Meet Dian Shuai | Music Composer& Film Composer

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

Hi Dian, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Music has always been woven into the fabric of my life. Growing up in a family of artists, my parents recognized my musical talent early on. My mom started me on piano lessons when I was three, and I took to it immediately, practicing daily with enthusiasm. She often shares stories of how, as a young child, I would gravitate toward any keyboard I saw, playing for hours until it was time to leave.

At the age of 12, I recorded my first piano album, which sparked a new curiosity in me. One day, while practicing, I had a simple but honest thought: Why do I have to practice others’ music? Why can’t I write my own music? That question led me down the path of composition. Inspired by Japanese composers like Takayuki Hattori and Joe Hisaishi, as well as film composers such as Hans Zimmer and Brian Tyler, I became fascinated by the way music can bring stories and emotions to life.

During my undergraduate years at UC Berkeley, I had a pivotal moment while studying: I realized I wanted to pursue music professionally. After graduation, I refined my craft at the Eastman School of Music, studying film scoring and media composition under Mark Watters and Jeff Beal. Their mentorship helped me build the skills and confidence I needed to navigate today’s competitive music world.

For me, creating music is more than a career—it’s a way to tell stories, connect with people, and contribute something meaningful to the world. I’m incredibly grateful for the journey so far and excited for what’s still to come.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
In today’s music world, from my humble perspective, there are two main avenues of composition: academic and commercial. Both are meaningful in their own right. My work as a composer leans more toward the commercial side, as I primarily create music for media and film. My approach to composition is deeply rooted in traditional Western art music. I’m particularly inspired by tonal music, especially from the Baroque era, and I have a passion for writing orchestral pieces. My style centers around tonal, orchestral music, reflecting my aesthetic values and my dedication to storytelling through these timeless sounds.

What sets my music apart is its emotional depth and focus on storytelling. I aim to craft music that allows the audience to connect deeply with the narrative. I believe music has the unique power to evoke subtle yet profound emotions, and my goal is to create pieces that leave room for individual interpretation. As the saying goes, “There are a thousand Hamlets in a thousand people’s eyes.” I want listeners to find their own personal connection to my music, allowing it to evoke emotions and inspire their own thoughts and stories.

One of the challenges I’ve faced is navigating modern trends in film and media music, which often lean toward experimental styles that are less tonal and traditional. While I embrace innovation and am eager to explore new creative approaches, I remain true to my roots in orchestral and classical conventions. My focus is on blending these timeless techniques with contemporary storytelling, crafting a voice that feels both authentic and unique in today’s music landscape.

Ultimately, my goal is to create music that moves people and fosters a deep emotional connection. I hope my work can inspire others and bring a sense of intimacy and storytelling to audiences around the world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Los Angeles for a week, here’s the itinerary I’d plan to make sure they have an unforgettable time:

Day 1: Museum Day – Norton Simon Museum
We’d start our trip with a visit to the Norton Simon Museum. This is one of my favorite places in LA because of its beautiful collection of classical art. We’d spend a few hours exploring the galleries and enjoying the serene pond and the lovely cafeteria in the back. The water lilies there always remind me of Monet’s iconic paintings. Afterward, we’d relax and grab dinner nearby. It’s a perfect way to ease into the trip with some cultural enrichment. And the best part? Free parking!

Day 2: Museum Day – Getty Center & Getty Villa
The next day, we’d head to the Getty Center in the morning. With stunning views, an impressive collection of paintings, and gorgeous gardens, it’s a must-visit. We’d explore the exhibits and take our time enjoying the space. In the afternoon, we’d make our way to The Getty Villa to see a fantastic collection of classical sculptures and learn more about ancient art and culture.

Day 3: Beach Day
Having grown up in Beijing, where I’m far from the ocean, I always feel recharged when I’m by the water. We’d head to Santa Monica Pier for a leisurely walk, taking in the sights and sounds of the beach. Then, we’d check out a few more iconic LA beaches, including Venice and Malibu. For dinner, we’d go to The Lobster, a fantastic restaurant right by the Santa Monica Pier, with amazing views and delicious food. If we can get a window seat, it’s an unforgettable experience!

Day 4: Irvine & Laguna Beach Day
For a change of pace, we’d take a day trip to Irvine and Laguna Beach. In the morning, we’d head to Irvine for an authentic Chinese meal, such as the Chinese Lamb Chop at a local restaurant that specializes in Northern Chinese cuisine. It’s one of my favorites, and I think my friend would love it! After lunch, we’d visit the Orange County Museum of Art to enjoy contemporary art exhibits. Later, we’d head over to Laguna Beach to soak in the beautiful coastal views, explore the art galleries, and relax by the beach. It’s a great combination of culture, art, and scenic beauty.

Day 5: Classic LA Landmarks
To round out the trip, we’d hit the classic LA landmarks: Griffith Observatory for panoramic views of the city, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) to appreciate more art, and, of course, the Hollywood Walk of Fame. These are quintessential LA experiences, and I’d make sure my friend gets to see them all in a relaxed and fun way.

Day 6: Explore Hidden Gems & LA Philharmonic
We’d spend the day checking out some of LA’s lesser-known spots—quirky cafés, boutique shops, or even a local performance. In the evening, if the LA Philharmonic has a good performance scheduled, I’d make sure we catch it at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. It’s one of the best places in LA for live music, and a performance here is always an unforgettable experience!

Day 7: Walk in Beverly Hills & Campus Visits
On the final day, we’d start by taking a leisurely stroll through Beverly Hills, exploring the iconic streets and luxury shops. We’d walk through Rodeo Drive, enjoy the atmosphere, and maybe grab a coffee in one of the chic cafés. Then, we’d visit two famous university campuses—USC and UCLA—to admire the beautiful architecture and vibrant campus life. It’s a relaxing yet memorable way to wrap up the trip, with some final sightseeing and plenty of space to reflect on the week.

Food Options for the Week:

Sun Nong Dan: One of the best Korean restaurants in town.
Puros Tacos Y Ramen: The most amazing lamb tacos I’ve ever tasted.
Chubby Curry: A great place for Japanese-style curry.
Ruen Pair: Popular Thai food in Hollywood.
Beijing Tasty House: Authentic Northern Chinese cuisine.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Mr. Jeff Beal for establishing the incredible Beal Institute for Film Music and Contemporary Media at the Eastman School of Music. The institute provides aspiring composers with invaluable opportunities to pursue careers in media composition and film scoring. Eastman, as a whole, is an exceptional institution that offers some of the finest classical training across nearly every aspect of the music world.

I am also profoundly thankful to Professor Mark Watters, the director of the Film Music and Contemporary Media program at Eastman, for selecting me and giving me the opportunity to study at such a prestigious school. Throughout my two years there, he not only mentored me as a composer and musician but also showed immense care and dedication to me and all his students. His wisdom and professionalism continue to inspire me—not only as a musician but as a human being.

Lastly, I want to thank both the Eastman School of Music and UC Berkeley for preparing me to navigate the professional music world. Their training and support laid the foundation for my career, and I’m forever grateful for the knowledge and opportunities they provided.

Website: https://dianshuaimusic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianshuai_music/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dian-shuai-9421b72aa/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551764927039

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@dianshuaimusic?si=7_OJ1ybvNBEs6jEm

Other: Xiaohongshu / RED / REDnote / XHS: https://www.xiaohongshu.com/user/profile/5b269f67f7e8b918b1364ca2?xsec_token=ABKf5BykKXAw1KolcP0ciRAMWaWgn87Za9bjLMF1192SM%3D&xsec_source=pc_search

Image Credits
Wenxin Luo