Grade 5 & 6 - Lesson 1 (Q4) (Film Scoring) - Part 1

The film shows you what is going on…..but the music tells you what to feel. – Bernard Herman, composer for Alfred Hitchcock

Film Scoring : A film score is a broad term referring to the music in a film which is generally categorically separated from songs used within a film. The term film score is frequently synonymous with film soundtrack, though a soundtrack may also include the songs used in the film while the score does not. A score is sometimes written specifically to accompany a film, but may also be compiled from previously written musical compositions.

Music in film consists of small segements and phrases that change with the scenes on the screen

A musical phrase consists of elements of music that produce tension and relaxation. The use of these instruments represent power, strength, courage, etc.

String Instruments

The use of these instruments can represent sorrow, passion, power, reflection, remorse, etc

• Violin
• Viola
• Cello
• Bass

Woodwind Instruments

The use of these instruments can represent the same along the lines of the string instruments.

• Flute
• Oboe
• Clarinet
• Bass Clarinet
• Saxophone.

Percussion Instruments

The use of these instruments is different from the above. Mostly percussion is used to accent action scenes, war scenes, etc.

• Drums (All kinds) 
• Drum Set
• Percussion Accessories

Electronic Instruments

These instruments can be used in Science Fiction movies, sometimes Horror, Movies about the future.

• Guitars
• Keyboards

Musical Elements that Produce Tension

Repetition, Jagged Articulation, Dramatic Devices, Increased Volume, Wide Intervals, Non-Chord Tones, Dissonant Harmony, Ascending Lines, Extreme Register of Instruments, Alternating Directions.

Musical Elements that Produce Relaxtion

Decreased Volume, Notes of Longer Duration, Smoothness, Silence, Descending Lines, Rest or space, Consonant Harmony.

How Music Can Change The Emotion In A Film

How Music Alters Our Perception in Movies

Music Changes Movies

• Original Version (Trailer for Mrs.Doubtfire)

Horror Version (Trailer for Mrs.Doubtfire)

Assignment