CINEMATIC MUSIC COMPOSITION

Kick things off by meeting your instructor and getting the backstage pass to everything ahead in the course. Plus, bring your questions—we’ve got answers.

• Course structure 
• Assignments
• Q&A

Music isn’t just background noise—it’s the heartbeat of the story. Explore fundamental scoring principles, like narrative, pacing, and tone, and 

Explore how film music shapes emotion, guides narrative, and creates unforgettable moments. Learn the fundamentals of scoring and start thinking like a sonic storyteller.

• Role of music in film 
• Core principles of film scoring
• Importance of tone 
• POV of the score
• Themes & leitmotifs
• Scoring tools & workflows

Great scores don’t just follow the story—they feel it. This class dives into how to map music to emotional arcs, use silence strategically, and craft motifs that stick. Plus, explore real-world examples from hit films Guardians of the Galaxy and Get Out.

• Mapping music to emotion
• Using instrumentation to create tone
• Establishing recurring themes and motifs
• Balancing foreground and background 
• Case Study: Leitmotifs (Guardians of the Galaxy, Get Out)
• Updated references. Guardians of the Galaxy

Assignment #1: Writing a Theme
Write a 16-bar theme for A24 Pearl. Present a variation on your theme that colors it in a different emotional tone.

Great scores start with sharp storytelling instincts. In this class, you’ll learn to analyze scenes like a composer—spotting emotional peaks, shifts, and silent beats where music can make the most impact. You’ll also cover the practical side of spotting, from syncing to picture to working with directors and organizing your workflow.

• Spotting a film
• Emotional and storytelling impact
• Under and over the film
• Catching the shifts 
• The director’s vision 
• Picture lock, file naming, cue sheets
• Workshop: In groups, analyze a short (2-3 minute) film clip provided without music and identify three key moments where music could enhance emotional impact.

Film is movement, and music should move with it. Learn how to match your score to visual pacing, transitions, and on-screen action. From phrasing to hit points, you’ll explore how rhythm and timing turn music into a scene’s perfect dance partner.

• Matching Music to Visual Pacing and Scene Transitions
• Dynamic shifts
• Synchronizing music techniques
• Accentuating actions 
• Musical phrasing

Assignment #2: Short Film Cue
Create a cue sheet for the short film. Write a 20-second cue catching the shifts in the film. 

Every genre speaks its own musical language. Discover how to shift your scoring approach to match the tone, emotion, and style of different film types. Through iconic case studies, you’ll explore when to go bold, when to stay subtle, and how to let genre guide your sound.

• Adjusting scoring techniques 
• Genre-specific tones and instrumentation
• Balancing subtlety and boldness
• Case Study: Pearl, Guardians of the Galaxy 1, Guardians of the Galaxy 2, and Mary

When characters speak, music must listen. This class teaches you how to underscore dialogue without overpowering it. You'll explore how to write character-driven cues that support the story and the power of silence.

• Underscoring conversations
• Character-driven cues
• Using silence effectively
• Demo: Composing for a dialogue-heavy scene

Assignment #3: Scoring for Specific Genre
Create a 40-second horror cue, action cue, or drama cue. 

Bringing your music to life with real players is a whole new level of storytelling. This class covers orchestration techniques for film, blending classic and modern sounds, and prepping your score for the studio. Plus, learn about effectively working with musicians.

• Orchestration techniques 
• Combining traditional & modern elements
• Size of the orchestra - budget
• Preparing scores for studio
• Conductor score: Dos & don’ts
• Communicating with performers

Not all scores are set in stone—some evolve in real time. This class dives into improvisation and dynamic scoring, as well as writing for interactive media.

• Improvisational techniques
• Dynamic scoring
• Writing for interactive media
• Demo: Improvising music live to a film clip with evolving visuals

Assignment #4: Orchestration
Orchestrate a 30-second action cue for a 60-piece orchestra - submit as a conductor score PDF. 

Scoring a film isn’t a solo act—it’s a team effort. Learn how to speak the language of directors, editors, and sound designers—even if they don’t speak “musician.” Discover how to turn feedback into fuel, build strong creative relationships, and keep your files—and your communication—on point.

• Working with creative roles
• Communicating musical ideas
• Using story-driven vs. music-specific language
• Feedback & revisions
• Revision file naming protocols 
• Building professional relationships

Assignment #5: Director’s Brief
Write a cue based on a given director’s brief. Be aware of tone requests. 

Even the best cue can fall flat without the right mix. In this final class, you’ll learn techniques for crafting clear, emotionally powerful mixes that hold up on the big screen. With insights from top industry engineers and a guest speaker, you'll explore spatial effects, stem prep, and how to bring cinematic polish to your music.

• Role of mixing
• Techniques for clarity and punch
• Mixing workflow & session setup
• Reverb & spatial effects
• Preparing stems
• Demo: LOCKED MIX

Assignment #6: Stem & Cue Delivery
Submit a mix and stems of a 30-second cue.

What’s next in film scoring? Dive into current trends, game-changing tech, and the evolving business of composing for screen. Whether you're aiming for Hollywood or indie features, you'll gain a sharper sense of where to go from here.

• Current Trends in Film Scoring
• Emerging Technologies and Their Impact
• The Business Side of Film Scoring
• Future Directions in Film Scoring

Talent is just the first act—this class is about getting your foot in the studio door. Learn how to build a standout demo reel, connect with the right people, and navigate the business of being a composer. This is the roadmap to turn your skills into a scoring career.

• Breaking into the film industry
• Creating a demo reel
• Agents & publicists
• Record companies & publishers
• Networking & composer societies
• Finding a job

Assignment #7: Course Project: 6 Cue Reel
Create a 6-cue reel to pitch yourself as a composer (this can include pre-existing material).