Don Harper is an American composer, conductor and songwriter for film, television, events and spectaculars.  His film work includes scores for Lion King 1 1/2, Atlantis 2: Milos Return, Beyond Suspicion, and most recently The Tiger Rising with Queen Latifah and Dennis Quaid.  He has also composed music for the films The Rock, The Hulk, Armageddon, and the National Treasure films.   Don has been the choice of renown composers such as Trevor Rabin, Mark Mancina, Hans Zimmer and Danny Elfman for scoring and realizing additional music.  His music is thematic, evocative and transformative, blending traditional orchestral elements with electronics and ethnic instrumentation. Don’s television credits include the series The Magnificent 7, The Legend of Tarzan, Twilight Zone, and Poltergeist: The Legacy.

Don has conducted orchestras and choirs for Moana, Tarzan, Training Day and Twister to name a few. (For a full list of film credits: imdb.com)

In addition to composing for film and TV, Don has written and produced the scores for dozens of “Spectaculars” worldwide for Disney, for Singapore’s 25th Anniversary Celebration, Presidential Inaugurals and the Bicentennial Celebration of the Constitution. His music has been heard by millions and his score for Believe in Holiday Magic at Disneyland has warmed the hearts of audiences for over two decades.

As a songwriter, Don has written both music and lyrics for Disney Spectaculars, stage shows, Radio City Music Hall, Sight & Sound Theaters, Sesame Street, and Super Bowl Halftimes.

Harper’s passion for the arts also manifests outside of film scoring as well.  His studio and creative refuge is called “Sessions at the Loft”. This creative space is part recording studio, public art gallery and performance venue located in historic Old Town Camarillo.  Don sits on the board of Studio Channel Islands Art Center and is committee chair for their live events and performances.  He is also board member and president of Discovery Arts, a non-profit that brings interactive art programs to children receiving cancer treatment in Southern California hospitals.  Don has created projects like Dreams of Mouron, an innovative art and music “Living Gallery”, in collaboration with acclaimed Swiss artist Didier Mouron.

A few words from Don:

It’s my wish that as you listen to the musical excerpts on this site you will come away with a sense of my range and style.  Creating music for film requires a combination of inspiration, craft and an understanding of the evocative nature of what music does when married to a visual. Please give me the opportunity to enhance your vision and create that exceptional emotional element your project deserves. 

Thank you for your consideration.