Why are you here? Yes, YOU here on Udemy looking for a music composition and production course – are you here to dip your toes into the wild world of composing music for a living? Have you always dreamed of writing for Hollywood movies, big commercials, AAA video games, and the like? Have your parents told you to go to business school and find a "real job"? Whelp, I hate to squash your spirit...but they're right. If you want to make a career out of writing music, buckle up. It's going to be a bumpy ride.
Read more
Why are you here? Yes, YOU here on Udemy looking for a music composition and production course – are you here to dip your toes into the wild world of composing music for a living? Have you always dreamed of writing for Hollywood movies, big commercials, AAA video games, and the like? Have your parents told you to go to business school and find a "real job"? Whelp, I hate to squash your spirit...but they're right. If you want to make a career out of writing music, buckle up. It's going to be a bumpy ride.
Why are you here? Yes, YOU here on Udemy looking for a music composition and production course – are you here to dip your toes into the wild world of composing music for a living? Have you always dreamed of writing for Hollywood movies, big commercials, AAA video games, and the like? Have your parents told you to go to business school and find a "real job"? Whelp, I hate to squash your spirit...but they're right. If you want to make a career out of writing music, buckle up. It's going to be a bumpy ride.
If you're still reading, then you're here for something...more. You want to learn from someone who has already paved the path. You want to hear their war stories, understand their lifestyle choices, witness their work habits, study their rhythms, and most of all...learn how they do it so you can do it too.
I'm not here to blow smoke. I'm nothing special. In fact, although I'm an "award-winning composer" with hundreds of credits across virtually every media known to man – films, television, video games, podcasts, audio dramas, advertisements, trailers, corporate videos, animation, musicals, YouTube series, graphic novels, & a motion comic...my music has even been performed in concert halls and played on repeat for a decade inside the National Museums Liverpool. – you've never heard of me. Why? Because I'm an Everyday Composer. I'm not famous, but I support my family doing what I love every day and inspiring millions of listeners...even if they never know my name.
Chances are, you've heard my music on...
Emotional music on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, The Bachelorette, or Bachelor in Paradise
Horror music on the #1 Fiction podcast in the world Dark Dice, starring Jeff Goldblum
Playful 16-bit music on Monster Sanctuary
Epic orchestral music on ad campaigns for FOX, NBC, & CBS networks
Video game music on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, Steam, & mobile
With that out of the way....
Welcome to my course Film, TV, & Video Game Music Composition + Production Basics. Back in 2016, this was my first experience publishing a course on Udemy and it quickly became a Best-Selling course. Don't take my word for it – read the reviews for yourself...
When I first ordered this course, I honestly thought I was going to get a lot of the same things I knew about composition work...What Steven did here blows my expectations out of the water. He gives a lot of advanced music theory techniques, as well as detailed help on how to use your DAW, and he keeps you on your toes with some of these quizzes. Especially after you get half way through the course. I don't regret the money I paid for this course at all, and I'm glad that I have this course to reference when I'm in a bit of a pickle with my own goals. –Monish C.
Absolutely phenomenal course. All the lectures go into great depth on the lesson topic and explain it clearly. Thanks for the awesome course Steven. –Kenan B.
This course seems to be exactly what I’m looking for. Steven is taking every facet of the craft and business of modern composing into account and teaching at the perfect pace - the videos are not too long, but are jam packed with great info. – Andrew C.
In this updated 2023 version, I’ve removed content that is no longer relevant and have added hours of bonus content to showcase my entire comprehensive library of teaching over the last 6 years, including
How to Train for Professional Composing Speed
How to Build DAW Templates
How to Create a Realistic Sampled Orchestra
How to Earn First Dollars & Grow a Music Business
Music Composer Lifestyle
Interviews with Industry Pros
Public Interviews with Steven about His Music Career
Selected Live Composing Show Streams
Student Coaching Calls with Steven
Level Up Live with Coaching Students
How to Compose in the Style of Famous Composers
Nerdy Music Technology
Case Studies on How I Composed for Projects
MINI-COURSE: Music Composer's Guide to Finding Work Online ($297 value. )
The bulk of the core content that originally made this course so successful is still here and will teach you all the fundamentals you need to compose & produce music for Film, TV, & Video Games (and surely other types of media too). The only prerequisite for this course is that you have access to a Mac or PC. We will be using notation software and a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) to write music on a computer, but don’t worry if you don’t have any music software yet. There are multiple free options available and we’ll cover those as needed throughout the course.
