Virgil Franklin - Master of the Ethermuse

Many only know Virgil as a professional composer/ educator with a penchant for writing adventure music, film scores, and music for haunted attractions. In addition to have two degrees in music, a BA from Indiana State University and a Masters in Music Technology from The Indiana University School of Music, Virgil has a rich background coming from a lifetime devoted to music.

Raised in a musical family, Virgil grew into music as a natural part of life. His father, in addition to being an amateur musician, was also an electronic technician/ engineer who did work for Hewlett-Packard and NASA. Fanning the musical flame by introducing his son to DIY electronic noise-makers sent Virgil sailing into the world of music technology.

As most kids in elementary school do, he joined band in fifth grade and began playing trumpet. Virgil showed great prowess as a musician and surpassed the playing skills of trumpeters many years his senior. But the trumpet wasn't the only instrument to catch his attention; fueled by his love of electronic music Virgil began playing guitar. Daddy soon stepped in and helped Virgil modify his sonic palette via several DYI stomp boxes.

A consummate fan of sci-fi and horror movies Virgil's first instrumental compositions drew from his obsession with "spooky music". As a grade school student Virgil experimented with creating "haunt tapes" with his older brother who shared his fascination with other-worldly music.

Later in his teens he would discover the mighty Moog synthesizer, adding the analog behemoth's sound to a local rock band. Inspired by the tonal possibilities Virgil began studying piano and dreamed of not only performing but teaching. In high school he spent almost every waking hour absorbed in his music. Winning several contests his trumpet playing earned him a spot in a touring group and Virgil would have his first taste of the road, traveling around Europe.

In college Virgil would perform and learn from jazz greats Scott Sawyer, John von Olen, Ken Hays, and Dave Samuels of Spyro Gyra. At this time a friend would introduce Virgil to the Yamaha Music Computer and life would not be the same.

Playing gigs from orchestral to jazz to top 40 gave Virgil an incredibly well-rounded education in several styles and genres of music.

After college Virgil settled into the life of an educator, husband, father and weekend warrior. Continuing to compose he set up a small recording studio and performed with a minor label Christian rock band called "The Passion". Dismayed by the "recording industry" Virgil struck out on his own, blending a unique sonic and stylistically music that drew on his rich musical upbringing.

Adding to his musical arsenal Virgil was visited by musical hero Dr. Bob Moog and began seriously studying the Theremin, the first electronic musical instrument played without even touching it!! Virgil later landed a gig playing Theremin on a very famous cartoon about penguins in space!! Losing his ability to play trumpet due to a lip injury, Virgil now covers the wind parts in his music via the EVI (electronic valved instrument) invented by Nyle Steiner.

Fans of fantasy, haunt, synth music, smooth jazz and sci-fi alike will enjoy the music of Virgil.

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Visit Virgil's Site at www.virgilmusic.net/about.html
Or visit his Myspace page www.myspace.com/ethermusemaster
You can purchase his songs on his site.

"I am Virgil: Master of the Ethermuse"
~Virgil Franklin