Music Composition for Film and TV 2 was the other class that I took during the Fall of 2021. As with other courses authored by Ben Newhouse, this was a great class that went over everything in a clear, logical and methodical progression. It was nice having Ben as an instructor again as he always provided useful, helpful, and thoughtful feedback.
Here’s what we covered during the twelve weeks.
Week 1 – “Slow Drama”, Sep 27 – Oct 1
Introduction, Meet and Greet, Course Structure, Slow Drama Cue: Deadline Main Title, Harmony in Deadline Main Title, Melody in Deadline Main Title, Rhythm and Tempo in Deadline Main Title, Orchestration in Deadline Main Title, Score Analysis: “Giza Port” from The Mummy, Slow Drama Cue: “Wreckage” from Alien 3, Melody in “Wreckage”, Harmony in “Wreckage”, Rhythm and Tempo in “Wreckage”, Orchestration in “Wreckage”, Discussion 1.1: Analysis “The King Dies” from Atlantis, Slow Drama Cue: “Mr. Gateau” from The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Melody in “Mr. Gateau”, Harmony in “Mr. Gateau”, Rhythm and Tempo in “Mr. Gateau”, Orchestration in “Mr. Gateau”, Exercise 1.1: A Dramatic Progression, Slow Drama Cue: “Run to the Church” from The Sixth Sense, Harmony in “Run to the Church”, Melody in “Run to the Church”, Rhythm and Tempo in “Run to the Church”(Page 4), Orchestration in “Run to the Church”, Slow Drama Cue: “Tender Dismay” from Women Warriors: Voices of Change, Harmony in “Tender Dismay”, Melody in “Tender Dismay”, Rhythm in “Tender Dismay”, Orchestration in “Tender Dismay”, Slow Drama vs. Sad, Slow Drama Template, Quiz 1.1: Slow Drama, Assignment 1: Score a Slow Drama Scene, Recap
Week 2 – “Playful Comedy”, Oct 2nd – Oct 8th
Introduction, Comedy Cue: “Toy Store Jam” from Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium, Tempo and Rhythm in “Toy Store Jam”, Harmony in “Toy Store Jam”, Melody in “Toy Store Jam”, Orchestration in “Toy Store Jam”, Exercise 2.1: Write a Comedy Vamp, Comedy Cue: “Triscadecaphobia” from Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium, Tempo and Rhythm in “Triscadecaphobia”, Harmony in “Triscadecaphobia”, Melody in “Triscadecaphobia”, Orchestration in “Triscadecaphobia”, Activity: Score Analysis of “Mr. Magoriums Wonder Emporium”, Score Analysis: Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium, Comedy Cue: Alf Clausen’s Car Scene, Tempo and Rhythm in Alf Clausen’s Car Scene, Harmony in Alf Clausen’s Car Scene, Key Movement in Alf Clausen’s Car Scene, Melody in Alf Clausen’s Car Scene, Orchestration in Alf Clausen’s Car Scene, Discussion 2.2: The Simpsons, Comedy Cue: “A Note from the Teacher” from Peter Pan, Melody from “A Note from the Teacher”, Harmony from “A Note from the Teacher”, Tempo and Rhythm from “A Note from the Teacher”, Orchestration from “A Note from the Teacher”, Comedy Template, Quiz 2.1: Playful Comedy Music, Assignment 2: Score a Comedy Scene, Recap
Week 3 – “Moderate-Intensity Action 1”, Oct 9th – Oct 15th
Introduction, Moderate Intensity Action Cue: “The Myrmidons” from Troy, Melody in “The Myrmidons”, Modes in “The Myrmidons”, Harmony in “The Myrmidons”, Rhythm and Tempo in “The Myrmidons”, Orchestration of “The Myrmidons”, Exercise 3.1: Listening and Discussion of “Tunnel Chase”, “Helicopter Ride” from “Underworld: Evolution, Harmony in “Helicopter Ride”, Rhythm and Tempo in “Helicopter Ride”, Melody in “Helicopter Ride”, Orchestration in “Helicopter Ride”, Exercise 3.2: Add Rhythm to a Chord Progression, “High Wire Stunts” from Jurassic Park, Melody in “High Wire Stunts”, Harmony in “High Wire Stunts”, Modulation in “High Wire Stunts”, Rhythm in “High Wire Stunts”, Orchestration of “High Wire Stunts”, Score Analysis of “Helicopter Ride”, Score Analysis: “Helicopter Ride”, Moderate-Intensity Action Cue: “Hook-Napped” from Hook, Melody in “Hook-Napped”, Harmony in “Hook-Napped”, Tempo and Rhythm in “Hook-Napped”, Orchestration in “Hook-Napped”, Assignment 3: Score a Moderate Intensity Action Scene, Recap
Week 4 – “Moderate Intensity Action II”, Oct 16th – Oct 22nd
Introduction, Moderate-Intensity Action Cue: “Duel of the Fates” from Star Wars: Episode I, Melody in “Duel of the Fates”, More Melody in “Duel of the Fates”, Harmony in “Duel of the Fates”, Tempo and Rhythm in “Duel of the Fates”, Orchestration in “Duel of the Fates”, Exercise 4.1: Write an Ostinato, Moderate-Intensity Action Cue: “Capitol Hill”, Harmony in “Capitol Hill”, Tempo and Rhythm in “Capitol Hill”, Melody in “Capitol Hill”, Orchestration in “Capitol Hill”, Score Analysis: “Bible Study” from Yuma, The Moderate-Intensity Action Template, Sneaking Around Example: “Stealing the Game” from Zathura, Harmony in “Stealing the Game”, More Harmony in “Stealing the Game”, Melody in “Stealing the Game”, Tempo and Rhythm in “Stealing the Game”, Orchestration of “Stealing the Game”, Discussion 4.1: Analysis “The Package” from Psycho, Sneaking Around Cue: “Huh?” from Flight of the Phoenix, Melody in “Huh?”, Harmony in “Huh?”, Tempo and Rhythm in “Huh?”, Orchestration in “Huh?”, The Sneaking Around Template, Quiz 4.1: Terms and Concepts, Assignment 4: Moderate-Intensity Action, Recap
Week 5 – “Lyrical Grandeur”, Oct 23rd – Oct 29th
Introduction, Lyrical Grandeur Cue: “Flicka” from Flicka, Melody in “Flicka”, Perfect Intervals in “Flicka”, Harmony in “Flicka”, Rhythm and Tempo in “Flicka”, Orchestration in “Flicka”, Discussion 5.1: Analysis “Grow to Hero”, Lyrical Grandeur Example: “Camelot” from First Knight, Melody in “Camelot”, Harmony in “Camelot”, Tempo and Rhythm in “Camelot”, Orchestration in “Camelot”, Score Analysis: “Fanfare for the Common Man” by Copland, Lyrical Grandeur Example: “American Hero”, Melody in “American Hero”, Harmony in “American Hero”, Tempo and Rhythm in “American Hero”, Orchestration in “American Hero”, Exercise 5.1: Compose a Lyrical Grandeur Melody, “Light of Olympia” Trailer, Melody in “Light of Olympia”, Harmony in “Light of Olympia”, Rhythm and Tempo in “Light of Olympia”, Orchestration in “Light of Olympia”, Orchestration in “Light of Olympia”, Lyrical Grandeur Template, Quiz 5.1: Lyrical Grandeur, Assignment 5: Score a Lyrical Grandeur Scene, Recap
Week 6 – “Action Heroes and Villains”, Oct 30th – Nov 5th
Introduction, Action Hero Theme: Indiana Jones, Melody in Indiana Jones, Harmony in Indiana Jones, Tempo and Rhythm in Indiana Jones, Orchestration in Indiana Jones, Activity: Score Analysis of “Going After Rourke” from Atlantis, Score Analysis: “Going After Rourke” from Atlantis, Action Hero Theme: Star Wars, Melody in Star Wars, Harmony in Star Wars, Rhythm and Tempo in Star Wars, Orchestration in Star Wars, Exercise 6.1: Compose a Heroic Chord Progression, Action Villain Theme: “Imperial March” from Star Wars, Harmony in “Imperial March”, Tempo and Rhythm in “Imperial March”, Melody in “Imperial March”, Orchestration in “Imperial March”, Orchestration in “Imperial March”, Activity: Score Analysis of “Evil Doers” from Hellboy, Score Analysis: “Evil Doers” from Hellboy, Action Villain Theme: “The Mummy” from The Mummy, Melody in “The Mummy”, Harmony in “The Mummy”, Tempo and Rhythm in “The Mummy”, Orchestration in “The Mummy”, Action Hero Template, Action Villain Template, Discussion 6.1: The Hero/Villain Dichotomy, Quiz 6.1: Action Heroes and Villains, Assignment 6: Score Action Hero and Action Villain Cue, Recap
Week 7 – “Action Adventure I”, Nov 6th – Nov 12th