I look forward to connecting with you inside. Talk to you soon.
Your Coach,Steven Melin
Here's a deal for you
UDEAFNULP2024
What's inside
Learning objectives
- How to not suck as a composer...
- How to spend all your earnings on gear you don't need
- How to spell the word "rhythm"
- How to argue with me for hours about which digital audio workstation (daw) is the best
- How to push the red button in logic pro, ableton live, pro tools, and other software you probably won't buy.
- How to drink more coffee
- How to abandon sleep
- How to cry in a corner when your clients hate your music
- How to play to a click (oh wait, you already learned that in your childhood piano lessons)
- How to spend weeks automating your orchestral mockups to sound nothing like a real orchestra
- How to create your own sample instruments for free so you can save money and buy my book
- How to realize in 2 days that composing is actually super difficult and you may not be cut out for this
- How to leave a scathing course review
- Are you still reading these bullets? go start the course already :)
- Show more
- Show less
- How to not suck as a composer...
- How to spend all your earnings on gear you don't need
- How to spell the word "rhythm"
- How to argue with me for hours about which digital audio workstation (daw) is the best
- How to push the red button in logic pro, ableton live, pro tools, and other software you probably won't buy.
- How to drink more coffee
- How to abandon sleep
- How to cry in a corner when your clients hate your music
- How to play to a click (oh wait, you already learned that in your childhood piano lessons)
- How to spend weeks automating your orchestral mockups to sound nothing like a real orchestra
- How to create your own sample instruments for free so you can save money and buy my book
- How to realize in 2 days that composing is actually super difficult and you may not be cut out for this
- How to leave a scathing course review
- Are you still reading these bullets? go start the course already :)
- Show more
- Show less
Syllabus
Welcome Students!
Welcome! Watch This Video First
Meet Your Instructor Steven Melin
WRITING & RECORDING
Read more
Syllabus
Plugins used in chain order:
API-550A EQ: https://waves.alzt.net/o9xob
API-2500 Compressor: https://waves.alzt.net/BMNR1
Kramer Master Tape: https://waves.alzt.net/zVAnO IR1
Convolution Reverb: https://waves.alzt.net/0NgRM
NLS Non-Linear Summer: https://waves.alzt.net/OxkyQ
OTT: https://xferrecords.com/freeware
L2 Ultramaximizer: https://waves.alzt.net/R9A29
Popular Waves Bundles that contain selections of the above plugins:
Silver: https://waves.alzt.net/Xe614
Gold: https://waves.alzt.net/y1a4V
Platinum: https://waves.alzt.net/4Nzg9
Horizon: https://waves.alzt.net/MLPRJ
API Collection: https://waves.alzt.net/7NE1A
These affiliate links support my business at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!
Good to know
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Reviews summary
Music basics for entertainment
Activities
Form a Study Group with Fellow Learners
Show steps
Enhance your learning experience by forming a study group with other students enrolled in the course. Collaborate, share knowledge, and support each other's progress.
Browse courses on
Collaboration
Show steps
-
Reach out to other students in the course through discussion forums or social media groups.
-
Schedule regular meetings to discuss course materials, assignments, and projects.
-
Take turns leading discussions and sharing insights.
-
Provide constructive feedback and support to your fellow group members.
Explore Free and Paid Music Theory Resources
Show steps
Supplement your learning by exploring free and paid online resources that provide additional guidance on music theory and composition techniques.
Browse courses on
Music Theory
Show steps
-
Search online for reputable music theory websites and platforms.
-
Identify resources that align with your learning style and goals.
-
Sign up for free trials or purchase subscription plans.
-
Utilize the resources to reinforce your understanding of music theory concepts.
Review Reading Music Basics
Show steps
Review the basics of reading music notation to ensure you have a strong foundation for composing and producing music.
Show steps
-
Gather materials such as a music theory textbook or online resources.
-
Review the different notes on the treble and bass clef.
-
Practice recognizing different note values (whole notes, half notes, quarter notes, etc.)
-
Identify and understand basic rhythms.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice Composing Simple Melodies
Show steps
Enhance your composition skills by practicing writing simple melodies using different intervals, scales, and rhythms.
Browse courses on
Melody writing
Show steps
-
Review the different types of intervals and scales.
-
Experiment with creating melodies using different combinations of intervals and scales.
-
Practice writing melodies in various rhythms.
