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For music lovers, hearing the iconic Indiana Jones theme or the sweeping orchestral scores of John Williams is a cinematic thrill. For Cedarville University alumnus Sean Kisch, however, it is also part of his job.  

Kisch, now based in Los Angeles, works as a music copyist for JoAnn Kane Music Service — one of the leading music preparation companies in the film industry. Though often behind the scenes, his work plays a critical role in bringing composers’ digital creations to life on the music stands of professional recording studios.  

“People often think ‘copyist’ means Xeroxing,” said Kisch, with a slight laugh. “But it is much more than that. We take the raw score from the composer and make it performance ready.” 

After composers complete their work, Kisch and his team use specialized software to convert the digital data into fully notated sheet music. This work includes formatting individual parts, adding precise articulations and preparing scores for orchestrators so musicians can sight-read and record the final soundtrack.  

Kisch’s expertise has allowed him to work on some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbuster movies, including “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,” “Avatar: Way of the Water,” the “Obi-Wan Kenobi” series and the newly released box office smash, “A Minecraft Movie.” 

“Seeing John Williams’ handwritten sketches in my hand was surreal,” said Kisch. “And knowing I helped prepare the music that is heard in theaters is incredibly fulfilling.” 

Even as he navigates the fast-paced world of studio music, Kisch continues to compose original pieces. He recently scored a short film titled “Forgive Me Father,” written and directed by a friend from his church community. The project is currently making its way through the festival circuit, and Kisch considers it one of his most creatively rewarding experiences. Kisch also wrote the score for several episodes of “Hike and Seek,” an adventure series produced by Answers in Genesis. 

His journey to Los Angeles began at Cedarville, where he studied music composition under Dr. Austin Jaquith, professor of music theory and composition.  

“Dr. Jaquith was instrumental in shaping my career,” said Kisch. “He guided me toward film music, introduced me to professional software and helped me get early credits through the Christian Worldview Film Festival.” 

Classes in music theory, aural skills and studio recording gave Kisch a solid foundation. “I use what I learned at Cedarville every single day,” he emphasized. “It equipped me technically and also helped me discover what I love — working with notation and collaborating on creative projects.” 

Looking ahead, Kisch hopes to continue building his reputation in the film music industry while pursuing personal projects on the side.  

“Whether it is a blockbuster or a short film with friends, I just want to keep telling stories through music.” 

Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences, and professional fields. With 6,384 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by The Wall Street Journal as being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics, and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu. &�Բ�����;