Available to hire
May Gao is a composer trained at Berklee College of Music, with a focus on orchestral and hybrid scoring. Her work combines expressive orchestral writing with contemporary sound design, supporting story, pacing, and emotional clarity across film and visual media.
Experience Level
Language
English
Fluent
Work Experience
Composer at Butter Bliss (Short Film)
November 1, 2025 - December 1, 2025Wrote a 6-minute score blending orchestral textures with electronics to support the film's emotional arc; integrated MIDI orchestration with synthesized layers; secured and facilitated a recording session with a clarinet and string quartet; contributed to the film’s win at the Fukuoka International Film Festival Short Film Competition.
Composer at Where the Soul Fades (Hybrid Scoring)
November 1, 2025 - December 1, 2025Composed a 4-minute score emphasizing intimacy, subtle textures, and emotional restraint; used sparse orchestration and electronic sound design to support a minimalist narrative approach.
Composer at The Wave of Body (Orchestral Scoring)
April 1, 2025 - April 20, 2025Composed an orchestral score for an original 3-minute drama/art short film; collaborated closely with the director to align musical language with the film’s artistic vision; recruited and directed a solo flute performer to accompany the MIDI-based orchestral score.
Composer at Soft (Ethio-Jazz)
April 1, 2025 - May 1, 2025Composed an Ethio-Jazz–influenced score blending jazz harmony with regional rhythmic elements for a 2-minute comedy short film, supporting comedic timing and character tone.
Composer at Fade to Black (Orchestral Scoring)
April 1, 2025 - May 1, 2025Composed a 5-minute orchestral score emphasizing emotional build and dramatic transitions; synchronized musical structure with picture to support key dramatic moments.
Education
Bachelor of Music in Film Scoring at Berklee College of Music
September 1, 2022 - December 1, 2025Qualifications
Top 20 Worldwide - Red Bull Scoring Challenge (Vienna, Austria)
December 1, 2024 - December 1, 2024Semi-finalist, Top 12 - Indie Film Music Contest (Remote)
February 1, 2023 - February 1, 2023Finalist to record at The Power Station - Crossroad Collaboration (NYC)
April 1, 2024 - April 1, 2024Industry Experience
Media & Entertainment
Experience Level
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