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CINEMATIC MUSIC COMPOSITION

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Instructor's works, part 1 Instructor's works, part 2 Instructor's works, part 3 Instructor's works, part 4 Instructor's works, part 5 Instructor's works, part 1 Instructor's works, part 2 Instructor's works, part 3 Instructor's works, part 4 Instructor's works, part 5 Instructor's works, part 1 Instructor's works, part 2 Instructor's works, part 3 Instructor's works, part 4 Instructor's works, part 5 Instructor's works, part 1 Instructor's works, part 2 Instructor's works, part 3 Instructor's works, part 4 Instructor's works, part 5
  • 12 FEB - 24 MAR (6 WEEKS)
  • TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS
  • 5 PM PT / 8 PM ET
Michael Rodgers
Jason Whatley
Hunter Armstrong
David Fong
check TRUSTED BY
100+ STUDENTS
LIVE ONLINE COURSE ON CINEMATIC MUSIC COMPOSITION
DATES:
12 FEB 2026 - 24 MAR 2026
DURATION:
6 WEEKS
TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS
5 PM PT / 8 PM ET

Make the audience feel what words can’t say. Develop the tools to craft powerful musical narratives for film, TV, and games.

Learn how to score, mix, and deliver music that moves people and meets industry standards — all under the guidance of composer Timothy Williams, who worked on hits like Get Out, Pearl, Mary, Guardians of the Galaxy, Deadpool 2, and more.

THIS COURSE IS FOR YOU, IF...

  • YOU ARE AN ASPIRING COMPOSER OR A FILM SCORING STUDENT

     

    Learn how to score scenes with emotional precision, write themes that evolve with the story, and compose cues that elevate the frame. From horror to heartbreak, dialogue to explosions, you’ll get hands-on practice scoring a range of genres and scenes. We’ll guide you through the real-world workflow of a working composer: orchestrating, prepping sessions, talking to directors, and translating music into cinematic storytelling.

  • YOU ARE A JUNIOR OR INTERMEDIATE FILM COMPOSER

     

    You’ve got the DAW chops — but when it comes to large-scale scores, director feedback, and delivery deadlines, it still feels uncertain. This course is your upgrade. No more confusion about cue sheets, naming protocols, or communicating your musical vision to non-musicians. We’ll teach you the workflows, tech tricks, and industry smarts that separate freelancers from full-timers. Build a portfolio that sounds like you're already working on your second HBO series.

  • YOU ARE A COMPOSER LOOKING TO GROW OR SWITCH FIELDS

     

    Ready to level up your score? Whether you’re aiming to lead your own projects, break into visual media, or finally craft that demo reel that actually lands gigs, this course sharpens your edge. Learn how to score in real time as visuals shift, adapt your sound to new formats, and master the kind of feedback finesse that keeps directors calling you back. Refine your craft, expand your toolkit, and get ready to compose like the lead you are.

Our students work in 1600+ companies worldwide

  • Google logo
  • Apple logo
  • Ubisoft logo
  • Microsoft logo
  • Blizzard logo
  • Uber logo
  • Epic Games logo
  • Amazon logo
  • Spotify logo
  • Meta logo
  • PlayStation Studios logo
  • Nike logo
 
ABOUT THE COURSE / WHAT YOU'LL DO
01
COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM

This isn’t a sit-back-and-listen kind of class. You’ll be writing themes, scoring for genre, and tackling real-world briefs — just like the pros do (because you’re becoming one). From cue sheets to orchestration, you’ll build practice and portfolio edge.

02
REAL-WORLD CASE STUDIES

What do Get Out, Pearl, and Guardians of the Galaxy have in common? Our instructor helped shape the sound that made them unforgettable. Get inside the score and learn what actually goes into a film soundtrack — from indie chills to Marvel thrills.

03
PORTFOLIO BOOST

You’ll walk out of this course with a polished 6-cue reel — the kind of demo that directors actually listen to. Different moods, styles, and genres, all tailored to show you can score anything from a tearjerker to a horror.

