Film composer and classically trained pianist Matthew Cravener joins Overeducated & Underemployed to break down the mechanics of composing cinematic scores without the ability to read sheet music. Striking a massive contrast to traditional academic routes, Matthew explains how severe dyslexia forced him to develop an unconventional workflow—moving from melodies caught by ear at age four to tracking complex arrangements inside a digital audio workstation.

The conversation goes deep into the harsh realities of neurodivergence and severe illness. Matthew details the sudden onset of Tourette syndrome at age 11, the toll of intense middle school bullying, and a four-year period where he was completely bedridden and unable to play the piano. He shares how Bruce Broughton’s orchestral score for Homeward Bound re-anchored his  ...