Film Scoring Major

The student majoring in film scoring will develop a foundation of creative musical skills, including composition, counterpoint, orchestration, conducting, and computer/synthesis skills, and will learn the technical basis and mechanics of preparing synchronous music for use with visual media. The student will also develop an interpretive sensitivity to the dramatic effectiveness of music as suggested or demanded by emotional and dramatic considerations. To demonstrate mastery of these skills and concepts, the student will complete a portfolio that will include a finished score of a short film, fully produced and synchronized, a similarly produced and synchronized main title theme for a television series, a professional resumé and letter of application suitable for the purpose of career placement and advancement, and a recording including a variety of musical examples composed and produced by the student and selected to function as a demo to accompany an application portfolio.

The student will study acknowledged masterpieces of film scoring and through this exposure will develop an aesthetic vision and the ability to recognize and discuss quality work in film scoring. Interpersonal and other situational skills will be developed through the cooperation necessary to realize finished projects: working with performers, studio personnel, and technical assistants, and participating in other students' projects.

The film scoring major will develop sufficient skills and knowledge to function as a composer, orchestrator, music supervisor, and music editor or technical production worker in the film and television industry, and will have sufficient knowledge of basic concepts to adapt with success to the changing conditions that are typical of the entertainment industry.

Download the film scoring concentrate courses (requires Acrobat Reader, available for free on the Adobe website). Students are strongly encouraged to verify their course requirements with the Office of the Registrar.

• Degree/Diploma (updated August 2009)