THOMAS DONNELLY MUSIC
COMPOSER, ORCHESTRATOR & ARRANGER OF MUSIC
About Me
I’m a composer, musician, and content creator based in Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK. Whether crafting grand, cinematic orchestral scores or subtle, understated cues, my goal is always the same: to bring your story to life through music.
With a deep proficiency in score notation, orchestration, arranging, and recording, I specialize in creating professional quality music using top-tier sample libraries and live recorded instruments. My versatile approach ensures that each composition is tailored to perfectly complement the narrative and vision behind the project.
LEAD ME HERE
Between May and June 2025, I scored my first film, which follows the journey of a middle-aged homeless man (Macca) as he embarks on a challenging pilgrimage from Glasgow to Newcastle upon Tyne. The trailer features an excerpt from the soundtrack, highlighting my collaboration with Newcastle-based folk singer Alex Lowthian.
In this scene, Macca attempts to leave Glasgow for the first time in years. The director and I agreed that the music should draw the audience directly into Macca’s emotional world. To convey his inner conflict, I employed two contrasting chords - E flat minor and A flat major - to suggest his sense of being torn between two places. The cue features electric guitar, sustained synth drones, clarinets with a tremolo effect, female vocals, church organ, and violin harmonics.
Full Score
THE FALL OF GONDOLIN
In October 2024, my composition inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien's novel, The Silmarillion, was performed and recorded by the RTVE Symphony Orchestra. I was responsible for all aspects of the work, including composition, orchestration, and notation.
Have a Listen!
In June 2025, I collaborated with the Wallsend Choir to record my arrangement of the traditional folk song, The Water of Tyne, adapted for the end credits sequence of Lead Me Here. This track combines Cinematic Studio Strings with live recorded choir.
This is a recent example of my music produced entirely with computer technology. All instruments were recorded into Cubase using a MIDI keyboard and sample libraries. The track would be suitable for a nature documentary.
A live recording session featuring my original composition, scored for flute, clarinet, violin, and cello. This music would be suitable for a short animated film.
During my undergraduate studies, I played guitar and composed both the music and lyrics for Stolen Years, an alternative pop/rock band based in Glasgow.
Services
Custom Music
Music has a unique ability to convey a story in ways that words cannot.
I compose music in a diverse range of styles, utilizing both live-recorded instruments and top-tier sample libraries.
The final product I deliver is fully mixed and ready to go. Get in touch for a quote.
Arrangement
Are you a songwriter who’s always dreamed of a lush string section to complement your lyrics?
Or perhaps you're a composer in need of assistance with orchestrating your music?
With extensive experience in orchestration and arrangement, I can bring your musical vision to life.
Scoring and Notation
If you're a busy musician or composer overwhelmed with your workload, I can assist by notating your project for a recording session.
Whether it's piano sketches or a fully-realized mock-up, I'll provide professional-grade notation ready for the musicians.