Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Music Scoring and Composition
Academy of Art University
Key Information
Campus location
San Francisco, USA
Languages
English
Study format
Distance Learning, On-Campus
Duration
8 semesters
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
USD 1,156 *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Jun 2024
* per unit for international students | $1,072 per unit for domestic students. Additional fees apply
Introduction
The BFA in Music Scoring & Composition is designed for those students who wish to focus on music composition and scoring for film, television, games, and other visual media. Balancing musicianship training with production skills to reflect a changing music industry, students will learn music theory, composition, harmony, orchestration, and arranging, focusing on creating emotion through music in synchronization with visual media. Students will use the latest computer-based production workflows, digital audio workstations, and virtual instrument libraries. The focus is on composition using virtual instruments, resulting in a composer demo reel in the final year.
Unit Requirements
Major Coursework | Units |
Major | 42 |
Liberal Arts | 45 |
Elective | 9 |
Core | 36 |
Total | 132 |
Degree Requirements
BFA Music Scoring and Composition Degree Requirements
- A minimum grade of C- in all core courses, major courses, and LA 107 Writing for the Multilingual Artist or 108 Composition for the Artist
- Minimum 2.0 GPA and the following general education requirements:
- 1 Written Communication: Composition
- 1 Written Communication: Critical Thinking
- 1 Written Communication: Context & Style
- 1 Historical Awareness
- 1 Art Historical Awareness
- 1 Quantitative Literacy
- 1 Cultural Ideas & Influences
- 1 Employment Communications & Practices
After the above general education requirements are met, take Liberal Arts electives as needed to fulfill the Liberal Arts unit requirement.
Program Outcome
Undergraduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:
Critical Analysis
- Synthesize and apply knowledge of contemporary styles to the composition of original music
Production Techniques
- Create orchestral mockups and electronic scores using current sequencers and sample libraries
- Record and mix scores and music stems using current software and hardware
Composition
- Compose music that supports the emotional content of the visual media.
- Sketch and compose stylistically appropriate music in a variety of dramatic styles
- Orchestrate dramatic music using appropriate instrumental tone colors and voicings
Professional Readiness
- Demonstrate professional achievement through the creation of a portfolio that showcases skills and supports career opportunities.
Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:
- Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
- Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
- Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
- Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
- Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology.
- Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
- Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design.
Curriculum
Semester 1
- MUS 101: Music Theory & Basic Notation
- MUS 102: Soundtrack Industry Overview
- MUS 120: Music Production 1
- MUS 179: History of the Recording Industry
Semester 2
- LA 108: Composition for the Artist
- LA 132: History of Animation
- MUS 110: Harmony 1
- MUS 142: Film Music Appreciation
- MUS 170: Music Production 2
- MUS 188: Rhythm & Beat Production
Semester 3
- LA 291: Designing Careers
- MUS 105: Pro Tools User Certification Preparation
- MUS 140: Music Notation and Score Preparation
- MUS 150: Harmony 2
- MUS 360: Songwriting in Popular Music
Semester 4
- LA 126: Seminar in the Arts
- LA 130: Broadway! The Evolution of the American Musical
- LA 202: English Composition: Creative Persuasion & Argument
- MUS 125A: Audio Production A
- MUS 210: Harmony 3
- MUS 240: The Art of Counterpoint
- MUS 370: Music Editing for Visual Media
Semester 5
- LA 110: Writing the Short Story
- LA 368: Experiencing Culture: Anthropology for Today's Artist
- MUS 180: Introduction to Arranging
- MUS 235: Analysis of Dramatic Scoring
- MUS 265: Orchestration
Semester 6
- LA 124: Physics for Artists: Light, Sound, and Motion
- LA 171: Western Civilization
- LA 282: Film History 2: 1940-1974
- MUS 280: Arranging
- MUS 355: MIDI Orchestration
- MUS 365: Orchestration Techniques 2
- MUS 415: The Music Mix
Semester 7
- LA 130: Broadway! The Evolution of the American Musical
- LA 131: History of Gaming
- MUS 375: Music Scoring for Film
- MUS 395: Music Scoring for Games
Semester 8
- LA 382: Film History 3: Contemporary Cinema
- LA 407: The Beatles in the Visual Arts
- MUS 222: Ableton Live Certification Preparation
- MUS 250: Harmony 4
- MUS 480: Music Demo Reel
- MUS 500: Internship in Music for Visual Media
English Language Requirements
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