Website: jolenekhor.com | IG: @jolenekhor_music | Amplify Her | Composers in a Jukebox
Jolene Khor is an award-winning composer, orchestrator, arranger, conductor and pianist from Malaysia. Known for her whimsical and fantasy-driven compositions, reminiscent of the style popularised by Studio Ghibli in Japan, Jolene blends her passion for Japanese and Chinese aesthetic with her extensive knowledge of both popular and orchestral instrumentation to create a compelling blend of East and West.
Hi Jolene! What did you study at the RCM and when did you graduate?
I studied for a Master’s degree in Music Composition for Screen in 2020, where I was taught by Professor Dimitri Scarlato, Francis Shaw, and Mike Ladouceur.
Can you tell us about your career since leaving the RCM?
My career has been going really well. It took some time to build my portfolio and put myself out there, but the effort has truly paid off. I’ve since worked on award-winning short films, podcasts, and animation, and have orchestrated, performed in, and conducted international concerts. I’ve also been writing extensively in the tabletop RPG and video game space. More recently, I’ve been composing for live-play shows and projects such as HighRollers D&D, creating soundtrack albums for tabletop audiences, most notably Tails in the City, which was successfully funded on Kickstarter, and working on putting my music into sync licensing.
How did you go about building your portfolio career?
After leaving the RCM, I made a conscious effort to put myself out there by attending networking events and film festivals. Teaching became my main source of income during this time, and alongside that, I reached out to compose music for student short films from institutions such as the London Film School and the Royal College of Art, as well as for creators around the world through Fiverr and word of mouth. I also regularly post my work on social media platforms such as Instagram and YouTube to build visibility and allow people to easily discover my music.
What is Amplify Her and why is it important?
Amplify Her is a community dedicated to supporting and uplifting women and underrepresented musicians through events, education, and creative collaboration. Its mission is to transform the music industry by providing a platform where artists and music professionals can share their work, voices, and stories. Andrea Dee, the founder of Amplify Her, has created a safe and welcoming space where women can connect, discuss industry experiences, and support one another in progressing their careers, especially for those who have recently graduated and may not know where to begin. The community includes many experienced musicians who have worked in the industry for years and are generous with their advice. Being part of a community like this is incredibly important, as working together allows us to uplift and empower one another.
Being part of a community like Amplify Her is incredibly important, as working together allows us to uplift and empower one another.
How did you become involved?
I met Andrea at a networking event that started late, and we ended up chatting about our work and our experiences in the industry. She shared her vision of building a community for women musicians, which immediately resonated with me. I later attended one of her coffee meetings and met so many inspiring people, some of whom have since become close friends. Through Amplify Her, I’ve had opportunities to play, arrange, and produce music for fellow members. I wanted to be part of something as meaningful as this community, as I believe it has the potential to support and uplift even more underrepresented musicians across the UK.
Can you tell us about Composers in a Jukebox?
Composers in a Jukebox began with my friends Darren Sng, Luke Mombrea, and me simply wanting to share our music online. We hosted a YouTube livestream in 2022 where we chatted about our work, and it was so much fun that we decided to turn the idea into a podcast. We released our first episode in February 2022, initially focusing on discussions about our favourite soundtracks. Over time, we began inviting composers from the industry to talk about their craft and creative processes. Levent Altuntas joined shortly after, forming a core team of four. Since then, we’ve welcomed new members such as Katrina Rose and Pierre Tate, and we currently have more episodes in the works.
What skills have you developed in the process of creating the podcast?
Creating the podcast has significantly improved our efficiency in editing recordings and working with DAWs. It has also made us more tech-savvy, particularly in using social media to promote the podcast. From a creative perspective, the experience has supported my composing work, especially in editing and workflow. On a personal level, it has helped me build confidence in speaking about music, engaging with other composers, and even streaming my own composing process online.
How do you balance the creative and administrative processes within your career?
Balancing creativity and administration can be challenging, as there are always multiple projects happening at once. I rely heavily on notes, checklists, and spreadsheets to stay organised and ensure nothing is forgotten. Having clear deadlines laid out in front of me helps me stay motivated and prevents administrative tasks from building up into an overwhelming backlog.
How can students and graduates get involved with Amplify Her?
Students and graduates can visit the Amplify Her website, where they can find information about regular cocktail socials, coffee meet-ups, and networking events held each month. These events are a fantastic way to meet fellow musicians and singers who may become future collaborators. I’d also recommend checking out the Alliance for Women Film Composers (AWFC) for anyone studying or interested in media composition.
Is there anything else that you’d like to share with RCM students?
Starting your career after graduation can feel daunting, but building connections while you’re still in college can make a huge difference. Networking early helps establish a strong foundation of people you can reach out to in the future, and word of mouth often leads to new opportunities. The Royal College of Music offers an incredible support network, so don’t hesitate to reach out, ask questions, and seek guidance whenever you need it.