Online course in film composing / orchestration

[randall999]

I am on the verge of enrolling in this online film composing / orchestrating course, interested in any thoughts by others here on this, any knowledge of the course good or bad. I don't expect a whole lot for $1000. But I would have one year to do it in my spare time, you get tutor/feedback on 8 small projects from tutors who are professional well known composers/orchestrators for film, a student forum, help from the admin/mods if needed on assignments. I am pretty much a beginner/amateur, and am not looking for any sort of music degree. Main reason for me would be to elevate my skills in this to get better to maybe some day score my own independent feature film (2-3 years from now). Could I go wrong doing a one year course like this? I know most of it is self study and student to student learning, using their PDFs, videos, student forums, but on top of that, getting the help on projects from professional film composers/scorers seems invaluable. You don't get much these days for college tuition, this seems like a reasonable online scoring course, and no local college has anything for film composition. Thoughts?

[reddiesel41264]

Originally Posted by randall999

I know most of it is self study and student to student learning, using their PDFs, videos, student forums

All this stuff you can basically get for free, there are tons of books, videos, PDF's, forums, a very good free online orchestration course, and individual one to one tutors for more specialised things.

Originally Posted by randall999

getting the help on projects from professional film composers/scorers seems invaluable.

This is harder to get for free.

[BIF]

I would like to see this topic continue with suggestions from forum members about educational opportunities, from books, tutorials, or websites, to potential online live meeting/skype efforts among friends or associates.

I don't necessarily need "free". "Effective" is more important to me, but it should also be economical.

[reddiesel41264]

Originally Posted by BIF

I would like to see this topic continue with suggestions from forum members about educational opportunities, from books, tutorials, or websites, to potential online live meeting/skype efforts among friends or associates.

I don't necessarily need "free". "Effective" is more important to me, but it should also be economical.

There are a few threads on here with lists of video links and books, also some with useful website. Have a forum search

Also check out my company website (in my signature) I've made a few tutorial vids and do some remote tuition work via skype/team viewer.

[BIF]

Excellent! I shall investigate.

[JC_]

I'm in my final week of Orchestration 1 at berkleemusic.com and it's a pretty awesome course if you want to write stuff that makes sense orchestrally. I've learned so much over the past 3 months, it was definately worth the money.

Here's a link with a discription of the course:

http://www.berkleemusic.com/school/c...=orchestration



JC

[Jason.M.Watts]

JC,

I'm about to start the masters course for film and television scoring, which has Orchestration 1 and 2 included.

So I take it that you feel you've learned a lot? How much did you know before-hand? I've studied orchestration on my own for years, so I'm already questioning whether I'll learn anything new with Berklee's orchestration courses.

If you have time, and care to elaborate on your experience, I'd love to hear about it. You can feel free to send me a private message if you want.



Jason Watts

[JC_]

Hey Jason,

I was pretty noobish orchestra-wise before the course. Even if you already know a lot in terms of the theory (ranges, blends/tone colors, situations to use what instrument) there are still some things you will probably benefit from. For example: Every week we studied different work by guys like John Williams in our chat sessions which can help you understand what's going on and what little nuances make his musical ideas work so well.

Another big part of the course is learning to get your sample libraries to sound as best as possible.

I can't really comment on Orch 2, I sat in on some Orchestration 2 chats this term and for the most part the stuff was over my head

I should also add that this is the 4th course I've taken at Berkleemusic and Ben Newhouse is my favorite instructor thus far. He's the instructor for Orch 1, 2 and the next course I'm taking; Music Composition for Film and TV. Definately a cool guy, who is passionate about what he's teaching.

If you have anymore questions feel free to pm me. Also, out of curiousity, which electives are you going to take for your program? and how many courses do you take per term?


JC

[Jason.M.Watts]

JC,

Thanks for the info! I had hoped since they prefer students to use SO that there would be tips on how to achieve certain things with the library that would otherwise take some guess-work. I hear all kinds of things in my head that I still have a bit of difficulty making happen.

I'll find the page for the Masters in Film and Television Scoring coursework and post a link. That would be easier than me re-typing it all. I know I'd get something wrong with the two year's worth of courses. I can't remember off-hand which of them, but there will some that double up.

Jason Watts

[Jason.M.Watts]

Sorry this took so long. I get easily distracted.

http://www.berkleemusic.com/school/c...am_id=14328893

Beyond the main courses, I'm also taking a few of the suggested electives.

Jason Watts