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       As a musician and composer my work forms a unique enhancement to the narrative, the visual, movement, and song. Over the course of my career I've provided the unspoken context for the expression of film, TV, and theater directors, choreographers, singers, and musicians. 

        One of the many rewards has been the relationships I've formed with other creators. I don't often talk about myself but here is what people have said it's like to work with me. 

        I am a graduate from Musician's Institute in Hollywood where I studied with Tommy TedescoPaul Gilbert, Les Wise, and Ron Eschete.  I then graduated with a BFA in music composition from CalArts, studying under Arnold Schoenberg  protege Leonard Stein, Mel Powell, and Rand Steiger. And, finally, I received my Masters in Commercial Music Composition from Cal State Los Angeles where I am currently an adjunct professor teaching commercial composition, music theory and history, guitar, production, and mixing. 

      I have performed worldwide as a multi-instrumentalist and singer and have been fortunate to share the stage with Rufus Wainwright, Moira Smiley, Van Dyke Parks, Tracy Bonham, Pato Banton, Billy Zane, Grace Jones, the L.A. Master Chorale,  and Ann Wilson among many others. Clients I've served include MTV, VH1, ABC, CBS, NBC, Universal Cartoons, Badlands Features, and Comedy Central. Most recently I played guitars, clarinet, and hand pan for Sean Penn's latest feature, Flag Day

       What all this experience and training has helped me become is a musician and composer who can provide what is needed very quickly and seamlessly to my clients and collaborators.

                                                         johnbwas@gmail.com 

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John Ballinger CV
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