Music Scoring & Composition (MA)

Learn to edit using non-linear Adobe Premiere Pro. You will explore the roots and theory of montage editing, screen direction, continuity, and elements of style across all genres. You will additionally learn how to create titles, basic color correction and visual effects.

What we hear is just as important as what we see. In this hands-on course you will learn the most important elements of creating effective, dynamic sound design for film: recording and editing dialog, sound effects, music and more - then add effects and do a final mix - all in synchronization with video. Learn the art and craft of sound design!

Avid's Pro Tools Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) technology is embraced by recording artists and audio production professionals around the world. You will learn Avid Pro Tools, the industry standard for audio and music production. You will develop core skills in recording, editing, audio processing, adding effects, and mixing music and sound design projects.

As an incoming graduate student, you'll get an industry overview of soundtrack production for media, learn foundational concepts, and learn strategies for success in the MUS curriculum and in your midpoint and final review.

Begin an advanced exploration of music production within the sophisticated framework of Apple's Logic Pro X software. Enhance your proficiency in MIDI composition, master dynamic rhythmic frameworks, enhance song arrangement, and seamlessly integrate audio with video components.

In this course you will learn crucial music editing skills that combine the artistic and the technical. Emphasizing aesthetics, you will practice creating musical moods for visual media clips by editing existing music sources and use advanced techniques to synchronize and edit music to picture.

Extend your orchestration skills to the realm of virtual instruments in this exciting course. Create realistic orchestral mockups using virtual instrument samples. You'll develop vital skills for creating music scores and create mockups of classical and modern film scores. (This course is cross-listed with MUS 355.)

Learn advanced techniques in music production using music production software. Increase your ability to compose original music for media and improve your editing skills. You'll learn to integrate MIDI with audio tracks, use plug-ins to create compelling mixes, and to sync music and audio with video.

Acquire the skills to compose music scores for motion pictures to enhance your portfolio. You'll use practical, technical, and aesthetic techniques to create an effective music score that reinforces the emotional content of films. (This course is cross-listed with MUS 375.)

Compose adaptive music for games and interactive media using interactive, procedural techniques. Students design modular themes, build layered cues that react to gameplay, and write in multiple genres for exploration, combat, menus, and cinematics while implementing dynamic music systems that respond to player choices and game states. (This course is cross-listed with MUS 357.)

Develop your demo reel and portfolio materials in preparation to enter the soundtrack for media industry. You'll build a professional demo reel that demonstrates your abilities as a music creator or sound designer that effectively supports the narrative and emotional content of visual media. Professional practices in the entertainment media industry are also emphasized.