Music Scoring for Visual Media

MUS-K 455/555 – Topics in Music Scoring for Visual Media: Orchestration for the Screen

Spring semesters: 1.5 Credits. 1:00-2:15pm MF, ESB328

This modular spring semester course (Jan. 13 – March 14) is designed for music majors that want to improve and understand the techniques of orchestration for picture. In-depth study and practice of creating current industry-standard practices in Hybrid Orchestration for media, film, TV, and game music. Transforming MIDI-based scores into Sibelius/Finale scores, as well as techniques for special doubling and overdub pass recording are explored, as well as how to interface with the composer’s team and preparedness for final timely delivery of materials for recording. Taught by Hollywood professional orchestrator Brad Ritchie (Supergirl, The Flash, Black Klansman, La-La Land, First Man — IMDB listing).

Technical recommendations:
It is suggested that students own or have at their disposal the use of 1) Digital Audio Workstation (DAW, sequencer) and 2) sound library (orchestral library, softsynth, extras as desired). P: Permission of instructor and demonstrated background in MIDI, composition, and orchestration. Contact Professor Groupé with any questions.

MUS-K 455/555 – Topics in Music Scoring for Visual Media: Music Licensing and Monetization

Spring semesters: 1.5 Credits. 1:00-2:15pm MF, ESB328

This modular spring semester course (Mar. 23 – May 1) is an in-depth study and practice of creating current industry trends in music licensing for film, TV, and other media. Understanding how production, music library, composing, and production is done. How to navigate the Ad pitch and song requests that come out almost daily form Advertisers and TV/Film placement firms. Understanding how Synch licenses work, who owns the publishing? How to submit Cue sheets for performing rights purposes and so on. Taught by career producer and licensing expert at Mutiny Records, Ryan Fitch.

Technical recommendations:
It is suggested that students own or have at their disposal the use of 1) Digital Audio Workstation (DAW, sequencer) and 2) sound library (orchestral library, softsynth, extras as desired). P: Permission of instructor and demonstrated background in MIDI, composition, and orchestration. Contact Professor Groupé with any questions.

MUS-K 455/555 – Topics in Music Scoring for Visual Media: Synthestration

Fall semesters: 3 Credits.  1:00-2:15pm  WF, ESB328

This course is designed for music majors that want to improve their MIDI demo skills.

In-depth study and practice of creating strong MIDI realizations of concert music, media and film music, and many other genres. Through the use of sample libraries and DAW techniques, participants will translate their Sibelius/Finale scores, or DAW exclusive compositions, into superior sounding audio demos. Additional study of signal processing techniques and demo mixing will be explored along with current industry-standard workflows.

Technical recommendations:
Though there will be a master workstation with software available for student use, it is suggested that students own or have at their disposal use of:
1) Digital Audio Workstation (DAW, sequencer)
2) Sound library (orchestral library, softsynth, extras as desired)

For scoring MAJORS: suggested minimum personal computer and software resources.

P: Permission of instructor and demonstrated background in MIDI and composition.

Contact Professor Thomas with any questions.

MUS-K 455/555 – Topics in Music Scoring for Visual Media: Introduction to Scoring

Fall: “Short Form”; Spring: “Long Form”: 3 credits.   10:10A-11:25 MW, FF 304C

A course designed for music majors (including audio majors), filmmakers, and other Media School students, and all those interested in how dramatic music functions in an effective manner in media.

In-depth study and practice of the dramatic art of scoring music to picture. Participants will select and edit music into a variety of media samples; such as Film, Television, and Gaming. Ancillary lectures and discussions will include the current business climate in Hollywood and the skill sets one would need to pursue a career in media.

P: none, but Permission of Instructor is required; Contact Professor Groupé with any questions.

MUS-K 455/555 – Topics in Music Scoring for Visual Media: Advanced Scoring

Fall: “Short Form”; Spring: “Long Form”: 3 credits.   9:45-11:00 TR, M 373 (JS328)

A course designed for composition and scoring majors and minors, and others with significant composing and/or arranging skills.

In-depth study and practice of the dramatic art of scoring original music to picture. Participants will compose, produce demos, and orchestrate original music to a variety of media samples; such as Film, Television, and Gaming. Ancillary lectures and discussions will include the current business climate in Hollywood and the skill sets one would need to pursue a career as a media composer. The semester will culminate in a recording session of multiple scenes you will have written over the semester.

Technical recommendations:
Though there will be a workstation with software available for student use, it is suggested that students own or have at their disposal use of:
1) Digital Audio Workstation (DAW, sequencer)
2) Sound library (orchestral library, softsynth, extras as desired)

For scoring MAJORS: suggested minimum personal computer and software resources.

Examples:
1) Digital Performer, Logic, Pro Tools, or CuBase
2) Orchestral: Spitfire, East/West, Cinesamples, Vienna, etc.; SYNTH: Omnisphere, Absynth, etc.

Packages may be available with student discounts.