Music for Film and Video I

Curriculum guideline

Effective Date:
Course
Discontinued
No
Course code
MUSC 1272
Descriptive
Music for Film and Video I
Department
Music
Faculty
Language, Literature and Performing Arts
Credits
2.00
Start date
End term
Not Specified
PLAR
Yes
Semester length
15 weeks
Max class size
30
Course designation
None
Industry designation
None
Contact hours

Lecture: 3 hours/week

Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Learning activities

Students will work alongside the instructor in the Technology Lab. Students will be expected to complete regular assignments and projects outside of class time. These can be done in the lab or at home.

Course description
This course introduces students to practical film music composition, working with QuickTime movies in the Logic Pro sequencing environment. Through lecture, demonstrations and assignments, students will learn the art of composing music for film, TV and other visual media.
Course content
  1. Working with QuickTime movies in Logic Pro
  2. Writing cues in various styles depending on genre
  3. String, brass, woodwind and percussion orchestration overview and techniques
  4. Film scoring technology including synchronization and frame rates
  5. The film-making process as it applies to a composer
  6. Using melody, harmony, rhythm and orchestration featuring MIDI
  7. Spotting, cue lists, the music editor, the director vs. the producer
  8. Creative conceptualization as it pertains to film and video
Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  1. Compose genre-specific music for visuals;
  2. Score to picture using dynamic orchestral elements;
  3. Understand and meet the short deadlines required by the industry;
  4. Demonstrate basic understanding of harmonic, melodic, chordal and rhythmic relationships as they pertain to composing for film;
  5. Mix and produce for film using virtual instruments, samplers and synthesizers;
  6. Present Quicktime movies containing their own music, suitable for prospective clients;
  7. Acknowledge cultural ownership and the need for collaborative, authentic representation when working with Indigenous knowledge, music and cultural elements.
Means of assessment

Assessment will be based on course objectives and will be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. 

The following is an example evaluation scheme: 

Regular assignments (minimum of four) weighted accordingly:

 
Assignment #1 15%
Assignment #2   15%
Assignment #3 15%
Assignment #4 15%
Final project 30%

Professionalism

10%

Total

100%

Professionalism is assessed on consistent attendance, punctuality, taking responsibility for deadlines, constructive and considerate interpersonal communication and contribution to class discussion and group work. 

Students' record of attendance and/or level of active participation in the course forms part of the student's graded performance. Expectations and grade calculations regarding class attendance and participation will be clearly defined in the Instructor Course Outline.

Textbook materials

No texts or materials are required. All required hardware and software for the completion of assignments and projects is available in the studio.

Prerequisites
Corequisites

None

Equivalencies

None

Which prerequisite