A talented pianist and composer, DJ Brady has always been devoted to the musical arts. At age six, he began studying the piano and quickly fell in love with the instrument. Over the next several years he studied the instrument with different instructors, eventually studying under Dr. Kevin Lieb (Rochester, NY). In the summer of 1999, DJ was selected to participate in the Eastman School of Music’s International Piano Competition and Festival as one of the year’s youngest participants at age 15. During high school, DJ was also privileged to perform as pianist with the Eastman Jazz Ensemble and the Hochstein Youth Symphony Orchestra. In 2000, DJ enrolled in advanced courses in music theory and composition and discovered a new passion. These introductory courses led to private instruction in composition with Nancy Strelau at The Hochstein School of Music and Dance in Rochester, NY.

In the fall of 2003, DJ began his undergraduate studies at the State University of New York at Fredonia. Unable to choose between the two, he opted instead for a double major in Music Composition (studying under Dr. Donald Bohlen) and Piano Performance and Pedagogy (Mrs. Phyllis East). At Fredonia, DJ quickly garnered attention as both composer and pianist and was a frequent participant in master classes for both curricula. During his tenure there, DJ was awarded several music scholarships and accolades and became in demand as a collaborative pianist. He was commissioned to compose an art song for the Florestan Recital Project at Fredonia as well as music for the student dance organization, Orchesis. He was an executive member of ETHOS, a student-administered new music organization, as well as President of the Fredonia State Keyboard Association. While at Fredonia, DJ wrote for several different musical idioms including works for orchestra, works for mixed choir, chamber music, art songs, electronic music, music for dance, opera, and film music. During these years, he quickly discovered a preference for film scoring and music technology. In May 2007, DJ graduated summa cum laude from SUNY Fredonia.

In August 2007, DJ moved to Los Angeles in order to hone his skill as a film composer. He was accepted into the prestigious Scoring for Motion Pictures and Television program at the University of Southern California. While at USC, DJ studied all aspects of the commercial music business with industry leaders including Chris Young, Joel McNeely, Jack Smalley, Patrick Kirst, and Eric Schmidt (composition); Pete Anthony and Brad Dechter (orchestration); Steven Juliani (music preparation); Lennie Moore (music for video games); Blake Neely, Rick Schmunk, and Frederik Wiedemann (music technology); Kenny Hall and Christopher Brooks (music editing); and Jon Burlingame (film music history). Rounding out this robust curriculum were several opportunities for collaboration with student filmmakers, animators, and game developers. Because of his hard work and devotion to the film music art, DJ was selected as a recipient of the Harry Warren music scholarship in May 2008.

After graduating from USC with top honors, DJ is currently pursuing free-lance work within the music industry. He has worked with Steven Juliani’s music preparation team on feature films including Miracle at St. Anna, Cats & Dogs 2, and Hop as well as several video games including the latest James Bond, Godfather, Red Alert, and Sims titles. He was also a music librarian for legendary jazz composer Clare Fischer and his son, Brent Fischer.

In July 2009, DJ started an assistantship with film and television composer Lee Sanders ("The Amazing Race", "America's Next Great Restaurant").  He is currently contributing material for the Emmy award-winning show.  When not writing or playing, DJ enjoys cooking, reading, board games, and spending time with his wife.