MUSC X 483.3

Gain an understanding, and learn to emulate, current compositional techniques and their enhanced possibilities of expression. Learn to sound like a contemporary composer, as many professionals are asked to do on assignment.

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Typically Available

Spring

Duration

As few as 11 weeks

Units

4.0

Current Formats

In Person

Cost

Starting at $835.00

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What you can learn.

Study recent film scores and their harmonic, melodic, and textural language

Analyze contemporary composers such as John Williams, Jerry Goldsmith, and Danny Elfman

Compose short pieces applying these techniques on your own DAW MIDI setup

About This Course

Gain an understanding of and learn to emulate current compositional techniques and their enhanced possibilities of expression. Very often composers are asked to compose music "sounding like" that of the major composers today. Study recent film scores and their harmonic, melodic and textural language of such composers as John Williams, Jerry Goldsmith, Alan Silvestri and Danny Elfman. You have the opportunity to apply these techniques by composing short pieces using your own DAW MIDI setup.

Prerequisites

Access to and proficiency in using a home studio with sequencing software, as samples are required for completion of assignments. The course does not include instruction in any specific software. Participants must already have adequate knowledge and resources to MIDI program short compositions and deliver these electronically.

Spring 2026 Schedule

Date

Details

Format

April 2 - June 11

Thursday 7:00PM - 10:00PM PT

Instructor:

Billy Sullivan

REG#

407232

Fee:

$835.00

In Person

UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood

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Notes

Enrollment limited; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required. Materials required.

Deadline

Refunds only available from February 02, 2026 to April 12, 2026

Course Requirements

Internet access required to retrieve course materials.

Book: Complete Guide to Film Scoring: The Art and Business of Writing Music for Movies and TV by Richard Davis

ISBN 978-0876392317

Software: Any professional computer based sequencer. Instructor uses Logic.

Software: Any professional computer based notation program. Instructor uses Logic AND Dorico.

Schedule

Type

Date

Time

Location

Lecture

Thu Apr 2, 2026

7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT