52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast

In this episode, production music composer and 52 Cues community mentor Mary Shaw shares what she learned during five months at Michael Whittaker's Scorecraft Academy, including which production music skills translate to film scoring, which habits she had to unlearn, and how the experience changed her approach to writing music.

http://scorecraftacademy.com

Michael Whittaker's YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@whittymusic

Support for the 52 Cues Podcast comes from ReelCrafter, the professional way to pitch your production music and know exactly when your cues are heard.

Start your free trial at ReelCrafter.com/52Cues!

Join the 52 Cues Community! – https://my.52cues.com
It's free to post your cues for feedback from the community, network with other composers, and ask questions about the industry!

Plus, member subscribers get extra perks like workshops, livestreams,  cue breakdowns, live feedback sessions, hundreds of hours of video archives, and opportunities to submit to real music libraries.

One-on-one coaching sessions and video critiques also available at http://52cues.com/coaching!

Note: Links may be affiliate links which generate a small commission but at no extra cost to you!

In this special live episode of the 52 Cues Podcast, I’m reviewing cues submitted by members of the 52 Cues community and giving real-time feedback on what’s working, what could be stronger, and how each cue might be made more useful for production and library music.

Watch this episode on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/Bt7jBky7AQo

Get feedback on your own cues!
https://52cues.com/coaching

Support for the 52 Cues Podcast comes from ReelCrafter, the professional way to pitch your production music and know exactly when your cues are heard.

Start your free trial at ReelCrafter.com/52Cues!

Join the 52 Cues Community! – https://my.52cues.com
It's free to post your cues for feedback from the community, network with other composers, and ask questions about the industry!

Plus, member subscribers get extra perks like workshops, livestreams,  cue breakdowns, live feedback sessions, hundreds of hours of video archives, and opportunities to submit to real music libraries.

One-on-one coaching sessions and video critiques also available at http://52cues.com/coaching!

Note: Links may be affiliate links which generate a small commission but at no extra cost to you!

In this episode, Dave reviews a production music cue from composer and bassist Elysa Tancheff, breaking down what he listens for in arrangement, energy, edit points, mix, and library usability.

If you'd like feedback on your own cues, head over to https://52cues.com/coaching!

Support for the 52 Cues Podcast comes from ReelCrafter, the professional way to pitch your production music and know exactly when your cues are heard.

Start your free trial at ReelCrafter.com/52Cues!

Join the 52 Cues Community! – https://my.52cues.com
It's free to post your cues for feedback from the community, network with other composers, and ask questions about the industry!

Plus, member subscribers get extra perks like workshops, livestreams,  cue breakdowns, live feedback sessions, hundreds of hours of video archives, and opportunities to submit to real music libraries.

One-on-one coaching sessions and video critiques also available at http://52cues.com/coaching!

Note: Links may be affiliate links which generate a small commission but at no extra cost to you!

• Weekly Feedback - Week 38
  https://my.52cues.com/posts/weekly-feedback-weekly-feedback-week-38
• Office Hours
  https://my.52cues.com/events/office-hours-106297027
• SPECIAL TIME! Live Feedback and Critiques (2 Hr Session)
  https://my.52cues.com/events/special-time-live-feedback-and-critiques-2-hr-session
• A Little Chat with Shannon and Dave
  https://my.52cues.com/events/a-little-chat-with-shannon-and-dave-106075709
• Acoustic Storytelling | Cue Review Session
  https://my.52cues.com/events/acoustic-storytelling-brief-info-cue-review-session
• Ambient Soundscape | Composing Livestream
  https://my.52cues.com/events/ambient-soundscape-composing-livestream
• Minimal Percussion Dramedy | Final Submissions
  https://my.52cues.com/events/minimal-percussion-dramedy-results-and-final-submissions
• Q&A and Cue Review with Ryan Edwards (Secret Roots Music House)
  https://my.52cues.com/events/qa-and-cue-review-with-ryan-edwards-secret-roots-music-house

Join the 52 Cues Community! – https://my.52cues.com
It's free to post your cues for feedback from the community, network with other composers, and ask questions about the industry!

Plus, member subscribers get extra perks like workshops, livestreams,  cue breakdowns, live feedback sessions, hundreds of hours of video archives, and opportunities to submit to real music libraries.

