Music in Film

Music in Film examines the central role music plays in film art. While this course’s focus is on film music, it also includes an examination of film sound at large, including dialogue, sound design, foley, and sound mixing, to critically engage with the overall sonic ecology of film.

A core objective of this seminar is for students to engage in intentional, critical, analytical audio-viewing of films, both in and out of the classroom. We will do this through the study and application of the methodologies of film music theory, film studies, and music theory analysis. These ideas will be applied to the analysis of film scenes and entire films in a range of styles and genres.

Music in Film also examines the process of film scoring within the broader filmmaking process, to better understand how production effects both the creative and technical aspects of film music. For example, by studying spotting (the placement of individual cues in a film), we can better analyze where music exists in scenes, and understand how that music functions.

For the final project, students will re-score 2-3 scenes from existing films, using preexisting music from other films (or creating their own music, if they choose). No experience is required with composing or film editing!