Introduction, Action Adventure Theme: Jurassic Park Theme A, Melody in Jurassic Park Theme A, Harmony in Jurassic Park Theme A, Rhythm in Jurassic Park Theme A, Orchestration in Jurassic Park Theme A, Exercise 7.1: Compose a Heroic 8-bar Phrase, Action Adventure Theme: Jurassic Park Theme B, Harmony in Jurassic Park Theme B, Melody in Jurassic Park Theme B, Rhythm in Jurassic Park Theme B, Orchestration in Jurassic Park Theme B, Key Points in Jurassic Park, Activity: Score Analysis of “Crimson Gump” from Forrest Gump, Score Analysis: “Crimson Gump” from Forrest Gump, Action Adventure Theme: “Flight to Neverland” Theme A, Melody in “Flight to Neverland” Theme A, Harmony in “Flight to Neverland” Theme A, Rhythm in “Flight to Neverland” Theme A, Orchestration in “Flight to Neverland” Theme A, Exercise 7.2: Orchestrate a Heroic 8-bar Phrase, Action Adventure Theme: “Flight to Neverland” Theme B, Harmony in “Flight to Neverland” Theme B, Rhythm in “Flight to Neverland” Theme B, Melody in “Flight to Neverland” Theme B, Orchestration in “Flight to Neverland” Theme B, Discussion 7.1: Listening, Beethoven Symphony #3, Assignment 7: Compose an Action Adventure Theme, Recap
Week 8 – “Action Adventure II”, Nov 13th – Nov 19th
Introduction, Action Adventure Theme: “Back to the Future” Theme A, Harmony in “Back to the Future” Theme A, Melody in “Back to the Future” Theme A, Tempo and Rhythm in “Back to the Future Theme” A, Orchestration in “Back to the Future” Theme A, Score Analysis: “Main Title” from Zathura, Action Adventure Theme: “Back to the Future” Theme B, Melody in “Back to the Future” Theme B, Harmony in “Back to the Future” Theme B, Tempo and Rhythm in “Back to the Future” Theme B, Orchestration in “Back to the Future” Theme B, Exercise 8.1: Compose a Lyrical Theme B for an Action Adventure Cue, Action Adventure Theme: Star Trek Theme A, Harmony in Star Trek Theme A, Melody in Star Trek Theme A, Tempo and Rhythm in Star Trek Theme A, Orchestration in Star Trek Theme A, Discussion 8.1: Listening, Polar Express, Action Adventure Theme: Star Trek Theme B, Harmony in Star Trek Theme B, Melody in Star Trek Theme B, Tempo and Rhythm in Star Trek Theme B, Orchestration in Star Trek Theme B, Exercise 8.2: Orchestrate a Lyrical 8-bar Phrase, Action Adventure Template Theme A, Action Adventure Template Theme B, Quiz 8.1: Action Adventure, Assignment 8: Score an Adventure Scene, Recap
Week 9 “Practical Logistics in Film Scoring”, Nov 20th – Nov 26th
Introduction, Responsibilities of the Composer and Orchestrator, Examples of a Composer’s Sketch, The MIDI Orchestrator, Exercise 9.1: From a Composer’s Sketch to an Orchestrated Score, Music Supervisors and Music Editors, Exercise 9.2: Music Supervision and Editing, The Recording Session: The Musician, The Recording Session: The Engineer, The Recording Session: The Conductor, Exercise 9.3: Music Preparation, Timelines, Quiz 9.1: Practical Logistics, Assignment 9: Scoring Cops, Recap
Week 10 – “Long Term Form in Jurassic Park”, Nov 27th – Dec 3rd
Introduction, Leitmotifs in Film Scoring, Jurassic Park: Positive Action Adventure Theme, Positive Action Adventure Theme: Statement 1, Positive Action Adventure Theme: Statement 2, Positive Action Adventure Theme: Statement 3, Positive Action Adventure Theme: Statement 4, Positive Action Adventure Theme: Statement 5, Positive Action Adventure Theme Summary, Exercise 10.1: Theme and Variation I, Jurassic Park: Hymn Theme, Hymn Theme: Statement 1, Hymn Theme: Statement 2, Hymn Theme: Statement 3, Hymn Theme Summary, Exercise 10.2: Theme and Variation II, Jurassic Park: Moderate-Intensity Action Theme, Moderate Intensity Action Theme: Statement 1, Moderate Intensity Action Theme: Statement, Moderate Intensity Action Theme: Summary, Jurassic Park: Velociraptor Motive, Velociraptor Motive: Statement 1, Velociraptor Motive: Statement 2, Velociraptor Motive: Statement 3, Velociraptor Motive: Statement 4, Velociraptor Motive Summary, Discussion 10.1: Find a Leitmotif Statement, Recurring Musical Templates, Recurring Musical Template: Slow Drama, Slow Drama: Example 