Remembering Mark Smythe: Composer, Educator, and Champion of Music Community

Composer Mark Smythe, who earned nominations from the Society of Composers and Lyricists (SCL) Award and World Soundtrack Award in 2023 for his score in The Reef: Stalked, died on May 9th. He collapsed while hiking on Mt. Wilson in Los Angeles. He was 53.

Smythe was a cherished figure in the film and TV composing world. Beyond his musical contributions, he served as the chief operating officer of the Society of Composers and Lyricists from 2018 to 2021, following a term as the Los Angeles administrator.

"To say that his loss comes as a profound shock to our community, especially to his students, collaborators, and friends, is an understatement," said SCL president Ashley Irwin.

Smythe's journey began in New Zealand before he moved to Australia and eventually settled in Los Angeles in 2013. His talent was recognized with three Hollywood Music in Media Award nominations for his scores in Unfallen, Flying South, and The Things She Did. In 2012, his score for Daddy’s Little Girl won him the Australian Screen Industry Network award for best composer.

"Beyond his professional accomplishments, people genuinely enjoyed Mark’s company, as evidenced by the current outpouring of love for him on social media,” Irwin stated. “He had a wry sense of humor and an infectious laugh that could light up a room. Exceptionally generous with his time and energy, he had a way of making everyone feel welcome, whether they were longtime SCL members or attending their initial event. For many, Mark was the first friend they made at the SCL. Those who knew Mark will never forget being greeted with his favorite line: ‘I’m all the better for seeing your smiling face.’”

Australian music rights management organization APRA AMCOS also honored Smythe on its Instagram page, noting that he “became an APRA member in 2004 and was also a beloved colleague to many in our Melbourne office, where he worked as client and legal liaison for four years in the early 2000s before heading to Los Angeles to pursue film and concert composing full-time.”

APRA AMCOS CEO Dean Ormston remarked, “Mark’s passing is a great loss to the screen composing world and to the musical communities he was such a meaningful part of. He is remembered very fondly by his former APRA AMCOS colleagues for the positive spirit he brought to work every day – both at the office and in his music."

At the time of his death, Smythe was teaching media composition at California State University, Northridge, and serving as Department Head of Composing for Visual Media at the Los Angeles College of Music.

Irwin added, “Many composers in our community had the privilege of learning from Mark, and remember him not only as a great teacher, but as someone who believed in them personally.”

Smythe also composed choral works and collaborated with the LA Choral Lab on several projects.

He is survived by his sister, Kate Ward-Smythe.

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