Music Scoring for Visual Media Indiana University Bloomington

Overview

The Music Scoring for Visual Media programme at Indiana University Bloomington provides an intensive professional environment for students to master the art of composing for the screen. This curriculum is designed to bridge the gap between traditional composition and the technical demands of the modern media industry.

Students engage in a comprehensive study of dramatic storytelling, learning how to craft musical responses that enhance visual narratives. The training covers essential technical skills, including the production of high-end MIDI demos and competitive mock-ups required for professional employment in the global entertainment sector.

The faculty consists of award-winning industry leaders who bring current expertise in orchestration, synthestration, and music licensing directly into the classroom.

Why Music Scoring for Visual Media at Indiana University Bloomington?

The Jacobs School of Music is renowned for its exceptional facilities and collaborative environment. Students benefit from a low student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for personalised mentorship from professors who are active participants in the heart of the professional scoring world.

Distinctive partnerships with the IU Media School provide unique opportunities for composers to work alongside filmmakers and game designers. These collaborations result in live score-to-picture performances at the Indiana University Cinema, offering students a platform to showcase their work to a public audience.

The programme also features exclusive industry links, such as the Project Involve summer collaboration in Los Angeles. This initiative allows selected composers to write original scores for emerging filmmakers, culminating in premieres at major Hollywood venues and potential broadcast opportunities on international networks.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 27271 per year
• National fee: USD 27271 per year
• Local fee: USD 27271 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to provide a robust portfolio through live recording sessions and practical projects. Modules may include:

• Music Scoring for Visual Media
• Synthestration
• Orchestration for the Screen
• Music Licensing
• Game Design
• Composition

Students also have the opportunity to participate in the Double Exposure collaboration and the Jon Vickers Film Scoring Award competition, which involves scoring full-length silent films for live-to-picture performances.

Careers with Music Scoring for Visual Media

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles within the media and entertainment sectors. The programme focuses on developing the technical acumen and creative portfolio necessary to secure work as professional composers, orchestrators, and music editors.

Career paths typically include scoring for feature films, television series, and interactive video games. Alumni are equipped to navigate the complexities of music licensing and independent contracting, often finding success in major media hubs such as Los Angeles and beyond.