Meet Leona Sigmund | Multimedia composer

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

Hi Leona, why did you pursue a creative career?
Looking back, I think music and creativity were always a part of my life, even when I wasn’t consciously considering them as a career. Growing up, I would get lost in melodies and rhythms, spending hours at the piano or experimenting with sounds. I didn’t see it as “work” or even something I could do professionally—it was just how I expressed myself.

Even when I was exploring other paths, music had this way of pulling me back. It was there when I needed to process emotions, connect with others, or simply make sense of the world. I think the turning point was realizing that my passion for music wasn’t just a hobby—it was a way to create meaning, both for myself and for others.

Choosing a creative career felt like stepping into who I truly am. It’s not just about composing scores for films, games, or documentaries; it’s about crafting stories and emotions in a way that words sometimes can’t. Music has this incredible ability to move people, and knowing I can contribute to that feels deeply fulfilling.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
As a multimedia composer, I specialize in creating music for film, anime, and video games—mediums that combine storytelling, emotion, and visuals in a way that feels magical to me. What sets my work apart is the diverse background I bring to my compositions. Having studied music in Shanghai, Vienna, London, and New York, I’ve absorbed a variety of styles, cultures, and techniques, which I weave into my scores.

One of the biggest challenges was learning to navigate the business side of the industry—marketing myself, negotiating contracts, and balancing creative work with professional demands. I overcame these challenges by staying curious and constantly learning, whether that meant seeking advice from mentors, taking business workshops, or simply learning from trial and error.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that relationships are everything. This industry is built on collaboration, and the connections you make—whether with directors, animators, developers, or fellow composers—can lead to incredible opportunities. I’ve also learned to trust my voice as an artist. It’s easy to second-guess yourself in a competitive field, but I’ve found that staying true to my unique perspective is what makes my work stand out.

More than anything, I want my journey to inspire others to follow their passions, even when it feels uncertain. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the path may not always be easy, but it’s worth it when you’re doing something that truly feels like home.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting New York City, especially as a music lover, I’d plan a week that immerses them in the city’s rich musical culture. We’d start with the classics, like visiting the Apollo Theater in Harlem to learn about its legendary history or catching a Broadway show in the Theatre District. We’d explore Williamsburg for vinyl hunting and live music, then head to National Sawdust for a night of experimental performances. A trip to Lincoln Center would be a must, where we could experience a live orchestral performance or even a film screening with live scoring. I’d also take them to the Museum of Moving Image to dive into the world of film scoring and sound design, then stroll through Central Park to see the Strawberry Fields Imagine Mosaic, a tribute to John Lennon. To end the week, we’d visit Carnegie Hall for a behind-the-scenes tour and have dinner on a rooftop like Westlight, with breathtaking skyline views. New York’s energy, diversity, and deep connection to music make it the perfect place to celebrate creativity and connection.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My journey toward a creative career has been anything but linear. Music has always been part of my life, whether I realized it or not—it was there in the quiet moments at the piano, in melodies I would hum to myself, or in the stories I’d imagine as I listened to film scores. But when it came to pursuing music seriously, it wasn’t always easy to believe in myself.

I had people along the way who encouraged me, seeing potential in me even when I couldn’t. At the same time, there were others who questioned my decision, warning me about how difficult and uncertain a creative path could be. For a while, their doubts became my doubts, and I wasn’t always sure if I had what it took to turn my passion into a career.

Through all of that, my dad has always been my anchor. He’s been my greatest believer—my pillar when I couldn’t stand on my own. Even when I wasn’t sure who I was or what I was capable of, he reminded me of my worth and encouraged me to keep going. His faith in me gave me the strength to take risks and embrace my creative side fully.

Now, looking back, I realize that every challenge and moment of uncertainty has shaped me into the artist I am today. Music is more than a career for me; it’s the language through which I connect with others and tell stories. And while I’ve learned to believe in myself over time, I’ll always be grateful to my dad for believing in me first.

Website: https://leonasigmund.com

Instagram: leona.sigmund

Linkedin: Leona Sigmund

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@leonasigmund8767

Image Credits
January Yucheng Li