We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
J. Anthony Allen

Every single question posted to this class is answered within 24 hours by the instructor.

Welcome to the The most popular film scoring online course.

Read more

Every single question posted to this class is answered within 24 hours by the instructor.

Welcome to the The most popular film scoring online course.

This is a class designed for the average person who is ready to take their music career (or music interest) and develop it into something more. Whether you are an active musician or an aspiring musician, this class is perfect for you.

In this course, we will learn the essential techniques used in writing music for the film. Through a series of analysis' of well-known film scenes from your favorite movies we will learn what makes a great cue, and then apply those techniques by writing our own. I'll be showing you some of my own projects for film and television throughout the class, and walk you through my process when composing music for a film project.

By the end of this course, students will understand the tools, lingo, and techniques used in the film composing world and will be ready to dive into their own projects. I'll walk you through how to get started on your first project by using freely available movies that need a score. 

Throughout my career, I've worked with major American orchestras, film studios, and video game designers. I'm also a Ph.D. in music composition and a university professor (of music composition). 

Recently I was named as a semi-finalist for the Grammy Foundation's Music Educator of the Year award because of my in-person university classes. Now I'm taking those classes to Udemy in an online format in order to reach more students and give them the joy of Music Theory.

I'm planning on making several "sections" of this class, and this is Part 1. As the class grows, we will go deeper and deeper into my techniques. 

In this class, we will cover:

  • Tools of the trade

  • Finding the emotional response

  • Music Theory and Genre

  • Scoring for film

  • Using Modes in Film Scores

  • Finding the Message

  • Learning from Temp Cues

  • "Spotting" the film

  • Film score composition techniques

  • Working with industry budgets

  • Diegetic music and non-diegetic music

  • Score and Source

  • The Ostinato

  • Working with silent films

  • Setting up a session

  • Marking hits

  • Scoring the opening credits

  • Motive and Leitmotif

  • Working with Leitmotifs

  • Working with the rhythm in cues

  • POV

  • Finding and analyzing POV scenes

  • Composing using POV

  • And much, much, more.  

And of course, once you sign up for this class, all my other classes are yours at steep discounts. Over half off for all future sections.

The course is a roadmap to launching your career as a composer.

All the tools you need to prepare, organize and start your career are included in this course and the entire course is based on real-life experiences - not just academic theory.

Please click the "Take This Course" button so you can launch your music career today.

I guarantee that this course is the most thorough music business course available ANYWHERE on the market - or your money back (30-day money-back guarantee)

Closed captions have been added to all lessons in this course.

Praise for Courses by Jason Allen:

⇢  "It seems like every little detail is being covered in an extremely simple fashion. The learning process becomes relaxed and allows complex concepts to get absorbed easily. My only regret is not taking this course earlier." - M. Shah

⇢  "Great for everyone without any knowledge so far. I bought all three parts... It's the best investment in leveling up my skills so far.." - Z. Palce

⇢  "Excellent explanations.  No more or less than what is needed." - A. Tóth

⇢  "VERY COOL. I've waited for years to see a good video course, now I don't have to wait anymore. Thank You. " - Jeffrey Koury

⇢  "I am learning LOTS.  And I really like having the worksheets. " - A. Deichsel

⇢  "The basics explained very clearly - loads of really useful tips. " - J. Pook

⇢  "Jason is really quick and great with questions, always a great resource for an online class. " M. Smith

Students who register for this course will receive ongoing exclusive content and discounts for all future classes in the series. 

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Get started building a portfolio of work to show their film composition talents
  • Score a feature film using a variety of techniques
  • Understand the process of writing music for film
  • Write and compose music using proven techniques and tips
  • Create their own music using software, or good old pencil and paper.
  • Generate musical ideas through creativity exercises
  • Tools of the trade: software
  • How do you start?
  • The process
  • Program music and metaphors
  • Character sketches
  • Writing through canon
  • Score and source
  • Practicing with silent films
  • Setting up a session
  • Marking hits
  • Scoring the opening credits
  • Working with rhythm in cues
  • Finding and analyzing pov scenes
  • Creating atmosphere
  • Harmonizing string melodies
  • Polyrhythmic accompaniment
  • Working with string orchestra
  • The chase scene
  • Using the brass section
  • Building tension
  • Show more
  • Show less

