Check Out Sadie Azersky’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sadie Azersky.

Hi Sadie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started playing the piano about 14 years ago, by taking lessons and performing in recitals. It wasn’t until high school that I started composing, and that is also when I realized that being a film composer is something I wanted to do.

I was always intrigued by film music, and I caught myself sometimes being more interested in the score rather than the film itself. I decided to audition for music schools across the United States as a classical pianist and ended up coming to Arizona State University as a music theory major. I figured that diving deep into music theory would help my composing, but after hearing about the new popular music program starting up at ASU, I decided that it would be a great opportunity to expand my skill set! I also started making connections with student film directors and began entering film music contests to start practicing writing scores.

In addition to scoring films, I have also been writing a lot of solo piano music, and currently have an EP out titled “Silhouettes.” So far, my experience in the popular music program has been incredible, and I’ve already learned so much about music production and sound design, which is also helping me with my compositions.

Currently, I am scoring films at ASU and on the hunt for more connections with directors around the country. I’ve also begun writing music for choreographers in the dance program, and I have been working meticulously on another solo piano album.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road! I struggle a lot with anxiety, and this has definitely been an obstacle when it comes to putting myself out there, performing, and making new connections. When I was auditioning for music schools my senior year of high school, the constant pressure and the crazy amount of music I had to learn and memorize was a huge struggle, but I consider it a really important time in my life.

While it was difficult, I was able to prove to myself that I can handle pressure, and I use that as a reminder to this day. I tend to experience a lot of self-doubts, which I’m sure other musicians can relate to, and overthink when writing music for myself and other people. I am constantly working to keep myself grounded, and I try to have my own back when dealing with these anxieties and doubts. It’s important to give yourself credit!

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’ve been composing for short films at Arizona State University for the past two years, and it has made me realize that I truly love to collaborate with other artists.

The music that I write is generally centered around piano since that’s my main instrument, but I have also learned to compose orchestral and electronic pieces. I am most proud of the work I have done with student directors at ASU! It’s a great experience to collaborate with them, and it feels amazing to create music that they like and feel enhances their films.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned during the Covid-19 crisis is that it is so important to give yourself time to process everything that is going on around you and take care of your mental health. When I moved back home for a while, I was confused why I was so drained, because I was basically studying and working from my couch.

It made me realize that you have to give yourself a mental break to recognize and process how you’re feeling. I was becoming easily burned out because I didn’t care for myself in the way I needed to, and it showed me that balance is incredibly important.

Contact Info:

• Email: sadie.azersky@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azerskymusic/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6NYcGnE-sHu8b4VkLiA_4A
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/sadierosee
• Other: https://linktr.ee/sadierosemusic 

Image Credits
Ella Johnson