Story & Lesson Highlights with Rogerio Maudonnet of Los Angeles

We recently had the chance to connect with Rogerio Maudonnet and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Rogerio, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
One of the biggest misconceptions about my field is that composing music is simply a ‘gift’ rather than a profession. Of course, inspiration plays a role, but what people often don’t see is the years of dedication, training, and practice behind every piece of music. Learning instruments, studying composition, understanding how music can shape emotion — all of this takes as much discipline as any other profession. At the end of the day, music is not just a talent; it’s a craft and a career that requires constant growth, learning, and hard work.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a composer and music producer based in Los Angeles. I’ve been lucky to create music for commercials, TV shows, films, and video games — everything from major brands like Gillette and Walmart to reality shows on Bravo. What I enjoy most is how music can completely change the feeling of a story — whether it adds tension, warmth, or excitement, it’s about building an emotional connection that goes beyond words.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
In 2007, I experienced a moment that profoundly changed my outlook on the world. At that time, I was living in Brazil and working to gain recognition for my debut instrumental jazz-rock and fusion album. A few months earlier, I had submitted some songs to the North American Rock Guitar Competition in Buffalo, New York. Out of nowhere, I received a call informing me that I was one of the finalists and that I would perform live in the finals. Suddenly, I was living a rockstar fantasy—a limousine waiting at the airport, a soundcheck with a fantastic band, and an unforgettable concert where people even asked for my autograph. I didn’t win, but what stayed with me was the realization that what I create can reach far beyond my own country. That moment broadened my perspective and showed me that music truly has no borders.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d advise my younger self not to be so hard on myself. Failure isn’t the end — it’s part of the journey. What truly matters is the effort you put into pursuing something and the lessons you learn along the way. The journey itself shapes you much more than the outcome ever could.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest myths in the music industry is that success only comes from becoming a star. Pop stars exist, but they make up a tiny fraction of all musicians. In my own career, I’ve discovered that there are many meaningful ways to succeed — composing, producing, arranging, and collaborating with other artists. These paths let you be creative, make a living, and reach audiences in ways that truly matter, even if you’re not in the spotlight. For me, building a career this way has been incredibly rewarding and has shown that passion and craft are more important than fame.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I’ve come to understand something deeply that I believe many people overlook: life is a journey shaped by the connections we make with others. What makes us human is our ability to connect, share stories, and learn from each other. I’m always open to friendships and love hearing people’s life experiences. Some will stay in your life, others will pass through, but both can leave a meaningful impact. The key is not to be afraid to learn from everyone you meet.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Janaina Maudonnet

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