Module 1: Enter The World Of Cinematic Music
We are starting off the course with some fundamental knowledge, mindsets and essential concepts around the topic of learning cinematic music. I will tell you my story of getting to where I am today, some of the struggles I’ve faced, and how this course seeks to bypass these big obstacles.
We will explore topics such as:
- What is required for this course
- How to get the most out of this program
- Why I made this course
- Who it is for, and what it intends to fix
Module 2: Crafting Your Theme
In the second module of the course, we dive straight into the main core of your cinematic tracks, the main theme. It is what people will remember, and what usually is seen as the identity of your piece.
We cover topics such as:
- Coming up with motifs for your tracks
- Using intervals to evoke different emotions
- Turning any motif into a full melody
- Practical techniques for more memorable, effective melodies
- Learning the language of harmony to find the best chords for your theme
- Practical modulation techniques for effortlessly moving between keys
- Crafting an effective story arc, with proper melody contour and shape
- Writing beautiful counter melodies for your theme
- Crafting powerful, moving ostinatos to give your piece drive and energy
Module 3: Structuring Your Composition
In the third module, we start talking about how you can take your theme, and turn it into a full composition. We will discuss tools and principles you can use to craft interesting sonic journeys, that keep the listener hooked from beginning to end.
We cover the following topics:
- Using growth and contrast to keep your track interesting at all times
- Crafting new sections from your main theme, effortlessly
- Using complexity and power to shape a dynamic journey through your piece
- How to create tracks with one theme that keeps repeating and growing
- How to create tracks with contrasting sections, and how to make them effective
Module 4: Orchestration and Arrangement
In the fourth module, we will start taking a closer look at the orchestral instruments, the orchestral families, and crucial principles to keep in mind when writing for each of them. We will also dive into some very important orchestration principles to ensure a powerful representation of your theme, and a clear mix in the end.
In this module you will see:
- A breakdown of the orchestral families and their main instruments
- Common orchestration mistakes and how to avoid them
- Tips for writing and arranging for Strings, Brass, Woodwinds, and Choirs.
- How to craft effective chord voicings for any orchestral family
- Using Foreground, Middleground, and Background to guide the listener’s attention
- Using the MeHaRyTe principle to orchestrate more effortlessly
- Digital orchestration tips and principles to keep in mind
- 3 orchestrations of the same theme
- Tips for arranging large, epic statements
- 1 hour analysis of one of my tracks and its orchestration
Module 5: Creating A Realistic Mockup
In the fifth module, we will focus a bit more on how we can achieve a more realistic mockup, based on what we did in chapter four.
In this final module you will see:
- My general tips and tricks to achieve more realism
- Crucial mindsets that can make or break your end result, easily
- My tips for using Mod Wheels for more dynamic and human performances
- An Over-The-Shoulder look at my workflow when mocking up themes
- Tips for setting up and using templates to increase your workflow and speed
Module 6: Mixing and Mastering Your Track
In the fifth module, we will focus a bit more on how we can achieve a more realistic mockup, based on what we did in chapter four.
In this final module you will see:
- My basic, easy to follow principles for mixing and mastering my tracks
- Tips and tricks to improve the quality of your productions, quickly
- An Over-The-Shoulder look at my workflow for my mixes
- Advice for mastering your piece
Module 7: Creating A Track From Beginning To End
In this module you will see me create a complete track from beginning to end, with all the mistakes, hurdles and victories along the way. From the first notes, to the final export.
In this final module you will see:
- Me come up with a motif, and turn it into a full melody
- Turn this melody into a complete theme
- Turn this theme into an AABA style composition
- Orchestrate and arrange the entire composition
- Record and edit the mockup of my track
- Mix and master, and export the final result
Module 8: Insights From The Industry
In this module you will be able to learn from the work experience from both talented industry professionals, and myself. We will discuss things we wish we knew when we got into the industry, and advice for people who are currently getting started.
In this final module you will see:
- Advice from industry professionals
- Costly mistakes to avoid
- Stories from the life of a traveling composer
- Tips for getting ahead in today’s market and industry