ABOUT
David Hernandez is a multi-faceted composer, arranger, and guitarist based in Los Angeles, distinguished by a rare versatility found in the concert hall, song, and scoring. His artistic voice draws from diverse influences such as Vicente Amigo, Alban Berg, Joni Mitchell and Thomas Newman.
Concert Music
As a composer of concert music, Hernandez has written for premier ensembles including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, San Gabriel Valley Symphony, USC Thornton Symphony, Sandbox Percussion, and the Lyris Quartet, among others. His collaborative reach extends into the world of dance, with commissions from the Ebb and Flow Festival, Epiphany Dance, and the USC Kaufman School of Dance.
Screen & Film
On the screen, Hernandez’s music has been described as "...a standout element... He leans into emotional storytelling and tension-building, creating musical cues that enhance the film's psychological layers." (Selig Film News). His recent credits include the score for the feature film Our Happy Place (Amazon, Tubi), starring Tracie Thoms (The Devil Wears Prada, RENT) and Raya Miles. He also provided additional music for the Mark Sanchez film Adelante Matador (2025), collaborating with GRAMMY-nominated composer and guitarist Douglas Lora. He has also maintained a consistent partnership with director Brian Knowles, providing music for the documentary short Venice Beach Fantasy (2025) and the short film Goodnight (2026). Hernandez also provided additional music to the video game, Phantom Hysteria (2022).
Performance
As a performer, Hernandez has recently performed as a soloist with the San Gabriel Valley Symphony performing his Malaguena de Esperanza (2025/2026) a work which combines his influences of flamenco, jazz fusion, and the Third Stream. As a recording artist, Hernandez has recorded on soundtracks by composers such as Grant Steller (Every Living Breathing Moment, 2025), Cameron Moody (Sincerely, Los Angeles, 2024), Austin Hammonds (Por La Vida, 2026), among others. His upcoming schedule includes a featured role with the Pacific Opera Project in the production of Héctor Armienta’s flamenco opera, Zorro.
Arranging
As an arranger and orchestrator, Hernandez is a sought-after collaborator across genres. He collaborated with Emmy-Winning composer, Mic Ferrante, to create lush orchestral arrangements for vocalist and actor George Miserlis (The Blanks, Scrubs). His versatility ranges from "Countrypolitan" string arrangements for artist Kimmi Bitter, reminiscent of the legendary Nashville sound of Bill McElhiney, to orchestral-pop orchestrations for Megan Chen’s single, Sophia. Hernandez also serves as the lead arranger for the San Gabriel Valley Symphony, recently leading the arrangements for over 20 selections from the video game Genshin Impact for the orchestra's Lunar New Year Concert (2026).
Education
David Hernandez is Trustee Scholar and a graduate of the USC Thornton School of Music with a double major in Composition and Classical Guitar Performance.