I’m Nikita Zashchytynsky, a composer, multi-instrumentalist, and music producer based in York, and I’m currently in the final year of my BA (Hons) Music at York St John University. I specialise in creating and arranging music for visual media and live performance, with a strong focus on atmosphere, storytelling, and making the music feel tightly connected to what’s happening on screen. I work independently in Logic Pro and enjoy projects that blend cinematic orchestration with texture and emotion—whether that’s writing a film soundtrack, building original orchestral pieces like Forbidden Forest, or adapting arrangements for ensembles and bands. Alongside composing, I also have hands-on experience with music editing, recording, live arranging, and session performance, and I’m actively building a portfolio of original work for film and screen.…

Nikita Zashchytynsky

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I’m Nikita Zashchytynsky, a composer, multi-instrumentalist, and music producer based in York, and I’m currently in the final year of my BA (Hons) Music at York St John University. I specialise in creating and arranging music for visual media and live performance, with a strong focus on atmosphere, storytelling, and making the music feel tightly connected to what’s happening on screen. I work independently in Logic Pro and enjoy projects that blend cinematic orchestration with texture and emotion—whether that’s writing a film soundtrack, building original orchestral pieces like Forbidden Forest, or adapting arrangements for ensembles and bands. Alongside composing, I also have hands-on experience with music editing, recording, live arranging, and session performance, and I’m actively building a portfolio of original work for film and screen.…

Available to hire

I’m Nikita Zashchytynsky, a composer, multi-instrumentalist, and music producer based in York, and I’m currently in the final year of my BA (Hons) Music at York St John University. I specialise in creating and arranging music for visual media and live performance, with a strong focus on atmosphere, storytelling, and making the music feel tightly connected to what’s happening on screen.

I work independently in Logic Pro and enjoy projects that blend cinematic orchestration with texture and emotion—whether that’s writing a film soundtrack, building original orchestral pieces like Forbidden Forest, or adapting arrangements for ensembles and bands. Alongside composing, I also have hands-on experience with music editing, recording, live arranging, and session performance, and I’m actively building a portfolio of original work for film and screen.

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Skills

Experience Level

Instrumental
Expert
Music Theory
Expert
Logic Pro
Expert
Steinberg Cubase
Expert
Composition
Intermediate
Audio
Intermediate
Master
Intermediate
Mix
Intermediate
Soundtrack
Intermediate
Guitar Pro
Intermediate
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Language

English
Fluent
Russian
Fluent
Ukrainian
Fluent

Work Experience

Composer (University short film soundtrack) at York St John University (Film Studies student production)
June 1, 2026 - June 30, 2026
Composed original music for a 15-minute short film, prioritising mood, pacing, and visual storytelling. Focused on creating musical atmosphere that supports scenes and narrative flow.
Pit Band Guitarist (Live performance) at York St John University
January 1, 2026 - May 15, 2026
Performed electric guitar in the pit band, working with the arranging team, musical director, and conductor. Adapted difficult guitar parts into playable arrangements, managed pedals/amp settings and musical transitions, supported stage and rehearsal setup, and responded to rapid changes in genre, tempo, and stage action while keeping the guitar musically supportive.
Volunteer / Live Singer, Arranger and Guitarist at World Harvest Festival (Macclesfield)
August 6, 2025 - September 7, 2025
Performed live vocals and guitar as part of a community cultural festival.
Volunteer music performer at York Hospital
January 1, 2025 - Present
Performed live music for patients and visitors, adapting repertoire and performance style to the setting.
Composer (Independent / University Projects) at University and independent work
January 1, 2024 - Present
Composed original cinematic music for student film projects and developed orchestral works influenced by contemporary film and video-game music. Created arrangements and maintained a YouTube portfolio featuring original soundtracks and film-related edits, including the short film soundtrack 'Dawn of Creation'.
Customer Experience Ambassador at McDonald’s
August 1, 2023 - September 30, 2024
Worked in a fast-paced customer-facing environment, developing communication, reliability, teamwork, and organisation under pressure.
Band Leader / Guitarist / Pianist at York St John University
January 1, 2023 - Present
Led rehearsals, assigned parts, created setlists, and coordinated the group for university performances. Played electric guitar and piano across a pop/rock repertoire and prepared for paid performances including the University Winter Ball and Archie’s Day.
Music Technology / Recording, Editing, Mixing & Mastering (Student projects) at Tytherington School
September 2, 2022 - July 11, 2024
Recorded and produced music projects using Cubase, including covers. Completed the full workflow of recording, editing, mixing, and mastering independently under supervision, and developed practical production skills for composition work in Logic Pro.
Ensemble Musician / Arranger at York St John University
January 1, 2020 - Present
Performed across 10+ university ensembles including Latin Band, Classical Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, University Choir, Folk Fusion, Slavic Folk Band, Hi-Funk Fever, The Decades, and Ball Band. Worked as musical director for Slavic Folk Band and Hi-Funk Fever, refining arrangements, balancing instruments and dynamics, and adapting parts during rehearsals.
Assistant web designer & content manager at Home Boutique
December 1, 2018 - December 31, 2019
Created promotional banners, edited website images, and uploaded and managed website content.

Education

BA (Hons) Music at York St John University
September 29, 2023 - September 16, 2026
A Levels (Music Technology, English Language, History) at Tytherington School
September 2, 2022 - July 11, 2024

Qualifications

First-class marks for composition assignments (BA Music, York St John University)
January 1, 2024 - September 16, 2026
English Language A-level Most Progressive Student
September 2, 2024 - July 11, 2024

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education
    Forbidden Forest — Movement I
    Original cinematic orchestral composition created as part of my university composition studies, for which I received a First-class mark of 75. I created the piece to build a dark, mysterious and immersive atmosphere, using orchestration, harmony, texture and recurring musical ideas. I then paired the composition with a fan edit of The Hunger Games, selecting and editing film footage to explore how my music could support visual storytelling, atmosphere and emotional pacing. This project demonstrates my experience creating original music for picture and my interest in combining composition with visual media.…
    Original Score — Post-Apocalyptic Short Film
    An original score composed for a third-year Film Studies short film set in a post-apocalyptic world. The music was written to support the film's atmosphere and narrative, with a focus on creating tension, isolation, and a sense of uncertainty through evolving textures, dynamics, and instrumentation. As the original film is no longer available to me, the score is presented alongside a sequence from I Am Legend as a visual reference for the post-apocalyptic setting and an example of how the composition works in relation to picture.…
    Branded Boutique Promotional Video — Original Music
    Original music composed for a luxury Valmont campaign created in collaboration with Home Boutique. I developed a cinematic and sophisticated musical identity to complement the campaign’s visuals, focusing on atmosphere, emotional pacing, texture, and elegance. The aim was to create music that feels luxurious without being excessive — supporting the imagery, enhancing the emotional impact, and becoming an integral part of the brand experience.…