Meet Brianna Rhodes | Composer & Violinist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brianna Rhodes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brianna, how do you think about risk?
Risk is about resilience. Failure and setbacks are inevitable, so I ask myself: Which challenges can I handle? Where can I persevere and flourish when others might give up? What can I afford to lose if it doesn’t work out? Which situations might emotionally drain me or make me second-guess myself?

I try to find a balance between objective risks (like putting money or time on the line) and personal risks that are shaped by my own strengths and weaknesses. Usually, I avoid anything that feels risky both objectively and personally, and I’m aware that low risk usually attracts more competition. The sweet spot tends to be the options that might look risky from the outside but feel personally safe or exciting for me — those things that might scare others off but play to my strengths.

I’m pretty comfortable with uncertainty. A lot of my work is project-based, so I’m used to an inconsistent flow of work; a few slow months won’t throw me off balance. I’m energized, not drained, when I’m thrown into unfamiliar territory and have to think on my feet. I trust that I can adapt and I’m willing to take on work that might initially seem outside my wheelhouse. I respect and value the voice of my intuition. Since I’m generally more cautious, if I feel strongly about a potential project or career move, I trust that confidence and put my full weight behind it – regardless of how risky it may look from the outside.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a composer and violinist with a focus on music for visual media – film, television, and video games. I moved to LA in the fall of 2019 and I’ve been fortunate to be involved with a variety of truly exciting projects since arriving here. A few highlights: working on the music team for projects like Mulan (2020), Manhunt: Deadly Games, and Netflix’ The Witcher, working on- and off-set as a violin coach for American Horror Story, and performing for Paris Fashion Week. I’ve also composed original music for some incredible indie films and the animated webseries Hello Cozmo, and have worked as a session violinist and solo recording artist.

Right now, I’m composing for a project I’m incredibly excited about, in a medium that’s new to me – keep an eye out for its release in late 2026! I love expanding my creativity through work with different genres, mediums, and roles within music. When someone asks about my work the simplest answer is to say “I’m a musician”, but the more honest answer is “I’m a creative.” I find inspiration everywhere, and I’m fascinated by the ways ideas, stories, and emotions can be experienced differently through various forms of art. Music is just the artistic avenue I’m most often drawn towards.

I’ve always been a musician. I started piano at age 4, violin and composition around age 8. My background is in classical music, and most of my work before moving to LA was as an orchestral violinist – I love orchestral playing. I stumbled into my love for film scoring during undergraduate years and cut my teeth working on student films. After graduation, I spent a few years playing with every orchestra within a 3-hour radius of my city and building up my composition portfolio – until a very difficult time in my life threw a wrench in my plans. It started with a rough breakup (a tale as old as time) but as one thing after another fell apart in my personal life, I felt like I was being pushed out of my hometown and onto a new path.

I applied for USC’s prestigious screen scoring program… and was waitlisted. I decided, screw it, I’m moving to LA whether or not I get in – I can’t afford to put my life on hold. I made a preliminary trip out to LA to meet with as many people as I could, which led to some of my first big opportunities here (thank you, Steph, for believing in me). A few months later, just days after being officially rejected from USC, I packed my tiny coupe to the brim and set off with my dear friend Rebecca on an epic road trip to LA.

It certainly hasn’t been an easy journey since, but I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had so far. The world is full of talented individuals, many of whom are drawn to LA. While I believe I have a lot to offer creatively and know I’ve worked hard to make it this far, I haven’t lost sight of the fact that in many ways I’ve also been very lucky.

I chose to name my business Lantern Lit Music. It’s inspired by the imagery of carrying a lantern through darkness, illuminating only the next step forward. It’s about stepping into the unknown – perhaps with fear, but also with confidence – building upon the knowledge that has come before and trusting that more wisdom will follow.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I hope it’s a summer visit, because a picnic at the Hollywood Bowl is at the top of my list! I have a massive sweet tooth, so we’ll definitely have a dessert itinerary: treats from Copenhagen Pastry in Culver City, the crème brûlée crepe from Millet Crepe in Sawtelle, and Earl Grey pie from Republic of Pie in NoHo. We have to spend some time on the water, so I’d take them kayaking in Marina del Rey and then drive up the coast to El Matador Beach.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m lucky to have a support system of incredibly compassionate, brilliant, and inspiring friends. Susan, Rebecca, and Lucas have stuck by me for over two decades, even as we’ve scattered across the U.S. and diverged onto different life paths. Since moving to LA I’ve been especially grateful for new friends Tom, Robyn, Mikel, Su, and Angie, who have each brought unique joy into my life and carried me through so much. Being self-employed can feel isolated and lonely at times – even as an introverted artist – and I absolutely cannot thrive without them.

My parents nurtured and instilled a strong love for the arts within me, and have always normalized the idea of carving out a unique path in life. Those are such integral parts of who I am, and I’m eternally grateful they modeled these things for me.

I’ve had too many incredible teachers to list, but I’d love to give a shoutout to Ben, whose guidance extended beyond music and connected me with a sense of ease within myself.

Website: https://www.briannarhodes.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianna-rhodes/

Other: IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8428351/