Composer, Songwriter, Orchestrator, Arranger, Sound Designer...
... are all ways to describe Daniel Clingman. However, if you were to ask him to describe himself; he would likely say that he is a storyteller. Crafting the emotions felt by audiences, he draws out the the underpinning force of the narrative.
Within his music-craft, story always comes first. Without this focus, the music lacks soul and heart. Drawing upon a lifetime of telling stories through dance, acting, song, writing and composition - Daniel Clingman puts story first, always. Being at the musical helm of projects for more than 20 years has cultivated a deep understanding of story, narrative, and emotional drive to move it forward. Whether it is writing a song to play in a coffee shop with guitar in hand, crafting a character arc through a stage musical, creating a primary theme for a film's hero, or following inspiration for a concerto; He always wants the listening to follow the journey, experience the emotion, and come along for the ending. Starting in choirs at a young age, learning music alongside classmates. Dan's focus was more on stage as a ballet dancer. He studied with the Grand Rapids Ballet, beginning performing in key roles with the junior and senior companies and as a member of the Professional Company before graduating High School. He spent multiple summers dancing with the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City as well. Having performed also, in community theater shows and school musicals, he made a chance decision and went to college for theater and music (separate majors) in Chicago. He took a break to start his family, though continued to work in theater, write music for civic events and films, perform as a song writer, produce two albums, and study composition on his own. He returned to formal study at Berklee College of Music, where he earned a degree in Film Music Composition. He has scored for many films, theater, games for companies all over the world. Everything, though, always comes back to telling the best stories through music. |