One-on-one coaching sessions and video critiques also available at http://52cues.com/coaching!

Note: Links may be affiliate links which generate a small commission but at no extra cost to you!

In this episode, Dave and 52 Cues community mentor Jeff LaPlante unpack the unwritten rules of production music, from pitching and follow-up etiquette to rejection, deadlines, contracts, collaborations, and deliverables.

Support for the 52 Cues Podcast comes from ReelCrafter, the professional way to pitch your production music and know exactly when your cues are heard.

Start your free trial at ReelCrafter.com/52Cues!

Join the 52 Cues Community! – https://my.52cues.com
It's free to post your cues for feedback from the community, network with other composers, and ask questions about the industry!

Plus, member subscribers get extra perks like workshops, livestreams,  cue breakdowns, live feedback sessions, hundreds of hours of video archives, and opportunities to submit to real music libraries.

One-on-one coaching sessions and video critiques also available at http://52cues.com/coaching!

Note: Links may be affiliate links which generate a small commission but at no extra cost to you!

• Weekly Feedback - Week 37
  https://my.52cues.com/posts/weekly-feedback-weekly-feedback-week-37
• Office Hours with Marlon Gibbons
  https://my.52cues.com/events/office-hours-with-marlon-gibbons
• PMA Member Virtual Networking Coffee Hour
  https://pmamusic.com/event/pma-member-virtual-networking-coffee-hour-7/
• Live Feedback and Critiques (Tuesday)
  https://my.52cues.com/events/live-feedback-and-critiques-106075858
• A Little Chat with Shannon and Dave
  https://my.52cues.com/events/a-little-chat-with-shannon-and-dave-106075691
• Live Feedback and Critiques (Thursday)
  https://my.52cues.com/events/live-feedback-and-critiques-106076967
• Hip-Hop Tension Deliverables | Composing Livestream
  https://my.52cues.com/events/hip-hop-tension-deliverables-composing-livestream
• Throwback Hip-Hop for RRHOT | Final Submissions
  https://my.52cues.com/events/throwback-hip-hop-for-rrhot-final-submissions

Join the 52 Cues Community! – https://my.52cues.com
It's free to post your cues for feedback from the community, network with other composers, and ask questions about the industry!

Plus, member subscribers get extra perks like workshops, livestreams,  cue breakdowns, live feedback sessions, hundreds of hours of video archives, and opportunities to submit to real music libraries.

One-on-one coaching sessions and video critiques also available at http://52cues.com/coaching!

Note: Links may be affiliate links which generate a small commission but at no extra cost to you!

In this episode Dave and 52 Cues community mentor Jeff LaPlante break down the non-negotiable sounds, arranging choices, and production techniques behind dramedy, tension, hip-hop, pop, rock, emotional, holiday, country, and vocal cues.

Artists & Bands Mentioned

Great Good Fine Okay
Taylor Swift
Dua Lipa
Ariana Grande
Ed Sheeran
Foo Fighters
Nickelback
Big Wreck
Spiritbox
Coheed and Cambria
The Band Feel
Geese
Rush
Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross
Mariah Carey
Beyoncé
Pink Floyd

Plugins & Tools Mentioned

Spectrasonics Trilian
ProjectSAM Symphobia
iZotope RX / Spectral Repair
Xfer Serum
8Dio Clocks
FAW SubLab
Native Instruments DEFT LINES
Spectrasonics Omnisphere 3
Spectrasonics Keyscape
Native Instruments Guitar Rig
Celemony Melodyne
Ink Audio Ink Steel
Splice

Support for the 52 Cues Podcast comes from ReelCrafter, the professional way to pitch your production music and know exactly when your cues are heard.

Start your free trial at ReelCrafter.com/52Cues!

Join the 52 Cues Community! – https://my.52cues.com
It's free to post your cues for feedback from the community, network with other composers, and ask questions about the industry!

Plus, member subscribers get extra perks like workshops, livestreams,  cue breakdowns, live feedback sessions, hundreds of hours of video archives, and opportunities to submit to real music libraries.

One-on-one coaching sessions and video critiques also available at http://52cues.com/coaching!

