Music for theatre and live
Live, there’s no second take — and that changes how you write.
What it involves
Composition, arrangements, production and musical direction for theatre, musicals and live shows. Music written to sound in a room, with whatever musicians and conditions there are.
I wrote the music for the stage musicals Bailar en la oscuridad (Dancer in the Dark) and Drac Pack, and spent eight years on keys with Amaral (2015-2024), on the Nocturnal and Salto al Color tours, as well as playing with Najwa Nimri. I come from the conservatoire and concert music, and I still write for acoustic ensembles when the chance comes up.
Having played so many hours live has a practical consequence: when I write for the stage, I know what holds up night after night, what breaks in week three and what a musician will thank you for writing differently.
What you get
- Full composition and arrangements for the production’s score
- Musical direction, rehearsals and adjustments on stage
- Materials for the musicians: scores, guides and click tracks
- Production and pre-recorded tracks when the show mixes live playing and backing
- Adapting the show for touring: from the opening-night version to the one that fits in the truck
- Cast or show recording, if you want to release it
Some examples
See all live & stage work
FAQ
- Do you also arrange and act as musical director?
- Yes. In theatre the commission usually includes composition, arrangements, preparing materials and musical direction of rehearsals. It can be split if the production already has a musical director, but it tends to work better together.
- Can a show combine live musicians and backing tracks?
- Yes, and it’s the most common set-up when the budget doesn’t stretch to a full band. We design what’s played and what’s pre-recorded so the seams don’t show, with clicks and guides ready for the team.
- Do you work outside Madrid?
- Yes. Composition and production happen at Reseda Estudio in Madrid, but rehearsals and get-ins happen wherever the show is. I spent quite a few years on tour, so the model feels familiar.
- Do you write concert music on commission?
- Yes. I come from contemporary composition and have written for concert ensembles, such as La circulación menor, premiered by the CSMA orchestra at the Auditorio de Zaragoza. It’s a different pace and a different kind of commission, but it happens.