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Film Scoring Course: Theory and Production: Learn film scoring from a Berklee-trained composer and industry professional, mastering music theory, composition techniques, and industry-standard tools to create compelling scores for film and TV.
with Nick

Film Scoring Course: Theory and Production

Film Scoring Course: Understanding the Basics of Film Music Composition

Have you ever wanted to understand how music shapes the emotions of a film? This course is your entry point into the fascinating world of film scoring and the music theory behind it! Learn how to compose expressive and impactful music using industry-standard tools like Logic Pro, professional plugins, and essential music theory techniques, while also gaining insights into the music business. Whether you're intrigued by harmonies, orchestration, or the storytelling power of music, this course will help you develop the skills needed to craft compelling film scores.

Class Summary

Class Time:

16 hours of learning!

Class taught in:

English

Available:

👍

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Dive into the intricacies of music editing as you learn how to refine and enhance audio tracks to perfectly complement visual elements. Production and arrangement play a crucial role in bringing film scores to life. From the initial composition to the final mix, the production process involves numerous stages where creativity meets technical expertise. You'll learn the intricacies of the production phase, including recording, mixing, and mastering, ensuring that your musical compositions are not only artistically engaging but also professionally polished. Understanding production allows you to create soundtracks that are ready for both independent films and Hollywood blockbusters. Master the art of editing tracks for tempo, timing, and dynamics, and discover how these adjustments can transform an ordinary score into an extraordinary auditory experience. Through hands-on exercises, you'll develop the technical skills to manipulate music elements with precision and creativity. Sound design plays a pivotal role in the film scoring process, as it involves creating and integrating sonic elements that enhance the overall storytelling experience. By understanding the principles of sound design, you can effectively manipulate audio to suit various cinematic contexts, ultimately amplifying the emotional impact of a scene. This course will guide you through the essential techniques of sound design, enabling you to create a cohesive audio landscape that supports and elevates the narrative.

Topic 1: Introduction & History of Film Scoring

  • Overview of film scoring and its role in storytelling
  • Evolution of film music: silent films to modern cinema
  • Influential film composers (John Williams, Hans Zimmer, Ennio Morricone, etc.)
  • Analysis of iconic film scores and their impact

Topic 2: Understanding Film Scoring Tools

  • Introduction to DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations)
  • Focus on Logic Pro
  • Overview of MIDI and how it’s used in film scoring
  • Basics of working with video in Logic Pro
  • Setting up a session for scoring, including music editing and arrangement techniques

Topic 3: Essential Equipment & Plugins

  • MIDI controllers, audio interfaces, and speakers
  • Virtual instruments: orchestral libraries, synths, and specialty plugins
  • Recommended sample libraries: Spitfire Audio, EastWest, Kontakt, Omnisphere, etc.
  • Mixing and mastering essentials for film music

Topic 4: Music Theory for Film Scoring

  • Basic harmony and chord progressions used in film music
  • How to create emotion with melody and harmony
  • Common film scoring scales (e.g., minor scales, modal approaches)
  • Rhythmic techniques and orchestration principles

Topic 5: Composing for Different Film Genres

  • Horror: suspense-building techniques and dissonance
  • Action: driving rhythms and brass-heavy orchestration
  • Drama: emotional strings and subtle piano melodies
  • Comedy: playful instrumentation and unexpected harmonic shifts
Students analyze and create short compositions for each genre, considering insights from the music business

Topic 6: Scoring a Scene – Hands-on Practice

  • Selecting a film scene (silent clip for scoring practice)
  • Identifying emotional beats and thematic elements
  • Creating a temp track and developing motifs
  • Hands-on session in Logic Pro: composing a short score and exploring music editing techniques
Sound design plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall arrangement and atmosphere of a film score. By carefully crafting unique soundscapes and integrating them with the musical composition, composers can create an immersive experience that complements the visual elements. Techniques such as layering ambient sounds, altering timbres, and utilizing sound effects are often employed to achieve a seamless blend between the score and the film's audio landscapes.

Topic 7: Advanced Techniques & Industry Insights

  • Orchestration techniques for realism
  • Mixing techniques for a cinematic sound
  • Understanding temp scores and director collaboration
  • Insights into working in the music business industry: workflow, contracts, and networking

Topic 8: Final Project & Presentation

Students complete a full score for a chosen film scenePeer review and feedback sessionDiscussion on refining compositionsFinal presentation and critiqueBut it doesn't end there. Each lesson can be molded toward your needs! Sound design plays an integral role in the film composition process, providing the auditory textures and details that bring a scene to life. A well-crafted sound design can elevate a film score, ensuring that every note resonates with the intended atmosphere. From ambient noises to intricate soundscapes, mastering sound design allows composers to enhance storytelling, creating immersive and captivating auditory experiences that profoundly impact an audience's emotional response. Another crucial skill in film composition is mastering music editing. This involves refining and adjusting elements of a soundtrack to ensure it seamlessly fits the intended emotional and dramatic beats of a scene. Music editing can be the difference between a score that supports and enhances a narrative and one that distracts or detracts from it. Techniques such as cutting, looping, and synchronizing music to picture are critical aspects that students will be exposed to, allowing them to polish their compositions to perfection.

Additional Resources:

  • Books: “On the Track” by Fred Karlin & Rayburn Wright, “The Study of Orchestration” by Samuel Adler- Software: Logic Pro, Finale/Sibelius, Kontakt, Spitfire Audio Libraries
  • Online Learning: MasterClass (Hans Zimmer), YouTube breakdowns of famous scores
By the end of this course, students will have a working knowledge of film scoring, an understanding of essential tools for music editing, and a deep appreciation for the music theory that brings stories to life.

Why Learn From Me?

I am a Berklee College of Music graduate with a bachelor's degree in film composition and have spent the last eight years as a professional film composer. My musical works have been featured on major streaming services like Netflix and Discovery, as well as in AAA video games such as those produced by EA Games. Currently, I serve as the lead composer for a studio whose shows have garnered over a billion views. In addition to my industry experience, I have been a professional music educator for three years, equipping students with the skills they need to succeed in film scoring. With my expertise, real-world experience, and passion for teaching, I am dedicated to helping you master the art of film composition.

Meeting Times

  • Saturday, Jan 10, 2026
    12:00 AM - 2:00 AM
  • Friday, Jan 16, 2026 11:00 PM -
    Saturday, Jan 17, 2026 1:00 AM
  • Friday, Jan 23, 2026 11:00 PM -
    Saturday, Jan 24, 2026 1:00 AM
  • Friday, Jan 30, 2026 11:00 PM -
    Saturday, Jan 31, 2026 1:00 AM
  • Friday, Feb 6, 2026 11:00 PM -
    Saturday, Feb 7, 2026 1:00 AM
  • Friday, Feb 13, 2026 11:00 PM -
    Saturday, Feb 14, 2026 1:00 AM
  • Friday, Feb 20, 2026 11:00 PM -
    Saturday, Feb 21, 2026 1:00 AM
  • Friday, Feb 27, 2026 11:00 PM -
    Saturday, Feb 28, 2026 1:00 AM
  • Times are listed for your brower's timezone: UTC

What you need

  • Stable Internet Connection
  • Phone or PC with video conferencing capabilities

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    $293.00
    Get Your Seat
    6 max participants
    First session after Jan 10, 2026
    Tip: Ask your employer to pay!
    [email protected]
    Nick welcomes you!

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