The Youngstown Scoring Stage is comprised of seasoned professionals, passionate about producing industry standard orchestral recordings for film and other mediums. Every member of the staff has given his or her life to the pursuit of their chosen profession.
Todd Maki
Director/ Conductor
Todd Maki works occupationally as a composer as well as a conductor. Beginning his musical journey at a young age with classical training in piano and percussion, a lifelong fascination with electronic synthesis was eventually born, which fostered a strong inclination towards sonic experimentation with chord progressions, musical theory and composition. Deeply interested in the engineering process, Todd also sought to gain a mastery over the process of musical production, leading to work as an engineer and producer for many years, with the production process just as much as the compositional process. He has composed musical scores for several feature films, advertisements, artists and continues to conduct various ensembles. You can hear more of his work at www.toddmakicomposing.com.
R a c h e l A i k e n
PERSONNEL
Rachel Aiken, owner and director of Stellare Strings, is a performing violist and violinist in Youngstown, Ohio. With extensive experience in musician contracting, Rachel is well-versed in selecting musicians with appropriate skills and experiences for various musical projects and performances. She has performed as an orchestral member with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Disturbed, Michael Buble', Josh Groban, Newark Granville Symphony, the Youngstown Symphony, the Warren Philharmonic, Opera Western Reserve, as well as performing at the prestigious Aspen Music Festival. Additionally, she has appeared as a soloist with the Youngstown Scoring Stage as well as acclaimed sacred music ensembles such as the St. Joseph's Cathedral Choir. Rachel also specializes in improvisation and electric violin performances, currently with Steven Vance Entertainment. Rachel has also performed on fiddle with Gipson and Fitz at folk festivals and other bluegrass venues statewide. Rachel earned a M.A. from Ohio State University in String Pedagogy, and a B.M. in Viola Performance from Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. Rachel is proud to maintain a private studio of violin, viola of all ages and levels.
Brendan Considine
Concertmaster
Brendan Considine is a violinist with strong ties to the area. Brendan earned his master’s degree in music from Youngstown State University. As a performer, Brendan plays with the Greenville Symphony, Youngstown Symphony, Warren Philharmonic, and the Opera Western Reserve. As a teacher, Brendan has taught string music in the Ohio districts of Youngstown and Alliance, as well as being part of the adjunct faculty at Thiel College and Youngstown State University. Brendan is also an Instructional Supervisor at The Rich Center for Autism, a treatment and research facility at Youngstown State University, where he implements educational programs for the benefit of children with Autism. He lives in Youngstown with his wife, Karen, who also is also a performing musician on violin, piano, and organ.
Mike Talanca
Engineer
Mike Talanca has always considered himself a musician and has always had a desire to "know how things work". After high school, he enrolled in an intensive 2 year electronics course. Throughout this time, he was constantly integrating music into his electronics training. He eventually moved to NYC in 1985, where he worked as the Chief Of Maintenance at two-world class recording studios; Right Track Recording and Videomix. There, he got to work with legendary artists like the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie, and David Sanborn. Back in Ohio in 1990, he then worked as the field service technician for CAD, an audio manufacturer. Throughout this time, Mike wrote a lot of his own original music for commercials and other recordings, which inspired him to open his own studio, Tune Town, in 1996. In addition to running his studio and recording and working with artists, he has also taught a course in recording at Youngstown State University. For more on Mike, visit www.tunetownrec.com.