Music for Film and Video II

Curriculum guideline

Effective Date:
Course
Discontinued
No
Course code
MUSC 2172
Descriptive
Music for Film and Video II
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 participate in lectures and demonstrations, working 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 is an advanced course in practical film music composition, working with QuickTime movies in the Logic Pro sequencing environment. Through lecture, demonstrations and assignments, students will learn advanced techniques for composing music for film, TV and other visual media.
Course content

 

  1. Spotting a scene/film
  2. Palette of sounds and its applicability, including the exploration of third-party sound libraries
  3. Tempo and pace, with the addition of large multi-cues
  4. Identifying mood of the musical cue, internal vs external perspectives
  5. Applications of harmony and orchestration to film, TV and video games
  6. Application of mixing concepts to film, TV and video games
  7. Importing/exporting audio EDL (edit decision list)
  8. Cue sheet generation
  9. Work on more substantial projects with emphasis on continuity required for full-length film
  10. Sonic signifiers and the perpetuation of stereotypes
Learning outcomes

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

  1. Work with multiple QuickTime movies in Logic;
  2. Write cues in various styles as required by the genre, with emphasis on longer, more complex scenes;
  3. Create music cues that enhance the narrative arc and emotional impact of visual footage;
  4. Work on a deadline as required by the industry;
  5. Prepare spotting notes and cue sheets as required in the industry;
  6. Integrate recorded live audio;
  7. Use advanced orchestration techniques to score for film, TV and video games;
  8. Follow industry procedures;
  9. Develop strategies for respecting cultural ownership and ensuring collaborative, authentic representation when working with Indigenous knowledge, music and cultural elements;
  10. Apply strategies to avoid using sonic signifiers to perpetuate stereotypes.
Means of assessment

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

The following is an example evaluation scheme:

Assignment #1 20%  
Assignment #2 20%  
Assignment #3 25%  
Assignment #4 25%  
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. 

Instructors may use a student's record of attendance and/or level of active participation as 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.

This is a letter-graded course.

 

Textbook materials

No texts or materials are required. All required hardware and software for the completion of assignments and projects are available in the lab. A complete list of recommended software will be available at the first class session. A reference text list will also be made available.

Prerequisites
Corequisites

None

Equivalencies

None

Which prerequisite