Film Music Composition

A professional-track course for musicians, performers, or composers who want to work in film and media scoring. The aim is to change how students see both film and music: learning to read a film not just as a visual work but as a dramatic structure, and to use music to enter its narrative and emotional layers. Students explore musical storytelling, dramatic function, and the role of music in a film's dramaturgy — and how music shapes meaning, atmosphere, and feeling on screen. A significant part of the course is hands-on: scoring scenes across genres (drama, action, and others), and composing from a screenplay or script. Work is project-based, giving students real experience scoring to picture. The course also covers production techniques, collaborating with directors, and the overall filmmaking process. By the end, students will have a professional portfolio suitable for further academic study or entry into the film music industry. Format: online group class, private lessons, workshop, or a combination. Topics covered: - History of film music, genres, and core terminology - Common approaches in film scoring (thematic, melodic, and others) - Composing from a screenplay, without picture - The functions of music in film (anticipation, spacing, heightening drama, and more) - Spotting — determining cue start/end points and their role in narrative continuity - Classical forms such as theme and variations applied to film scoring - The relationship between dialogue, music, and sound design - Orchestration, acoustic instrumentation, and electronic atmosphere - Essential tools and equipment for professional film scoring work - Collaborating with directors, understanding project needs, and managing communication challenges