Note: Links may be affiliate links which generate a small commission but at no extra cost to you!

In this episode, Dave talks with Dr. Tim Stulman, Program Director for Music Production at Full Sail University and creator of Keyboard Kafe, about how much music theory producers really need, why basic keyboard and ear-training skills can reduce friction in the creative process, and how a little practical musicianship can go a long way when writing production music.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JtSSFgLMVWQ

Check out Keyboard Kafé and get 3 months free!
https://keyboardkafe.web.app/promo/52cues

Support for the 52 Cues Podcast comes from ReelCrafter, the professional way to pitch your production music and know exactly when your cues are heard.

Start your free trial at ReelCrafter.com/52Cues!

Join the 52 Cues Community! – https://my.52cues.com
It's free to post your cues for feedback from the community, network with other composers, and ask questions about the industry!

Plus, member subscribers get extra perks like workshops, livestreams,  cue breakdowns, live feedback sessions, hundreds of hours of video archives, and opportunities to submit to real music libraries.

One-on-one coaching sessions and video critiques also available at http://52cues.com/coaching!

Note: Links may be affiliate links which generate a small commission but at no extra cost to you!

• Weekly Feedback - Week 35
  https://my.52cues.com/posts/weekly-feedback-weekly-feedback-week-35
• How Would You Start a Composing Career in 2026 (with Anne-Kathrin Dern)? | 52 Cues Podcast #283
  https://my.52cues.com/posts/how-would-you-start-a-composing-career-in-2026-with-anne-kathrin-dern-52-cues-podcast-283
• Office Hours
  https://my.52cues.com/events/office-hours-104215339
• Understanding Library Contracts | Workshop
  https://my.52cues.com/events/understanding-library-contracts
• Orchestral Chat Club
  https://my.52cues.com/events/orchestral-chat-club-102528723
• Live Feedback and Critiques (Tuesday)
  https://my.52cues.com/events/live-feedback-and-critiques-105502797
• A Little Chat with Shannon and Dave
  https://my.52cues.com/events/a-little-chat-with-shannon-and-dave-105573228
• Live Feedback and Critiques (Thursday)
  https://my.52cues.com/events/live-feedback-and-critiques-105502874
• Hip-Hop Tension #4 | Composing Livestream
  https://my.52cues.com/events/hip-hop-tension-4-composing-livestream

Watch this on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zJLQy2ipnN8

Join the 52 Cues Community! – https://my.52cues.com
It's free to post your cues for feedback from the community, network with other composers, and ask questions about the industry!

Plus, member subscribers get extra perks like workshops, livestreams,  cue breakdowns, live feedback sessions, hundreds of hours of video archives, and opportunities to submit to real music libraries.

One-on-one coaching sessions and video critiques also available at http://52cues.com/coaching!

Note: Links may be affiliate links which generate a small commission but at no extra cost to you!

In this episode, film and game composer Anne-Kathrin Dern joins Dave to talk about how she’d start a composing career in 2026, including the differences between film, games, and production music, the changing role of composer assistants, and the practical steps she’d take to break into the industry today.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/49hI7_Ch81w

https://annedern-filmcomposer.com
https://www.youtube.com/@AnneKathrinDernComposer

We Asked Anne-Kathrin Dern About Her Brutal Composer Advice | 52 Cues Podcast #282
https://youtu.be/rYF_xun27Ec

How Hard Is it to Make a Living in Production Music? | 52 Cues Podcast #278
https://youtu.be/-owQEUH26js

Is Production Music Worth It in 2026? | 52 Cues Podcast #279
https://youtu.be/L9gJYZC8330

Support for the 52 Cues Podcast comes from ReelCrafter, the professional way to pitch your production music and know exactly when your cues are heard.

Start your free trial at ReelCrafter.com/52Cues!

Join the 52 Cues Community! – https://my.52cues.com
It's free to post your cues for feedback from the community, network with other composers, and ask questions about the industry!

Plus, member subscribers get extra perks like workshops, livestreams,  cue breakdowns, live feedback sessions, hundreds of hours of video archives, and opportunities to submit to real music libraries.

One-on-one coaching sessions and video critiques also available at http://52cues.com/coaching!

Note: Links may be affiliate links which generate a small commission but at no extra cost to you!