Driven by the simple yet powerful motto, make cool things, Mackinley Rolfe is a modern composer and multidisciplinary artist whose music and creative output transcends genre, format, and expectation. With roots in contemporary music composition and a deep knowledge of audio production, he approaches music-making as both craft and exploration, combining the sensibilities of a songwriter, the precision of an engineer, and the openness of a conceptual artist. A student of the Bachelor of Music Industry program at Box Hill Institute, majoring in composition, Mackinley’s versatility has defined his artistic craft. He is equally at home composing for screen, producing for independent artists, and writing original concert works. His compositions have featured in over ten short films and media projects, including several award-nominated and award-winning scores, and he has produced a full EP for Melbourne-based artist ‘Follow The Robin’ set for release in early 2026. His catalogue spans works for solo violin, choral pieces, large ensemble works, and commissions, including a performance by the Victorian Youth Symphony Orchestra. While experienced in multiple DAWs, Mackinley is highly proficient in the worlds of Logic Pro X and Pro Tools - tools he uses not just for composition but for the full scope of music creation, from sound design to final mix. His multifaceted skillset allows him to embody his personal brand: composer. creator. Mackinley doesn’t see himself confined to a single identity in music, but as someone constantly building, reshaping, and experimenting across many disciplines and forms of expression. Currently, Mackinley is developing new projects that blend audiovisual elements, performance, and sound installation, expanding his practice into immersive and interdisciplinary territories. As he continues to explore the edges of form and meaning, one thing remains constant: a desire to make work that feels honest, emotionally resonant, and quietly powerful.

Mackinley Rolfe

Driven by the simple yet powerful motto, make cool things, Mackinley Rolfe is a modern composer and multidisciplinary artist whose music and creative output transcends genre, format, and expectation. With roots in contemporary music composition and a deep knowledge of audio production, he approaches music-making as both craft and exploration, combining the sensibilities of a songwriter, the precision of an engineer, and the openness of a conceptual artist. A student of the Bachelor of Music Industry program at Box Hill Institute, majoring in composition, Mackinley’s versatility has defined his artistic craft. He is equally at home composing for screen, producing for independent artists, and writing original concert works. His compositions have featured in over ten short films and media projects, including several award-nominated and award-winning scores, and he has produced a full EP for Melbourne-based artist ‘Follow The Robin’ set for release in early 2026. His catalogue spans works for solo violin, choral pieces, large ensemble works, and commissions, including a performance by the Victorian Youth Symphony Orchestra. While experienced in multiple DAWs, Mackinley is highly proficient in the worlds of Logic Pro X and Pro Tools - tools he uses not just for composition but for the full scope of music creation, from sound design to final mix. His multifaceted skillset allows him to embody his personal brand: composer. creator. Mackinley doesn’t see himself confined to a single identity in music, but as someone constantly building, reshaping, and experimenting across many disciplines and forms of expression. Currently, Mackinley is developing new projects that blend audiovisual elements, performance, and sound installation, expanding his practice into immersive and interdisciplinary territories. As he continues to explore the edges of form and meaning, one thing remains constant: a desire to make work that feels honest, emotionally resonant, and quietly powerful.

Available to hire

Driven by the simple yet powerful motto, make cool things, Mackinley Rolfe is a modern composer and multidisciplinary artist whose music and creative output transcends genre, format, and expectation. With roots in contemporary music composition and a deep knowledge of audio production, he approaches music-making as both craft and exploration, combining the sensibilities of a songwriter, the precision of an engineer, and the openness of a conceptual artist.

A student of the Bachelor of Music Industry program at Box Hill Institute, majoring in composition, Mackinley’s versatility has defined his artistic craft. He is equally at home composing for screen, producing for independent artists, and writing original concert works. His compositions have featured in over ten short films and media projects, including several award-nominated and award-winning scores, and he has produced a full EP for Melbourne-based artist ‘Follow The Robin’ set for release in early 2026. His catalogue spans works for solo violin, choral pieces, large ensemble works, and commissions, including a performance by the Victorian Youth Symphony Orchestra.