Syllabus

Introduction
Tools of the Trade, and a Look at One of My Projects
Update! MuseScore 3.0
What I've Found in Other Film Scoring Classes
Read more
A Note About Examples in This Class
One of the first things we should do with any project is explore the emotional palette of the scene.
Finding the Right Emotional Response
Music Theory and Genre
Using Modes in Film Music
Finding the Message of the Film
Threnody for the Care Bears
Before we dive in to writing our soundtrack, let's learn a little bit about the process of scoring a film.
Learning From Temp Cues
Spotting the Film
Budgets
Sometimes called "source" and "score" music, these are the two main types of music we work with in film composition.
Diegetic and Non Diegetic Music
Score and Source Example: JAWS (1975)
Source Music Elements
When the Score and Source Collide
Analysis: Battlestar Galactica
Once you learn what an ostinato is, you won't be able to stop noticing them in every film score that you hear.
Analysis: Captain America
Analysis: Requiem for a Dream
The Ostinato
Working with Silent Films
Setting Up a Session
Composing with Ostinatos
Building on Ostinatos with More Elements
Marking Hits
Finishing Up Our Intro
A Quick Analysis So Far
[DOWNLOAD] MuseScore (Notation) File
Working with Notation
When working on a film, you can sometimes create reusable motives for people, places, and things.
Motive and Lietmotif
Analysis: Star Wars
The Opera Connection
Locating Lietmotifs
Composing Lietmotifs
Adding Rhythm
Our Long Cue So Far
Composing with an understanding of POV is essential!
What is POV?
Finding and Analyzing POV Scenes
Scoring a POV Scene
Analysis of our POV Scene
This class got so big I decided to make a part 2!
Split in 2
Coming in Part 2!
Welcome to Part 2!
Tools We Will Use
One of My Professional Projects
A Note About the Examples In This Class
In this section let's talk about creating a sense of atmosphere through music in a scene.
What is Atmosphere?
Example: District 9
Example: Finding Nemo
The "Pad" Sound and the Orchestra
Using Modes for Atmosphere
Finding an Atmospheric Cue in Our Film
Composing with Atmosphere
Analysis of Our Cue
In this section let's focus in on the orchestra, and how to get a good "Hollywood" sound.
Taking a Lush Melody and Adding Harmonic Motion
Polyrhythmic, Monorhythmic, and Accompanimental
Example: The Village
Example: Monorhythmic
Example: Polyrhythmic
A Piece Worth Noting: Barber's Adagio
Finding a Good Cue for Our Film
Composing with String Harmonies
Analysis of This Cue
A car chase, a fist fight, a space battle - these are things that require high-energy music that you might encounter. Let's look at some techniques for keeping the energy up.
The Chase Scene
Example: The Matrix
Example: Jason Borne
Rhythm in Chase Scenes
Brass Swells!
Example: C'était une rendevous
C'était une rendevous Playthrough
Scoring C'était une rendevous
The "Tension Cue" is one of my favorite types of cues to work on. Dissonance, atmosphere, and orchestration all play a role in creating these creepy cues.
Tension Cues
Example: The Ring
Dissection of One of My Tension Cues
Techniques: Ponticello, Tremelo, and Gliss
Analysis: Dissonance
Braaams!
Dissection of Another Tension Cue
Cue Analysis
There is an old technique that we now call "Mickey Mousing." Generally it is something you want to avoid, but it can add humor in the right situations.
What is Mickey Mousing?
Examples of Mickey Mousing
Ok, now that you know some of the fundamentals of film scoring, let's spend some time talking about some techniques to get your career off the ground.
Getting Gigs

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Taught by Dr. Anthony Allen, who has worked with major American orchestras, film studios, and video game designers
Provides students with real-world examples and avoids solely focusing on academic theories
Offers a comprehensive study of film scoring techniques, from basic tools to advanced industry practices
Develops skills in composing music for film, from generating ideas to writing cues
Provides hands-on opportunities to work on real-world projects
Suitable for both aspiring and active musicians seeking to advance their film scoring careers
Introduces students to the tools, terminology, and techniques used in the film scoring industry

Save this course

Save Film Scoring Bundle: Writing Music For Films: Parts 1 and 2 to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Film Scoring Bundle: Writing Music For Films: Parts 1 and 2 with these activities:
Read 'Film Music: A History' by Claudia Gorbman
Gain insights into the history and evolution of film scoring to enhance your understanding of the craft
Show steps
  • Purchase or borrow the book
  • Read the book in its entirety
  • Take notes on key concepts and ideas
Follow online film scoring tutorials
Expand your knowledge and skills by following step-by-step tutorials from experienced professionals
Browse courses on Film Scoring
Show steps
  • Search for online tutorials on film scoring
  • Choose a tutorial that aligns with your skill level and interests
  • Follow the instructions and practice the techniques
Join a study group
Collaborate and share knowledge with other students to enhance your learning
Show steps
  • Find a group of peers who are also taking the course
  • Meet regularly to discuss course materials and work together on assignments
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Practice writing music using different techniques
Enhance your proficiency by regularly practicing and refining your composition skills
Show steps
  • Choose a specific technique to focus on
  • Compose short musical exercises using that technique
  • Repeat the process with different techniques
Attend a film scoring workshop or conference
Immerse yourself in the world of film scoring by attending specialized events and workshops
Browse courses on Film Scoring
Show steps
  • Research upcoming film scoring events
  • Register and attend the event
  • Participate actively in workshops and networking opportunities
Start composing a soundtrack
Reinforce your understanding of film scoring techniques by starting your own composition.
Show steps
  • Choose a film scene to score
  • Analyze the scene and identify key emotional moments
  • Compose a melody and harmony that captures the emotional response
Create a blog or vlog about your film scoring progress
Share your experiences, insights, and compositions with others to engage with the wider film scoring community
Show steps
  • Choose a platform for your blog or vlog
  • Create regular content that showcases your work
  • Interact with your audience and gather feedback
Reach out to professional film composers for guidance
Connect with experienced professionals who can provide valuable insights and support
Show steps
  • Research and identify potential mentors
  • Contact the mentors and express your interest in connecting
  • Establish regular communication and seek guidance

Career center

Learners who complete Film Scoring Bundle: Writing Music For Films: Parts 1 and 2 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Film Scoring Bundle: Writing Music For Films: Parts 1 and 2.
Ultimate Ableton Live 9: Part 1 - The Interface & The...
Most relevant
Film Scoring in Logic Pro X: The Complete Guide
Most relevant
Ultimate Ableton Live 9: Part 2 - Recording & Warping
Most relevant
Ultimate Ableton Live 9: Part 3 - Producing & Editing
Most relevant
From Silence to Sound: Composing for Film & Commercials
Most relevant
Ultimate Ableton Live 9: Part 6 - DJ Techniques...
Most relevant
The Essentials of 35mm Film Photography
Most relevant
Film, TV, & Video Game Music Composition + Production...
Most relevant
Music Theory with the Ableton Push
Most relevant
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser