The MFA in Music Scoring & Composition is designed to provide the highest level of training in music composition and scoring for film, television, games and other visual media. Balancing musicianship training with contemporary production skills to reflect a changing music industry, students will learn music theory, composition, harmony, orchestration, and arranging, focusing on creating emotion through music in synchronization with visual media. Students will use the latest computer based production workflows, digital audio workstations and virtual instrument libraries. The focus is on composition using virtual instruments, resulting in a thesis project and portfolio in the final year.

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree
Major Classes

This program is available online and on campus

MPT 625

Editing Concepts and Creative Solutions Major/3

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.

MPT 632

Film Sound 1 - Creating Soundtracks Major/3

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!

MUS 601

Pro Tools 1 Major/3

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.

MUS 602

Soundtrack Industry Overview Major/3

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.

MUS 609

Music Production with Logic Pro Major/3

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.

MUS 629

Music Editing for Visual Media Major/3

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.

MUS 635

MIDI Orchestration Major/3

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.)

MUS 639

Music Production 2 Major/3

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.

MUS 640

Music Scoring for Film Major/3

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.)

MUS 780

Music and Sound Design Professional Practices Major/3

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.

Degree Requirements

Unit RequirementsUnits
Major Coursework30
Directed Study18
Electives6
Graduate Liberal Arts9
Total63

MFA MUSIC SCORING & COMPOSITION DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

  • Successful completion of Final Thesis Project.
  • Minimum grade of C in all required 63 units.
  • Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and the following Academic Study requirements:
    1 Art Historical Awareness & Aesthetic Sensitivity course
    1 Cross Cultural Understanding course
    1 Major Designated Graduate Liberal Arts course

Additional Information

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:

MFA Thesis Project

  • Plan an original portfolio of work worthy of the MFA degree
  • Complete an original MFA thesis which represents an advanced level of achievement in the field of music creation for visual media

Listening Skills and Critical Thinking

  • Think critically and demonstrate flexibility in creating or editing music for client needs

Music Composition

  • Orchestrate and arrange music at a professional level
  • Write or edit music for different visual environments (such as film, television, animation, games, multimedia, and commercials) at a professional level
  • Create music which supports or heightens the emotional impacts of visual images (or visual material)
  • Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the language of music: harmony, melody, and rhythm

Production Skills and Technical Knowledge

  • Demonstrate expert-level proficiency with software related to contemporary music production techniques

Professional Readiness

  • Present a comprehensive demo reel / portfolio demonstrating professional-level achievement
  • Collaborate effectively with a creative team on a given project, such as a film, television show, animation, game, multimedia project, or commercial