“For some musicians they do it as a hobby, but for me it’s in my blood,” said Doan, a film composer from Toronto.
“It’s more than a passion for me. It’s my life.”
Admitted into the Guild of Canadian Film Composers
Despite only having seven years of film composing experience under his belt, Doan has already managed to accomplish many feats. He has composed musical scores for fifteen films, and in December 2006 was admitted into the prestigious Guild of Canadian Film Composers (GCFC), a long time goal of his. This past April, Doan released his debut album, ‘From Score to Screen,’ a collection of his finest film scores.
This isn’t even to mention the many other accolades of the thirty year old wunderkind, such as his experience as a traditional conductor, and his fluency in musical instruments. Doan has won several awards as a clarinetist, flutist, saxophonist, and pianist. He also conducted the York Symphony Orchestra and performed solo works with the Hamilton Philharmonic, while attending Mohawk College for music studies.
A John Williams Fan
Much of Doan’s passion for music stems from his artistic upbringing. His mother was a journalist, and his father an avid music fan. “I would come home for lunch, and there would be playing a John Williams score. I always listened to it, and I always liked it,” he remembered.
Originally a traditional composer, Doan seriously considered a career in film composition when he had the opportunity to see one of his idols, Hollywood composer John Williams, perform in Boston. “Just seeing him conduct brought tears to my eyes,” said Doan. “I told myself, ‘That’s what I want to do.’”
Work With Mitch Arend
Throughout the years, Doan has worked with a large number of talented directors, musicians, and performers. One such individual, award winning Canadian director, Mitch Arend, has used Doan as a composer for most of his films, and had nothing but good things to say. “Alexander’s great,” said Arend. “He’s just keeps going forward, and is a pleasure to work with. He is a real safety net for directors because he’s so talented.”
When asked about the best advice he ever received, Doan responded, “It was from Canadian composer, Michael Conway Baker. He told me, ‘When writing music, write for yourself.”
What makes Doan stand out from the rest of the crowd is his ability to produce a truly unique sound. He makes use of his deep roots in classical and jazz to produce soaring melodic lines and harmonies – a sound that inspires the senses of the listener. “What’s good about Alexander is that he can compose scores for many genres of film,” said Arend.
Long-Term Goals
Doan is always striving for perfection, and continues to diversify his field. Among his long term projects, Doan is working on a series of concert works based on the poetry of Edgar Allan Poe.
In regards to his ultimate goal, Doan replied, “A little bald man named Oscar, and I don’t care if I’m ninety years old when I get it. It’s all about self-composition.”
Alexander Doan is a bright light for Toronto, and with his undying passion and determination, it’s only a matter of time before he becomes Canada’s next big thing.
For more information about Alexander Doan, or his new album, check out his website, www.alexanderdoan.com. Doan’s songs are now available on iTunes.
(Note: The statements made by Alexander Doan and Mitch Arend were in conversation with Suite101.com)
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