikes like lightning; it’s the pull you feel when you keep returning to something, even after stumbling or feeling like you’ve failed at it. Composing has always been that one constant in my life, the thing I couldn’t let go of, no matter how hard it got. Each setback only strengthened my determination, and every time I doubted myself, there was this quiet voice in the back of my head urging me to try again. Over time, I realized that this persistence, this pull, was my purpose—building piece by piece, measure by measure, into something I couldn’t imagine living without.

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

I come from a multicultural background—Austrian and Chinese—and spent my childhood in Shanghai, surrounded by a blend of traditions that shaped me into who I am now. At 16, I moved to Vienna, where the rich classical music heritage left a deep impression on me, and then to London for undergrad, and now to New York. Each place has added a layer to my perspective, and living in such diverse cities, meeting such different people has shaped not only my identity but also my artistic voice.

What I love most about composing is the collaboration. There’s something so special about sitting down with a passionate filmmaker or game developer, exchanging ideas, and finding that creative spark together. It’s a thrill to take a project and shape its emotional heart, to create something unique that breathes life into their vision. For me, music is a way to speak without words—a way to embody the soul of a story and leave a lasting impression on the audience. Being part of that process, and seeing its result feels like an honor every single time.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Throughout my journey as a composer, three qualities have been especially important: the courage to fail, the curiosity to ask, and the value of connection. For a long time, I lived with the fear of failure, convinced that anything less than perfection was a reason to feel ashamed. But I’ve learned that failure is inevitable, no matter where you are in your career. It’s not a dead end—it’s a step forward. Every time I fall short, I remind myself that I’m one “fail” closer to my goals, and that mindset has been liberating.

I’ve also learned the power of curiosity and the importance of speaking up. There were times when I stayed silent, worried about asking the wrong question or appearing inexperienced. But in a creative world like this, everyone works differently, and there’s so much to learn from others if you’re willing to ask—even if the question feels small. Finally, I’ve come to appreciate how vital it is to build meaningful connections. Music needs to be shared—it’s not something to keep to yourself. Putting yourself out there and forming relationships can feel intimidating, but you never know who might lead you to your next big opportunity. These lessons have shaped not only my career but also the way I approach every creative challenge.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

One of the biggest obstacles I face as a composer is the challenge of being completely and authentically myself in my music—especially in film scoring, where it’s so easy to sound like you’re borrowing from others. Having a voice that no one else can replicate, one that’s purely an extension of who I am, is something I strive for constantly. When I feel stuck, I often find myself turning to other artists’ work for inspiration, and while that can be incredibly helpful, it also comes with the risk of feeling like I’m treading on paths that have already been paved.

To counter that, I’ve started embracing experimentation as a way to find my unique voice. Sometimes, I’ll sit down and intentionally combine the most unlikely sounds—textures, rhythms, or harmonic ideas that wouldn’t typically go together—and see where they take me. Those moments of risk and play often lead to ideas that feel distinctly my own. It’s a process of discovery, of piecing together fragments of myself in the music, and it’s not always easy. But when I stumble on something that feels like it couldn’t have come from anyone else, it’s a reminder of why I love what I do.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: leona.sigmund
• Linkedin: Leona Sigmund
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@leonasigmund8767
• Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/Bw7vstBCqs3PeEmU7

Image Credits

January Li