Music in Film: Discovering the Magic of Music in Film, from Hitchcock to Scorsese

online course

It is often said that, if we notice film music, then it is not doing its job properly. But who amongst us has not, whilst watching a film, been moved to tears by a poignant melody, been startled off the sofa by a well-timed percussive chord, or been made to feel elated by a stirring fanfare?

This six-week online evening course will encourage you to notice film music through a selection of iconic soundtracks and uncover the secret behind a memorable and arresting film score. This is a great opportunity for you to share your passion for the genre, expand your knowledge of film music, and learn about the decisions taken by composers and directors in creating the soundtracks that are loved and admired.

Ages 18+
Wednesday evening on 28 April, 5, 12, 19, 26 May and 2 June 2021

Course leader

Peter Longworth is a composer, teacher, music copyist, conductor and cinephile whose music has been performed internationally. As a professor on the Electronic Music course at Guildhall School, he teaches modules on Orchestration and Conducting.

Target group

- Anyone aged 18 and over, with a passion for film and/or film music.
- No advanced knowledge is required - you do not need to be able to read music.

Course aim

Each session of the course will be dedicated to a particular topic and you will be invited to share your views on the music that is presented.

Topics covered will include:

- The music of Hollywood’s Golden Age
- Film history’s most fruitful director-composer collaborations: from Hitchcock and Herrmann, to Fellini and Rota, to Spielberg and Williams.
- The rich and varied career of the late Ennio Morricone
- The influence of Jazz in film music
- The use of pre-existing music in the films of Kubrick, Scorsese and Sorrentino
- A small amount of listening and viewing homework may be recommended.

In the last session, you will be invited to share a film clip that you admire and briefly outline why you feel strongly about it. Please note that this is not mandatory and you may elect not to do this.

Fee info

GBP 250: £250