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Oleg Smirnov

Assistant Chair

Affiliated Departments

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A multi-instrumentalist and descendant of the Eastern European music tradition, Oleg Smirnov is a versatile composer, arranger, and music producer whose work combines stylistic diversity with deep insight, sensitivity, and attention to detail. His music has been featured in film, TV, radio, and theater productions, showcased at numerous national and international music festivals, and reviewed in major music media, including Billboard. From scoring animation pilots for Disney and advertising for major brands to remarkable artist collaborations, Smirnov's work ranges widely across various media and genres. Three of his works were contenders for Grammy Awards in the Best Contemporary Instrumental Album, Best Arranging for Instruments and Vocals, and Best New Age Album categories.

Smirnov is a voting member of the Recording Academy (Grammy Awards) and the Society of Composers and Lyricists. In addition to a degree with honors from Berklee College of Music, his background includes a master's degree in psychology and training in mindfulness facilitation from UCLA.

Career Highlights

Founder of IDIOM Music Productions (www.idiomproductions.com)
Voting member of the Recording Academy (Grammy Awards) and the Society of Composers and Lyricists
Pilot scoring for animation series for Disney Junior network, as well as advertising campaigns by Reebok, Greenpeace, WWF, etc.
Original cinematic chamber single "Pla:ch," recorded in Los Angeles's iconic "The Village Studios," featuring top Hollywood string performers
Contemporary jazz fusion and hybrid electronic album Kindness arranged and produced for Sergey Chipenko, featuring Dave Koz, Michael Lington, and engaging 23 international jazz musicians, entered for nomination for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album in 64th Grammy Awards
World-music hybrid electronic EP Amrita in collaboration with traditional Indian kirtan singer Kamini Natarajan, entered for nomination for Best New Age Album category in 63rd Grammy Awards
Extensive original music catalogue written for music libraries
Commissions of original theater production soundtracks
Vast experience in various roles in today's music industry, wearing hats of a composer, arranger, orchestrator, band leader, music producer, mixing and mastering engineer, as well as business executive
Extensive experience as an educator in various settings as a faculty and a curriculum developer

Awards

Hollywood Music In Media Award 2021
Official nomination participant as a music producer for artist Sergey Chipenko's single "Africa"
Berklee Outstanding Musicianship Award 2016 in Music Preparation by Berklee Professional Writing and Music Technology Division

In Their Own Words

"As a dedicated educator, I strive to help my students grasp a broader vision—one that extends beyond academia and into a fulfilling career and a flourishing life. My goal is for them to acquire not only a solid foundation of knowledge and skills in their chosen field, but also the right mindset to build a sustainable career."

"I have over a decade of active professional experience and a diverse background in the music industry, working in various roles from small production suites to large recording studios in Los Angeles. My projects have spanned multiple genres and media, involving writing, arranging, recording, and producing. I’ve had the enormous privilege of collaborating with some of the top professionals in the industry, while also gaining hands-on experience with the business side of things. This rich experience shapes my approach to working with students, whom I view as the next generation of industry professionals. I strive to help them master their craft, mature their artistic vision, and navigate their careers."

"Berklee’s Screen Scoring department is one of the most renowned and respected in the industry. We prepare our students to navigate the constantly evolving landscape of music in visual media, offering comprehensive training through our signature major and minor programs: Film and Media Scoring, and Game and Interactive Media Scoring. We also facilitate interdisciplinary opportunities for students to collaborate with emerging film directors, media producers, and game developers, expanding their professional networks and fostering real-world project workflow settings to better prepare them for careers in the industry."

"Berklee has earned its reputation as the world’s leading academic institution, attracting top talent from around the globe and shaping the next generation of musicians and artists through its comprehensive, rigorous, and innovative curriculum. Personally, I view Berklee as both a hub and a launching pad for the artists of tomorrow. Reflecting on my own professional journey, I can attest to the fundamental role that my experience as a Berklee student played in shaping my craft, expanding my professional network, and advancing my career as a whole."