Meet Ching-Shan Chang

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ching-Shan Chang. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ching-Shan, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
In recent years, I’ve navigated through various challenges in both my professional and personal life while observing the geographical tensions and political conflicts unfolding worldwide. Through it all, I’ve come to realize that being alive and having a roof over my head is truly a privilege. In today’s interconnected world, where information is abundant and idealized content permeates social media, it’s common to fall into the trap of unhealthy competitiveness and comparison. This can often lead to feelings of jealousy and dissatisfaction. However, I’ve learned the importance of stepping back at times to appreciate and find contentment in what I already have.

For me, the ability to pursue music as a career and express myself through my art on a daily basis is akin to living my dream. Even during the most challenging moments, practicing gratitude not only helps me navigate through difficulties but also brings light and hope even in the darkest of times.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a composer specializing in multimedia scores and concert music, as well as a pianist and orchestrator with occasional conducting responsibilities. With my diverse background and classical training, I bring a unique perspective that transcends various cultures and musical genres. I am equally passionate about both concert music and multimedia scores, and I consider myself fortunate to be able to nurture both paths simultaneously.

In addition to composing for short films, I have also contributed music to director Zack Snyder’s Netflix feature Rebel Moon and collaborated with esteemed Hollywood composers such as Tom Holkenborg (aka Junkie XL), Mychael Danna, Carter Burwell, Andrew Lockington, Dino Meneghin, and others. In the realm of concert music, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with numerous soloists, ensembles, and orchestras, including the National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra, Evergreen Symphony Orchestra, Prague Symphony Orchestra, Missouri Symphony Orchestra, and more.

One of the reasons I find immense joy in being a composer is the exhilarating process of creating something from nothing. It involves transforming the melodies in my mind into tangible scores, bringing them to life through collaborative teamwork with talented musicians, and ultimately captivating the audience on a transformative journey. Witnessing my work come to life on the big screen and experiencing the audience’s emotional reactions, from laughter to tears, is an incredibly fulfilling experience.

While the journey of a composer can present its challenges and demanding hours, the ability to make a living doing what I love is incredibly rewarding. The passion and dedication I bring to my craft allow me to navigate through the stress and revisions, knowing that every effort contributes to creating something entirely unique and impactful. For me, this process is the epitome of the most satisfying experience in the world.

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?
On top of knowing music and music technology, I believe an underrated quality that often gets overlooked is simply being a grateful, generous, and considerate person. In my experience, I’ve seen many incredibly talented musicians struggle to gain the recognition they deserve. While luck plays a part, creating a friendly atmosphere and fostering genuine connections is crucial.

Another key aspect is having a deep understanding of the filmmaking process from start to finish. Musicians can get so caught up in perfecting their craft that they forget the importance of communication with the director, understanding camera movements, character perspectives, and more. Movies are like a dance between the visuals and the music, with the visuals taking the lead.

Learning effective communication with musicians, engineers, orchestrators, and other staff during recording sessions is also a skill that develops with experience. As composers, we have a central role in bringing different elements of music production together, so it’s vital to communicate effectively without stepping on anyone’s toes.

Lastly, for aspiring musicians, I want to emphasize how essential it is to understand that filmmaking is a collaborative journey. Achieving success in film isn’t solely about individual talent but also about cultivating positive energy and creativity within a closely interconnected network. It’s important to remember that the glory and spotlight are shared among everyone involved, rather than being solely one person’s triumph.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
Surviving in such a cutthroat and crowded industry presents numerous challenges that require resilience and adaptability. Each person’s journey is unique, and despite putting in your best effort, success is not always guaranteed. However, I’ve come to accept this reality and have learned the value of patience along the way.

For me, the real challenge lies in making the right connections with industry professionals and landing a lead composer role on a significant project. While attending various masterclasses, forums, and festivals can provide valuable insights, it’s crucial to recognize that established composers can only share strategies that worked for them in specific circumstances. Applying these strategies outside of that context can prove to be quite challenging.

I don’t have a one-size-fits-all solution for overcoming this challenge, and that’s okay. Life doesn’t always provide clear answers, and embracing the unknown and uncertainty is part of the excitement that comes with this profession—an excitement that sets it apart from a typical 9-to-5 job.

Instead of fighting against the current, I believe in riding it and avoiding getting knocked down. By continually seeking ways to improve, pushing forward, and maintaining faith in the journey, I am confident that we will eventually reach my desired destination.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Zurich Film Festival 2019

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