-
Seek feedback on your melodies from a music teacher or experienced composer.
Mentor or Tutor Less Experienced Music Students
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of music theory and composition by mentoring or tutoring less experienced music students. Share your knowledge, provide guidance, and support their growth.
Browse courses on
Mentoring
Show steps
-
Identify opportunities to mentor or tutor other students in the course or at your institution.
-
Prepare lesson plans and materials to guide your students' learning.
-
Meet with your students regularly to provide instruction, answer questions, and offer support.
-
Provide constructive feedback and encourage your students to improve their skills.
Contribute to Open Source Music Software Projects
Show steps
Gain practical experience in music technology by contributing to open source music software projects. Engage with the developer community and enhance your understanding of software development.
Browse courses on
Open Source
Show steps
-
Identify open source music software projects that align with your interests.
-
Review the project documentation and contribute bug reports or feature requests.
-
Write code and submit pull requests to contribute to the project's development.
-
Collaborate with other developers and provide feedback on their contributions.
Compose and Record a Short Musical Piece
Show steps
Demonstrate your understanding of music theory and composition by creating and recording a short musical piece that showcases your skills.
Browse courses on
Composition
Show steps
-
Choose a specific musical genre or style for your composition.
-
Sketch out the melody, harmony, and rhythm of your piece.
-
Record your composition using a digital audio workstation (DAW).
-
Seek feedback on your composition from a music teacher or experienced composer.
Form a Study Group with Fellow Learners
Show steps
Enhance your learning experience by forming a study group with other students enrolled in the course. Collaborate, share knowledge, and support each other's progress.
Browse courses on
Collaboration
Show steps
- Reach out to other students in the course through discussion forums or social media groups.
- Schedule regular meetings to discuss course materials, assignments, and projects.
- Take turns leading discussions and sharing insights.
- Provide constructive feedback and support to your fellow group members.
Explore Free and Paid Music Theory Resources
Show steps
Supplement your learning by exploring free and paid online resources that provide additional guidance on music theory and composition techniques.
Browse courses on
Music Theory
Show steps
- Search online for reputable music theory websites and platforms.
- Identify resources that align with your learning style and goals.
- Sign up for free trials or purchase subscription plans.
- Utilize the resources to reinforce your understanding of music theory concepts.
Review Reading Music Basics
Show steps
Review the basics of reading music notation to ensure you have a strong foundation for composing and producing music.
Show steps
- Gather materials such as a music theory textbook or online resources.
- Review the different notes on the treble and bass clef.
- Practice recognizing different note values (whole notes, half notes, quarter notes, etc.)
- Identify and understand basic rhythms.
Practice Composing Simple Melodies
Show steps
Enhance your composition skills by practicing writing simple melodies using different intervals, scales, and rhythms.
Browse courses on
Melody writing
Show steps
- Review the different types of intervals and scales.
- Experiment with creating melodies using different combinations of intervals and scales.
- Practice writing melodies in various rhythms.
- Seek feedback on your melodies from a music teacher or experienced composer.
Mentor or Tutor Less Experienced Music Students
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of music theory and composition by mentoring or tutoring less experienced music students. Share your knowledge, provide guidance, and support their growth.
Browse courses on
Mentoring
Show steps
- Identify opportunities to mentor or tutor other students in the course or at your institution.
- Prepare lesson plans and materials to guide your students' learning.
- Meet with your students regularly to provide instruction, answer questions, and offer support.
- Provide constructive feedback and encourage your students to improve their skills.
Contribute to Open Source Music Software Projects
Show steps
Gain practical experience in music technology by contributing to open source music software projects. Engage with the developer community and enhance your understanding of software development.
Browse courses on
Open Source
Show steps
- Identify open source music software projects that align with your interests.
- Review the project documentation and contribute bug reports or feature requests.
- Write code and submit pull requests to contribute to the project's development.
- Collaborate with other developers and provide feedback on their contributions.
Compose and Record a Short Musical Piece
Show steps
Demonstrate your understanding of music theory and composition by creating and recording a short musical piece that showcases your skills.
Browse courses on
Composition
Show steps
- Choose a specific musical genre or style for your composition.
- Sketch out the melody, harmony, and rhythm of your piece.
- Record your composition using a digital audio workstation (DAW).
- Seek feedback on your composition from a music teacher or experienced composer.
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Music Producer
Audio Engineer
Film Composer
Music Teacher
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Music Therapist
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Music Critic
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