INSTRUCTOR

TIMOTHY WILLIAMS

Portfolio
  • Award-winning composer best known for his work on Pearl (A24), Mary (Netflix), Brightburn (Sony), and Get Out (Universal).
  • Scoring upcoming releases including Locked (with Bill SkarsgĂĄrd & Anthony Hopkins), Eye for an Eye (Leyline Entertainment), and Mistura (winner, Best Picture at NBFF).
  • Scored Sundance Audience Award winner Your Monster, Lionsgate’s The Bagman, and Finding You, alongside films by Robert Duvall and John Moore.
  • Composed music for major TV series including Netflix’s Agent Elvis, AMC’s Creepshow, Disney’s Piney, and Fox’s Richard Lovely.
  • Contributed music to blockbusters like Guardians of the Galaxy, Deadpool 2, 300, Watchmen, and Get Out.
  • Earned 10 ASCAP Awards, 4 Thea Awards, 2 MPSE Golden Reel nominations, and multiple Best Score wins (Screamfest, Raleigh FF, 24FPS).
  • Nominated for Best Horror Soundtrack by the International Film Critics Awards & Best Soundtrack by the HMMA (2023).
Instructor Timothy Williams
syllabus
00
WED (2/11), 5 PM PT/8 PM ET
Welcome Class

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
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01
THU (2/12), 5 PM PT/8 PM ET
Introduction to Film Scoring

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
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02
TUE (2/17), 5 PM PT/8 PM ET
Storytelling Through Music

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.

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03
THU (2/19), 5 PM PT/8 PM ET
Spotting Sessions and Film Analysis

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.
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04
TUE (2/24), 5 PM PT/8 PM ET
Writing for Visual Rhythms

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. 

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05
THU (2/26), 5 PM PT/8 PM ET
Scoring for Different Film Genres

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
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06
TUE (3/3), 5 PM PT/8 PM ET
Writing for Dialogue-Heavy Scenes

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. 

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07
THU (3/5), 5 PM PT/8 PM ET
Orchestration and Working with Live Musicians + Guest Speaker

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
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08
TUE (3/10), 5 PM PT/8 PM ET
Improvisation and Adaptive Scoring

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. 

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09
THU (3/12), 5 PM PT/8 PM ET
Collaboration in Film Scoring

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. 

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10
TUE (3/17), 5 PM PT/8 PM ET
Mixing and Mastering for Film Scores + Guest Speaker

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.

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11
THU (3/19), 5 PM PT/8 PM ET
Industry Insights and Trends

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
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12
TUE (3/24), 5 PM PT/8 PM ET
Career Development

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).

