I’m Derry McDermott, a composer, arranger and teacher from Ireland.

I'm classically trained on piano and double bass at the Royal Irish Academy of Music, and graduated with a joint honours degree in Mathematics and Music from Trinity College Dublin.

I’ve enjoyed plentiful opportunities over the years to perform in orchestras, bands, choirs, and Irish trad sessions. Recently, I was awarded the George Moore Scholarship to study Screen Scoring at USC Thornton. I have written and arranged music for orchestral ensembles of up to 50+ players, and have composed and collaborated on scores for live-action and animated films.

I am particularly interested in exploring audiences’ tolerance for dissonance within tonal frameworks. While my work aims to remain accessible and engaging, I enjoy blending orchestral writing with modern elements. I love to explore how electroacoustic treatment of orchestral instruments can expand the sonic possibilities of the orchestra.