CHRISTIAN AMONSON
SCORE PRODUCER/MIXER

Christian Amonson specializes in recording, mixing, and producing orchestral music. He has recorded legends like John Williams, Yo-Yo Ma, the Chicago Symphony, LA Master Chorale, and “The President’s Own”. As one of the most sought-after mixers for orchestra, he has led over 3000 projects in 1000+ studios, scoring stages, and concert halls. Christian is based in Los Angeles and is a faculty member in the USC Screen Scoring program.

"You changed the way I hear orchestral music."
Emma Dayhuff, Recording Engineer, The Chicago Symphony Orchestra

The hidden superpower.

Christian can see sound (like echolocation). This ability and an unwavering sense of musicality has established a track record of a) getting it better-than-right on the first time, and b) success with some of the most complex recordings, like capturing orchestra, chorus, and soloists in one room, or recording John Williams when the regular approach isn’t allowed.

”Our other engineer says this isn’t even possible, but I know you’ve done it before. Can you help us?” LA Opera

“How do you do it?! I’ve worked with the same scoring orchestra before, and your recording makes them sound twice as big. Thank you so much for going.” Composer

“I didn’t like our recordings before this. But you are a wizard.” Carl St.Clair, Music Director, Pacific Symphony

Getting in early.

Christian is involved with projects starting at least with the recording sessions, often earlier. Whether it’s a completely new scenario or a room used for decades, he finds a way to make it lush and three-dimensional… often in new and unexpected ways.

“A level of recording we’ve never had before.” The President’s Own U.S. Marine Band

"Nothing is ever beyond my expectations because, if you knew me, you’d know I always expect greatness from those around me in their work. THIS IS BEYOND MY EXPECTATIONS. Bravo, BRAVO, BRAVO!" - Music Director

“Just wanted to say a huge thank you for taking our feedback and for getting Christian to teach us. The first class was incredible and I learned so much already.” USC Screen Scoring

“I’ll say it again: what you’ve done here is just extraordinary and this piece might be the finest audio mix we’ve heard yet.” Alex Nelson, Pacific Chorale

FAQ WITH CHRISTIAN

I’d love to meet. What’s the best way? I can come to you (LA/SoCal), meet near USC, or hop on Zoom.

Do you take projects that aren’t full orchestra? I do.

How much lead time do you need for a booking? Some projects are planned a year in advance; some are couple months. Or if you have an emergency, I can zip to any of the big LA studios in about 20 minutes on the motorcycle.

Can you help with whole project? I can introduce you to players, contractors, conductors, studios, orchestrators, arrangers, librarians, vocalists, producers, photographers, videographers, caterers, PAs, LDs, etc. After all this time, I’ve made a lot of friends.

Do you work out of specific studios? I’ll go anywhere for a recording, and I can turn places that aren’t studios into studios. I hang in Hollywood a lot, but also… hotel rooms, homestays, concert halls, USC, etc.

I just had a recording session! Could you mix it? I do my best work when I’m involved with the recording process, so I don’t do mix-only anymore. Get the recording right, and mixing can feel like a victory lap.

Do you do album mastering? Yes! I can master for release. I’m very good with QC.

Do you do jazz or big band? Feels like home. I was the engineer for NPR’s JazzSet at the Kennedy Center, and I used to play jazz drums way back when.

Oldies but fun little interviews:

5 Questions with a Musician: Christian Amonson - Missy Curl

Behind the Scenes with Christian Amonson - Choral Arts Society of Washington