Degrees offered: Advanced Studies (B.M. - Film Scoring Emphasis see Theory and Composition
Los Angeles is well known as the world center of music for film and television. Here we have the best of the best! The finest composers, arrangers, filmmakers, musicians and studios are only a few miles from the USC campus.The USC scoring for motion pictures and television program is an intense course of study. Students work long hours studying scores, screening films, composing music, producing recording sessions and taking classes with and talking to our faculty and guests. Class enrollments are limited to very select students who hold the bachelor's degree in composition or its equivalent from a conservatory or private study.
Entrance Requirements
1. Five to eight minutes of music the candidate has composed, recorded on a chrome-tape audiocassette (non-Dolby). Music should show fluency in a number of styles with an emphasis on drama. Include a cassette contents sheet which lists title, duration and any additional information concerning the music.
Guest conductor Elmer Bernstein
with the USC Symphony2. A score or sketch for three pieces of music recorded on the audiocassette. The preferred score size is 8.5" x 11" paper.
Curriculum Requirements Composition for Film/TV
2 semesters - 2 units per semesterComposition of thematic film music, underscoring, montage sequences, source music, music for dramatic purposes.
Prerequisite: knowledge of music theory, harmony, counterpoint, compositional development techniques, styles of music in historical perspective, knowledge of various forms of ethnic music, mathematics and strong notational skills.
Advanced Orchestration
2 semesters - 2 units per semesterScoring from a composer's sketch to chamber groups and full orchestra
Prerequisite: ranges and transpositions of orchestral instruments; styles of orchestration in an historical perspective.
Film Score Analysis
2 semesters - 2 units per semesterHistorical and critical survey of the evolution, functions and artistic problems of music for motion pictures. This course is the study of musical forms and roles in relation to the film image as well as the influences of various film genres on musical style. Emphasis on American scores with special attention devoted to the contributions of composers Korngold, Newman, Steiner and other outstanding Hollywood composers.
Conducting
2 semesters - 2 units per semesterStudents learn recording orchestra conducting techniques during the fall semester and techniques unique to "conducting to picture" (i.e., free timings, streamers and punches, working with clicks) in the spring semester.
Electronic Music
1 semester - 2 unitsA study and application of writing for synthesizers as a new section in the acoustic orchestra. Also included is mixing techniques, signal path, mixing consoles and outboard effects.
Film Music Production
2 semesters - 2 units per semesterStudents learn efficient techniques for copying music as well as carrying out production procedures for recording assignments from the composition, orchestration and electronic music classes. Course includes synchronization techniques, recording in the studio, the mixing console, tape machines, outboard equipment and production events in sequence.
"The Great Tradition" with David Raksin
1 semester - 2 unitsAn historical perspective of film music and film music criticism. David Raksin has composed music for more than 100 films. Study and discuss his film music and a comprehensive study of films from the silent era to the present.
Forum
2 semesters - 1 unit per semesterGuests from the music, film and television industries and related fields discuss the creative, business or technical aspects of their work.
Graduate Services and Opportunities
Graduates of the program will be eligible, with the consent of the program director, to attend forums, field trips and any other program events. Those completing the program are often recommended to others for possible employment by faculty members who have become familiar with their work.