1, Slow Drama: Example 2, Slow Drama: Example 3, Slow Drama Summary, Recurring Musical Template: Mystery and Awe, Mystery and Awe: Example 1, Mystery and Awe: Example 2, Mystery and Awe: Example 3, Mystery and Awe Summary, Discussion 10.2: The End Credits, Recurring Musical Template: High-Intensity Action/Chase, High-Intensity Action: Example 1, High-Intensity Action: Example 2, High-Intensity Action: Example 3, High-Intensity Action: Example 4, High-Intensity Action Summary, Discussion 10.3: Additional Music for Special Circumstances, Jurassic Park: Long-term Form Summary, Assignment 10: Scoring Cops, Recap
Week 11 – “Long Term Form in Atlantis”, Dec 4th – Dec 10th
Introduction, Atlantis: Positive Action Adventure Leitmotif, Starting the Journey, Progressing on the Journey, Moments of Triumph, Emotional Triumph, Positive Action Adventure Leitmotif Summary, Exercise 11.1: Theme and Variation I, Atlantis: Awe Leitmotif—City of Atlantis, Discovering Atlantis, Learning the History of Atlantis, Atlantis Finale, Atlantis Leitmotif Summary, Atlantis: Awe Leitmotif—The Crystal, Crystal Leitmotif Scene 1, Crystal Leitmotif Scene 2, Crystal Leitmotif Scene 3, Crystal Leitmotif Summary, Exercise 11.2: Theme and Variation II, Recurring Musical Template: Playful Comedy and Mickey Mousing, Playful Comedy and Mickey Mousing – Example 1, Playful Comedy and Mickey Mousing – Example 2, Discussion 11.1: Listening, Mickey Mousing, Recurring Musical Template: Gamelan/Orchestra Hybrid, Gamelan/Orchestra Hybrid – Example 1, Gamelan/Orchestra Hybrid – Example 2, Exercise 11.3: Blending World and Film Music, Recurring Musical Template: High-Intensity Action Chase, High-Intensity Action – Example 1, High-Intensity Action – Example 2, Discussion 11.2: The End Credits, Atlantis: Long-term Form Summary, Assignment 11: Scoring Cops, Recap
Week 12 – “Long Term Form in Back to the Future”, Dec 11th – Dec 17th
Introduction, Back to the Future: Action Adventure Leitmotif, Action Adventure Scene 1 – First Time Travel Trip, Action Adventure Scene 2 – Escaping the Barn, Action Adventure Scene 3 – Return Trip, Action Adventure Summary, Discussion 12.1: Listening, Action Adventure Final Scene, Back to the Future: Action Chase Music, Action Chase Scene 1 – The Terrorists, Action Chase Scene 2 – The Terrorists Revisited, Action Chase Scene 3 – Skate Board Chase, Action Chase Scene 4 – Return Trip, Action Chase Summary, Exercise 12.1: Theme and Variation I, Back to the Future: Mystery Suspense, Mystery Suspense Scene 1 – Past Neighborhood, Mystery Suspense Scene 2 – In the Barn, Mystery Suspense Scene 3 – Town Square, Mystery Suspense Scene 4 – Uncovering the Car, Mystery Suspense Summary, Discussion 12.2: Additional Mystery+Leitmotif Cues, Back to the Future: Moderate Action, Moderate Action Scene 1 – Preparing for Time Travel, Moderate Action Scene 2 – Preparing for the Trip Home, Moderate Action Summary, Discussion 12.3: Listening. The Picture Motif, Back to the Future: Intimate Ballad Theme A, Intimate Theme A Scene 1, Intimate Theme A Scene 2, Intimate Theme A Scene 3, Intimate Theme A Summary, Back to the Future: Intimate Ballad Theme B, Intimate Theme B Scene 1, Intimate Theme B Scene 2, Intimate Theme B Scene 3, Exercise 12.2: Theme and Variation II, Back to the Future: Source Music and Songs, Source Music and Popular Songs – Example 1, Source Music and Popular Songs – Example 2, Source Music and Popular Songs – Example 3, Source Music and Popular Songs – Example 4, Source Music and Popular Songs – Example 5, Source Music and Popular Songs – Example 6, Source Music and Popular Songs – Example 7, Source Music and Popular Songs – Example 8, Discussion 12.4: The End Credits, Back to the Future Summary, Long-Term Planning in Film and TV Scoring: Tools and Techniques, Assignment 12: Scoring Cops, Recap