While experienced in multiple DAWs, Mackinley is highly proficient in the worlds of Logic Pro X and Pro Tools - tools he uses not just for composition but for the full scope of music creation, from sound design to final mix. His multifaceted skillset allows him to embody his personal brand: composer. creator. Mackinley doesn’t see himself confined to a single identity in music, but as someone constantly building, reshaping, and experimenting across many disciplines and forms of expression.

Currently, Mackinley is developing new projects that blend audiovisual elements, performance, and sound installation, expanding his practice into immersive and interdisciplinary territories. As he continues to explore the edges of form and meaning, one thing remains constant: a desire to make work that feels honest, emotionally resonant, and quietly powerful.

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Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Freelance Music Composer / Producer
November 1, 2022 - Present
Writing music for film, games, and media; music studio engineering experience; record production. Composed and produced original music for over 10 short films, TV pilots, and advertisements. Experience producing, recording, and mixing a 5-track EP.
Bartender / Music Management / All Rounder at Missing Gorilla - Eltham
April 1, 2024 - Present
Managed supply and stocktake; organised and promoted performances from local musicians; hosted functions, gatherings, and parties; booked solo artists and musicians for live music performance twice a week including negotiating contracts, fees, and payments. Provided basic FOH audio engineering for live gigs.

Education

Bachelor of Music Industry at Box Hill Institute
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2025

Qualifications

Best Original Score
December 1, 2024 - December 1, 2024
Swinburne CINAESTHESIA Film Festival 2024, Best Original Score for short film 'Dead and Found'

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Gaming, Retail
    paper St John's Youth Awareness Documentary

    Music composition for an informative documentary on St John’s Ambulance Victoria, directed by Isaac Johns.

    paper The Devil You Know

    Additional music production and performance; additional Audio Engineering for Shelby Rose’s original score for the short film ‘The Devil You Know’ directed by Francesca Codd.

    Summary
    “THE DEVIL YOU KNOW Tells the story of Maggie, a young woman who after leaving a restrictive religious community in the country, seeks liberation in metropolitan Melbourne, but finds the urban utopia isn’t what she hoped.”

    paper Vinegar Mother

    Original score for comedy / drama film ‘Vinegar Mother’ directed by Francesca Codd

    Summary
    “In the wake of her first heartbreak, sad-girl Liv is pushed by her long-suffering best friend into breaking into a Melbourne share house to reclaim her prized Kombucha SCOBY, in a bid to sever the final ties with her ex.”

    paper The Thong

    Emotional soundtrack composed for Aarya Hatkhambar’s ‘The Thong’

    SCREENED AND PREMIERED AT ST. KILDA FILM FESTIVAL 2025
    Co-composed with Neel Upasani

    Summary
    “The film follows Indian-Australian teen, Vedhika who is on the run to hide a g-string she accidentally buys before her conservative family finds out. With complex themes of female sexuality and de-colonisation, this short film was nominated Best Director, Best Screenplay and Best Production Design at Deakin’s Graduate Film Festival, Visionnaire.”

    paper Standing Ovation

    https://www.twine.net/signin

    Music composition and songwriting for short film “Standing Ovation” directed by Amy Burgess/
    Film score mostly inspired by classical orchestral arrangement, heavily featuring dramatic orchestration and arrangement. Piano performance is also featured throughout

    Film Summary
    “The spotlight shines on Charlie Harris, a promising ballet dancer struggling with inner turmoil and external pressures. As he prepares for his solo, he grapples with the urgency from stage manager Amanda, and ridicule from fellow dancer Georgia. Charlie’s estranged father Bruce sits as an audience member for the first time. Although a shaky beginning, Charlie completes his routine, finding strength and stability through Bruce’s newfound support. Amidst the chaos, Charlie extends a hand of empathy to Georgia, forging an unlikely bond through common ground. Together, Charlie, Georgia and Bruce embark on a journey of healing, self-discovery, and the profound impact of love and acceptance.”