MUSC 429 Semester in LA: Film Scoring

This course is an intensive immersion experience for undergraduate composers consisting of three areas of study: Composing for Film; the History and Aesthetics of Film Music; and the Business and Politics of Film Music. Students spend four weeks in Los Angeles where they will meet 8 hours each day with additional access to film scoring labs in the evenings and on weekends. Students receive an historical review and analysis of major film scores, with an emphasis on the symphonic film score, especially those of Steiner, Korngold, Herrman, Bernstein, Goldsmith, Morricone, Newman, and others. Students also hear lectures from prominent professionals in the industry (composers, orchestrators, copyists, music editors, music supervisors, chief executives, agents, contractors), who cover the major aspects of the professional world of scoring for films. Finally, students compose original music (underscores) for three short scenes from contemporary films. Two of the scenes are scored using Musical Instrument Digital Interface, and the third is recorded by a professional orchestra. Students use Apple’s Logic Pro as a composing tool (the industry standard) as well as the Garritan Personal Orchestra. Scores and parts for the final recording are prepared using Finale. Student work is critiqued and assessed by the faculty of the program and industry professionals, with opportunities for students to critique each other’s work.

Repeatable: N
Formerly 32-3248L
Prerequisites MUSC 322 Composition IV
Requirements Permission Required (DP)
Minimum Credits 9 Maximum Credits 9