Module 1: Introduction To Trailer Music
We will start off the course by being introduced to the world of trailer music, what it is and the different terminologies.
This module will aim at teaching you the first things you need to know in order to get started on your journey to becoming a professional trailer music composer.
What we will learn in the first module of this course:
- What Trailer Music is (and isn’t!)
- The different types of trailersand spots
- Genres, styles and types of trailer music
- Knowing and understanding SFX in trailer music
- Using edit points and SFX combos
- Analyzing trailers and their music
- The importance of breaks and how to incorporate them
This will set you up for the coming modules where we start to actually write and produce trailer music.
Module 2: Fundamentals Of Trailer Music
Arguably the most important module of this course, we are going to dive in-depth into the main fundamentals that trailer music composers use to create their music.
We will start by looking at the common trailer music track structure. Once we know it, we can start tinkering away at some ideas for our track and be well on our way to create a finished track.
We’ll be covering:
- How to start your track
- The main methods for continuing and taking the track further
- How to test out different ideas and layer sounds
- Organizing the stems of the track
- Using synths together with the orchestra
- Adding percussion and rhythmic elements
- Finishing up the track structure and creating an outro
Module 3: Orchestral Trailer Music
Once we have gone through the main fundamentals of creating trailer music, we will dive into more specific fields and genres, and in Module 3: Orchestral Trailer Music we’ll be using the orchestra and choirs more prominently.
In this module:
- Main features and stylistic choices for orchestral trailer music
- A full walkthrough of how an orchestral track is built and layered
- The structure of an orchestral track
- Using high-pitched instruments
- Layering strings, brass and more
- Achieving a trailerish sound vs a realistic sound
Module 4: Sound Design Trailer Music
In this module, we’ll dive further into sound design trailer music and look at some of the main approaches.
We will look at:
- Main features and stylistic choices for sound design trailer music
- A full walkthrough of a sound design trailer cue
- Working with synths
- Finding and using sample sources
- Braams Sound creation
- Hits Sound creation
- Ping Sound creation
Module 5: Hybrid Trailer Music
This module is all about merging the orchestral style with the sound design, and bringing out the best of these two worlds of trailer music.
What we will be learning:
- Main features and stylistic choices for hybrid trailer music
- A full walkthrough of a hybrid track
- How to layer and expand percussion to make them huge
- Creating a thunderous trailer sound
- How to trailerfy your strings
- Odd trailer music styles
This is the last of the style modules and after these three you will have gotten a deeper understanding into what goes into each of the major styles.
Module 6: Mixing and Mastering Your Track
In the sixth module, we are going to mix and master a track.
We will learn what goes into the fundamental mixing mindsets and workflows, specific tools and programs, and more.
This is of course applicable on all music production, but we will be focusing on the trailer sound.
Here’s what we’ll go through:
- Mixing a full track
- Organizing stems
- Leveling and Panning
- Equalizing (EQ)
- Compression
- Reverbs and processing them
- How to get a massive sound
- Using specific techniques like side-chaining
- Giving punch to elements like percussion
Module 7: The Business Of Trailer Music
To be a financially successful trailer music composer, understanding the different parts of the industry is crucial.
While most composers just want to make the music, and not having to deal with anything business-related, it is still a great idea to understand the different components and aspects of the industry.
In this 7th module of the course, we’ll learn:
- What working as a trailer music composer is like
- How much money you can make
- The digital nomad lifestyle
- Working freelance vs in-house
- Creating a great portfolio
- How good you need to be to get placements
- Contracts
- Reaching out to publishers
- And more
Module 8: Insights From The Industry
In the 8th and last module of this course, you will be gaining insights from professionals in the industry.
You will learn from highly skilled and professional composers, trailer house directors, trailer editors and trailer music publishers.
The insights here are exclusive to Evenant, and will keep growing as we receive more guidance from amazing professionals in the industry.
Bonus Module: Advices
Productivity tips, staying on top of your game, and getting the most out of learning how to become a professional trailer music composer.
Lots of tips and advice in this bonus module!
Navigating the industry, your own workflow, schedule and output can be challenging -
so we put together this resource for all of you.