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What our students say

Student David Fong
Cinematic Music Composition
"I loved moments where we got to see behind the scenes. It was amazing to see the Pro Tools session with the actual audio plugins Tim was using, the score with film-specific performance notes on it, etc. There is nothing more valuable than looking behind the curtain with your own eyes and absorbing everything you can!"
Student Hunter Armstrong
Cinematic Music Composition
"I would say the best thing is learning from somebody who has real world experience in the field being taught. Timothy is able to provide very in-depth examples and relate topics to personal experiences. His experience shows in his teachings!"
Student Jason Whatley
Cinematic Music Composition
"[The best thing about this is course is...] that we spend the vast majority of the time on things that require experience/insider knowledge. Tim's really transparent and eager to answer questions and make sure that people are getting value out of the course. I'm very happy I took this course."
Student Michael Rodgers
Cinematic Music Composition
"Prof. Williams is such a professional, but also very much down to Earth, encouraging, and I personally find him very motivational. The content is applicable, it's not "fluff," and above all, he's very approachable. The classes are very informative, and I am very impressed with how "user friendly" the whole tone and presentation is. The entire class was dedicated to thinking musically, creatively, and how to polish a product for best presentation. It's transformative. As a professional musician and music educator, this course opens up a world of opportunity to so many constituents. I am so thrilled to be part of this experience."
Cinematic Music Composition
"Timothy and Drew are the best thing about the course. They are both skilled in sharing their knowledge of the craft and they are also both doing a good job of being relatable and accessible. It is extremely helpful to be able to ask them questions and to receive a response. I also have loved the Discord community. Connecting with other students over a shared love of music is a nice and unexpected opportunity this class has also given."
Student Eric Nhem
Become a Game Writer
Trustpilot
"Adrian's game writing course was amazing! I went in with no knowledge about the industry, and I wasn't treated less than because of it. I learned so much from Adrian, the guest speakers, and the assignments. Because of the class, I feel confident enough to apply for game writing jobs, which I couldn't say before the class. Adrian's passion for the field shows, and he wants all of the students to succeed. He was professional, knowledgeable, and just fun. The class also introduced me to some wonderful fellow writers, and it was great being surrounded by other creatives. I highly recommend the class to anyone who's thinking of a career transition. You won't regret it!"
AI Solution Architect
Trustpilot
"The AI Solutions Architect course exceeded my expectations with its well-structured curriculum that balances theoretical foundations with practical applications. Duc brings valuable industry experience to teaching, providing insights beyond textbook knowledge. The course effectively equipped us with both technical expertise and thought leadership skills that have directly enhanced our professional work. The collaborative learning environment with Tony facilitated valuable connections with peers that have lasted beyond the program. Thank you Duc & Tony!"
Student Tatiana Sy
Book Production Management
"One of the best things about this course was Vanessa's transparent and thorough reflection on the industry. It's hard to explain the nuances of production and she was illustrative in speech."
Student Jennifer Ly
Become a Game Writer
"Adrian Ropp was my instructor and he is absolutely amazing. The course helped me build my skills and portfolio to be fully equipped to handle the video game industry as a narrative designer/game writer. I was worried at first because I found them through a random instagram ad and the price point is a bit steep, but I found that the program was well-worth it! I would recommend this for someone who is already a decent/strong writer and would like to enter the gaming industry, but is unsure where to begin or what to expect."
Student Grace Gillingham
Editor in Book Publishing
"I loved the hands-on exercises as they gave real-world experience to practice what we had learned. Each lesson was valuable due to Julia's breadth of knowledge, her kindness, and her network, who joined to guest speak during some of our lessons. The professionals in this course were one of a kind."
Student Sara Stewart
Editor in Book Publishing
"As someone who is completely new to the book publishing industry, I was able to receive a wealth of knowledge that leaves me more confident than ever to pursue freelancing. I really enjoyed all of the class engagement with other students. The discord channel has been INCREDIBLY helpful for not just information but networking as well."
Student Nico Simoni
Gallery Management
"The course overview was very well organized, and the practical examples provided by Andrew offered a genuine insight into the art field. It was valuable to see his perspective from a corporate point of view. Alex also clarified key points in a very concise and insightful manner—both were a great match, as their patience and clarity played a vital role in the class."
Student Connor Schmidt
Animation Scriptwriting
"What did I appreciate most about our instructor?… His passion for the subject matter and willingness to share his knowledge and wisdom in order to equip and empower his students."
Student Priti Solanki
AI Solution Architect
"I am happy to share that I participated in the AI Solution Architect course by ELVTR. Special thanks to our instructor Duc Haba and Tony Merlo for the inspiration and guidance during the interactive online classes!"
Student Brooklynn Lykes
Gallery Management
"I loved this class. I have always been reluctant to participate in large format organized education and this exceeded my expectations. The assignments were just the right amount of challenging, the course material was engaging and informative. The instructors walked through each subject with diligence and care. Really great."
Student Emily Casebolt
Become a Game Writer
"I had an amazing time in this class. I feel extremely encouraged to write again and confident enough to apply for game writing positions. I don't think I could say that prior to taking the class."
Student Stephanie Waldo
Editor in Book Publishing
"There are so many things to enjoy with this course! Our instructor and guest speakers were very knowledgeable in varying sections of the industry providing this course with different perspectives and areas of expertise. The accessibility to the resources and job opportunities was incredibly inclusive. Additionally having the discord server to be able to connect with others in the course outside of class time was so beneficial to creating connections and learning together. I would recommend this course to anyone interested in understanding the business of publishing!"
Student Jo Van Oosterwyck
AI Solution Architect
"This course was an incredible journey into the world of designing scalable, innovative AI solutions. From mastering requirements gathering to navigating infrastructure and stakeholder approvals, every step was packed with insights that will help shape the future of tech and product development.

A special thanks to our amazing instructor, Duc Haba, whose expertise and guidance made all the difference. Your passion for AI and real-world insights truly elevated the experience—thank you!

Looking forward to applying these skills to the exciting challenges ahead, especially in building smarter, more impactful solutions at Bimefy and beyond."
Student Nicole Brettell
Animation Scriptwriting
"I'm enjoying this class and can't believe it is almost finished! Time certainly flew... and yet, I have learned a lot in this class!

This class has really allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and learn more about screenwriting for animated films by having me rewatch films I have seen and films I haven't watch before for research (in fact, my experiences in the class had given me the courage to view 'Anastasia', an animated film that I wanted to watch but never got to see it.)"
Student Beau Allen Collins
Beau Allen Collins
Gallery Management
"This is somewhat of a niche topic that really there isn’t much information on and it’s sporadic where there is. Having everything all grouped together and taught by a professional in an extremely respectable gallery is shockingly a big deal to me. Thank you. It ironically came at a perfect time for me.. it felt like the universe put this in my path - and I remember just weeks ago I unfortunately felt a lot of imposter syndrome walking into this new path in my career and this class pretty much single handedly has me hopeful, feeling prepared, and feeling like yes, I do have the experience, I do have enough knowledge, and I can figure this out and make it happen."
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