Meet Ruth Christina | Film & Concert Music Composer

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

Hi Ruth, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I’m still figuring out and trying out different work life balance, since I just graduated and will enter the work environment in a few months. However, I tend to plan my work life balance based on my current priorities. As a composer, priority will changes from time to time (for ex : composing for composition competition, or working on short films,etc), so I tend to be more flexible and more adaptable to the situation that I’m in. Sometimes there might be a time where I won’t be able to rest for a whole month, but maybe the next month I can be a little bit free depending on the job and goals.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m working as Film Composer and Concert Music Composer (contemporary classical music), and I’m grateful that I have been able to maintain and thrive in both of those fields. On top of it, due to the opportunities to learnvdifferent kind of music growing up (Jazz, Latin, Indonesian ethno-contemporary music, Pop), I was able to be versatile in terms of music style. A few months ago, I was able to won award for my composition, Millican Scholarship Award 2022, that incorporate classical and jazz styles. It wasn’t easy to get where I am right now, but all of it can happen thanks to the support and opportunities given by my family and my mentors. I wouldn’t be here today without their dedication and contribution.
I’m forever thankful for my Dad, who’s on his last moments, he still gave his best and provide me opportunity to attend Berklee. He passed away 4 years ago while dropping me off to college in Boston (Berklee College of Music).

I’m not going to say that I successfully has overcame all challenge, since the journey just started. But, the biggest lesson that I’ve learn is the art of perseverance. For me, it means that I have to stay committed to what I chose to do, no matter how crazy is the current circumstances. Perseverance also means doing your best and staying strong despite the challenges.

I really want the world to know that I can be a thriving composer both in Media and Concert Music, despite a lot of people saying that it would be hard to maintain the balance on both ends. Also, I want to be known as someone who’s just an ordinary person, but was able to make it because of the constant effort from both myself and the people around me. As I believe that talent would be beat by hard work.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If they’re going to visit LA, I would love to take them to Santa Monica area. That would be a really fun place to hang out since it has beach, the Santa Monica Pier, and the Promenade for shopping and dining. Another one would be Koreatown, definitely should eat Korean Bbq for dinner, and Sul & Beans Bingsu for dessert. For snacks, would love to take them to Somi Somi to get their Taiyaki (Cheddar and Custard are the best!)
Another favorite dining and shops area are in Pasadena Old Town, where we can get food at Boiling Point USA. After that, there’s a really cute painting cafe “Color Me Mine”, where you can paint clays that comes in different shape (they have star wars mug, cactus vase, cinderella pumpkin cart,etc)

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?
All of these wouldn’t happened without the support from my family (dad, mom, and sister). Also, shoutout to my Film Scoring mentor : Sheldon Mirowitz and Claudio Ragazzi. On the concert music side , big thanks to Billy Childs and Andrew List for helping me hone my skills and inspires me

Website: ruthchristinamusic.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-christina-8018141bb

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008991541695

Image Credits
Kremolens Beyond Photography