Biography
Iago Rodriguez Paulino is a composer based in Boston, Massachusetts. His work reflects a wide-ranging curiosity and a deep understanding of musical storytelling, drawing listeners into vivid and emotionally engaging experiences. His music has been noted for its distinctive voice, shaped by influences from his native Spain as well as Celtic musical traditions. His command of the orchestra is frequently praised, and his facility with sound design makes him a multifaceted composer. Perhaps his greatest strength is his versatility: his broad knowledge of contemporary styles and compositional techniques allows him to transition seamlessly across film, television, video games, and interactive media, blending genres in inventive and expressive ways.
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Beyond his compositions, Iago has developed extensive experience in mixed-media projects, where his work is valued for its creativity, adaptability, and effectiveness. He is also skilled in score preparation, working as a reliable copyist and assistant, and his experience conducting allows him to collaborate effectively with performers and lead recording sessions with clarity and precision.
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He is completing his Bachelor’s degree at Berklee College of Music, pursuing a double major in Film Scoring and Composition with minors in Video Game Scoring and Conducting, and is on track to graduate summa cum laude.
Extended Biography
This is my story.
Born in Spain in 2003, and my journey into music began at age 3 when I first picked up a classical guitar. Music quickly overtook my life, and I soon added the clarinet to my repertoire. By the time I was 14, I was playing five instruments, which including the tenor saxophone and piano. During this period, I achieved significant milestones in my classical music career, earning 3 ABRSM pre-collegiate certificates in guitar, clarinet, and music theory, under the guidance of professors Andrew Booth, Rani Heymann, and Liat Alkan-Heymann. I also had the opportunity to perform with the Guitaarorkest Nederland (Guitar Orchestra of the Netherlands) and at venues like the European Space Agency and the American Chamber of Commerce, which helped establish my reputation as a promising musician.
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Though classical music has been a significant part of my journey, my passion for music also stretches into genres like jazz, rock, and blues. Years of playing in various bands and contemporary chamber ensembles allowed me to blend influences from Celtic music, Flamenco, Latin jazz, and more, creating a unique musical journey of my own.
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After years of focusing on performing music, I started composing at the age of 16, and was immediately drawn to the works of composers such as Beethoven, Korngold, and Wagner. Slowly, under the guidance of Jim Yarnell and Idan Goldwasser, I began incorporating these influences into my compositions, developing a deeply personal and unique style. I attended Berklee College of Music's Film Scoring summer intensive, and it was there that I realized my true passion for writing music for media. The idea of storytelling through music, and reflecting the world around me, inspired me to apply to Berklee.
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In 2021, I began my formal studies at Berklee College of Music, with the help of a World Tour Scholarship. I quickly declared a double major in Composition and Screen Scoring, adding double minors in Conducting and Video Game Scoring to complement my skillset. During my time at Berklee, I had the privilege of studying under esteemed professors such as Claudio Ragazzi, Dario Eskenazi, Marti Epstein, and Larry Thomas Bell. My style began to evolve as I began to explore even more musical styles that opened up to me thanks to the Berklee community, such as Folk, Country, and Alternative pop. Heavily inspired by the new genres and world influences I was able to learn, and the guidance from such accomplished mentors and peers, my work began to shine in its own light. As that work gained recognition within the Berklee community, I became the President of the Society of Composers and had the chance to premiere pieces at Berklee's David Friend Recital Hall and The Loft.
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Since 2025, things have gotten even wilder—and more fun! I orchestrated a piece premiered by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra with the Sphinx Organization, with future performances planned with the Chicago, Dallas, and Indianapolis Symphonies. It was fascinating to get a peek behind the curtain of groups of musicians that I have admired my entire life, and hearing the final product premiere in February of 2026 was a delight!
2025 also brought another thrill: I won the Ubisoft Challenge at Berklee, judged by top industry composers. The Ubisoft music supervisor even compared my sound to James Horner, citing my orchestration and sweeping melodies. Horner is one of my heroes in this industry, so the comment felt surreal and made me grin like a kid in a candy store.
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Presiding the Society of Composers has been an absolute honor as well. Under my leadership, and backed by my amazing team, we have been able to put together the biggest student assembled orchestra in the history of Berklee, comprising of over 100 players. I was honored to be given the opportunity to write for this amazing ensemble, and to lead the orchestra in concert as the conductor as well.
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Beyond Berklee, I’ve continued developing media projects with filmmakers and game developers, experimenting across styles and storytelling formats. I’m thrilled to see where the next chapter takes me—and very grateful for every score, every rehearsal, and every unexpected note along the way.
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The journey continues... I’m excited to see what stories I will be fortunate enough to tell, and what magic I will have the privilege of creating. So excited for this next chapter!
