UK-born Adam Howard is one of the most recognisable music composers in the industry. Based at Howard Music in Bryanston, Johannesburg – the 38-year-old has composed numerous award-winning TV and radio commercials, and worked with almost all the big names in the industry. Pro Systems recently had an opportunity to learn more about his illustrious career.

How did it all begin?

Adam: In 1996 I graduated from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London where I attained a Bmus degree in classical music. There I studied trumpet, composing, electronic music and arranging – my dream then was to play 1st trumpet in an orchestra. The week after I graduated, I was invited to play 1st trumpet in an orchestra in Germany and left England. A year later my friend who was playing for the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra convinced me to audition for the State Theatre Philharmonic Orchestra in Pretoria and that’s how I came to South Africa. They initially gave me a six-month contract but I ended up staying there until 2000 when the whole orchestra, ballet and opera departments were retrenched.

Did you consider returning oversees at that point?

Adam: Nearly, but I was starting to compose music for a few TV commercials and the money was actually better than what overseas orchestras were offering. In 2002 I joined a company called Stone music where I worked as a music producer/composer and in 2004 I formed my own company, Howard Music. In 2007, I did play again in an orchestra – I was offered the 1st trumpet chair of the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra and spent a year with them. But with Howard Music moving to the Ministry Of Illusion in 2007, I decided to concentrate all my energies on my studio.

How best do you describe what Howard Music does?

Adam: We predominantly focus on composing original music for TV and radio commercials, musical direction for live events and final mix.

What type of music did you listen to growing up?

Adam: As a young boy I listened to a lot of British pop music, then I developed a passion for classical music and jazz, but to be honest, I listen to all genres. As a composer for TV commercials, you have to have your finger on the pulse of many genres.

Do you still remember your first TV commercial?

Adam: Yes! It was a Daiwoo Matiz TVC, with Oscar Strauss directing – I was so excited.

What has been your proudest project?

Adam: From a composing for TV commercials point of view, it has to be winning a Silver Lourie Award for the IEC register to vote campaign – and from a performance point of view it has to be playing in the house band at the official FIFA Kick-off concert where I performed with the likes of Shakira, John Legend, Hugh Masekaela and Angelique Kidjo.

You are also a reputable musical director. What kind of events are you currently involved in?