Compositional Craft in Film Scores and Musical Theatre

3 units

This course examines compositional techniques and aesthetics in two forms of popular music: film/television scores and musical theatre. Popular songs and other musical works associated with film, television, and musicals are analyzed from multiple perspectives, giving students insight into the sonic, visual, and dramatic techniques employed by major composers. Students engage with the material in rigorous yet practical ways, from analytical projects to deep-listening exercises. This approach emphasizes sonic experience and situated musicianship as the primary means of accessing complex concepts from music theory.