I’m a film and concert composer, pianist, and music technologist currently studying under the film scoring program led by Emmy- and Grammy-winning composer Carlos Rafael Rivera (known for The Queen's Gambit, Hacks, A Walk Among the Tombstones, etc.). Having scored over a dozen projects and produced over 400 tracks of music across various genres, I am an expert in the media scoring industry. My work blends rigorous music theory, hands-on composition, and modern DAW/score-prep workflows to create music for screens and ensembles.

Benjamin Montes

I’m a film and concert composer, pianist, and music technologist currently studying under the film scoring program led by Emmy- and Grammy-winning composer Carlos Rafael Rivera (known for The Queen's Gambit, Hacks, A Walk Among the Tombstones, etc.). Having scored over a dozen projects and produced over 400 tracks of music across various genres, I am an expert in the media scoring industry. My work blends rigorous music theory, hands-on composition, and modern DAW/score-prep workflows to create music for screens and ensembles.

Available to hire

I’m a film and concert composer, pianist, and music technologist currently studying under the film scoring program led by Emmy- and Grammy-winning composer Carlos Rafael Rivera (known for The Queen’s Gambit, Hacks, A Walk Among the Tombstones, etc.). Having scored over a dozen projects and produced over 400 tracks of music across various genres, I am an expert in the media scoring industry. My work blends rigorous music theory, hands-on composition, and modern DAW/score-prep workflows to create music for screens and ensembles.

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Language

English
Fluent
Spanish; Castilian
Advanced

Work Experience

Composer (short film + soundtrack album) at Independent commission
January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025
Composed music for “Curveball (2025)” and contributed to the accompanying soundtrack album release “Curveball (2025).”
Composer (short film) at Independent commission
January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025
Composed music for the short film “How to Unlove Someone (2025).” Worked with film story structure to develop musical themes aligned to on-screen narrative.
Composer / Arranger / Score preparer (short film) at Independent commission
January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025
Composed, arranged, and prepared the score for the short film “The Hard Place (2025),” supporting production needs including part preparation and performance-ready materials.
Composer (feature documentary) at Independent commission
January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025
Composed the score for the feature-length documentary film “Holly’s Rescue (2025).” Provided musical planning and production tailored to documentary pacing and emotional arcs.
Composer / Arranger / Score preparer (short film) at Independent commission
January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024
Composed, arranged, and prepared the score for “Senses (2024).” Produced performance-ready parts and supported production through score preparation.
Licensed Studio Engineer at Frost School of Music MSP studio
January 1, 2024 - Present
Licensed studio engineer at the Frost School of Music MSP studio, supporting audio production and recording workflows in an academic studio environment.
Mentor / Teacher (IB Higher Level Economics, music-adjacent tutoring) at IB Higher Level Economics
January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2024
Taught classes and mentored lower-grade students in IB Higher Level Economics, leveraging mentorship experience to support learning and structure.
Music Lecturer at Middle & High Schools (by request of administrators)
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2024
Gave numerous music lectures across middle and high school settings, focusing on making musical concepts accessible and engaging for students.
IB Higher Level Economics instructor / mentor (music-adjacent education leadership)
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2025
Taught classes and mentored lower-grade students in IB Higher Level Economics, supporting academic development and student readiness.
Keyboardist at Local Panamanian rock band
December 31, 2019 - December 30, 2023
Performed as keyboard player for a local Panamanian rock band (2020–2023), contributing to live rehearsals and performances.
Licensed/independent studio music producer (self-released tracks)
January 1, 2019 - Present
Independently produced and released instrumental, classical, and pop music onto streaming platforms since 2019, with 100+ tracks under their name.

Education

Bachelor of Music (Media Scoring and Production) at University of Miami – Frost School of Music
January 1, 2024 - May 31, 2028
Minor in Music Theory and Composition at University of Miami – Frost School of Music
January 1, 2025 - May 31, 2028

Qualifications

Licensed Studio Engineer (Frost School of Music MSP studio)
January 1, 2024 - August 17, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Non-Profit Organization
    Holly's Rescue - Feature-Length Documentary Film Composer

    I was the lead composer and producer of music for the feature-length documentary “Holly’s Rescue” directed by William Day-Sharman under the Australia-based production company B201 Productions. I was responsible for writing over 35 minutes of music that accompanied the emotional narrative of the film. I communicated extensively and worked well within the appropriate deadlines given to me by the director over a period of 2 months.

    The Hard Place - Original Film Score Collaboration

    I collaborated with another composer to co-compose the original film score to the film “The Hard Place” directed by Ethan Kozo. The film was premiered with a live performance of the score by an orchestra at the Cosford Cinema in Miami, Florida. I was responsible for dealing with composing the music for the film as well as arranging and preparing the parts for the performers and conductor.

    Senses - Original Film Score and Arrangements

    I was the lead film composer and arranger for the short film “Senses.” Not only did I compose the music for the film, but was also responsible for orchestrating and arranging parts for the performers of the film score. I was able to meet very strict deadlines to realize the project, while continuously working with the director of the film.

    How to Unlove Someone - Original Film Score Composition

    I was the lead composer and producer of all music for the short film “How to Unlove Someone,” directed by Alex Debortoli and produced by the Australian-based company B201 Productions. This score combined elements of horror and comedy while hitting numerous complex and varied emotive beats throughout the narrative. I had extensive communication with the director and editor in order to accurately further the director’s vision for the film.

    Curveball - Soundtrack/Score to the Motion Picture

    I was the lead composer and producer of the music for the film “Curveball,” produced by the Miami-based Sugar Land Productions. I communicated extensively with the director to bring his vision to life, writing music that effectively captures the anxiety and emotional depth of the narrative and characters involved within the context of the film’s setting. I also entirely produced and edited the accompanying soundtrack album for the film, which is available on all streaming platforms.

    Spotify: https://www.twine.net/signin

    The Color of the Universe

    A full 17-track pop music album produced entirely by myself for both a digital and physical international release. The album touches on a deeply-personal and emotional narrative brought to life by fusing my extensive film and concert composing experience with my music production experience.