Student Resident Composer
About Cameron T. Barnes
Cameron T. Barnes is a composer, pianist, and emerging film scorer from Chicago, Illinois. Currently a student at Clark Atlanta University, Cameron is known for his expressive musical storytelling and rapidly growing body of orchestral work.
He began playing piano at age six under the mentorship of Amy Wurtz, a respected pianist and composer. From the start, Cameron displayed a remarkable musical intuition, which soon extended beyond performance into original composition. His experience includes solo recitals, competitions, and collaborative performances with choirs and vocalists.
In his junior year at CAU, Cameron was commissioned to compose a piece for the acclaimed Sphinx Virtuosi ensemble—despite having no previous works performed publicly. The result, Strings of Eighteen, marked his debut as a composer on the professional stage. His music has since been performed in operatic productions and academic showcases, highlighting his unique voice among rising composers in the Atlanta University Center.
Cameron’s senior year culminated in the completion of his first full symphony, Exploration—a four-movement work written over four months. Inspired by the challenge of creating a large-scale orchestral piece, the symphony reflects a journey of musical discovery and personal growth.
Now turning his focus toward film scoring, Cameron composes heroic themes and cinematic pieces that capture emotion and narrative. His original works can be heard on his YouTube channel, Cam T Barnes Music, where he shares his passion with a growing audience.
Driven by a desire to inspire others and tell stories through sound, Cameron’s ultimate goal is to become a beloved film composer. He credits Clark Atlanta University for giving him the foundation to chase that dream, proudly embracing its motto: “Find a way, or make one.”
