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How to Write Film Music

For those interested in writing film scores, there are many computer software programs now readily available to use. With the advent of these computer programs, recording and notating music compositions has become easier to do. However, the ability to compose good quality, original music still comes from raw talent and a good understanding of music. Composing a film score can take time and the length varies from musician to musician. Some composers complete pieces in one day. Others can take several months.

Things You'll Need

  • Music Recording Software
  • Computer
  • MIDI Keyboard
  • DVD Player
  • Movie
  • TV
  • Written Synopsis of the Movie
  • MIDI to USB Connector
  • Computer Printer
  • Computer Audio Speakers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Turn on the computer. Use the MIDI lead to connect the MIDI keyboard to the MIDI to USB connector. Connect the MIDI-to-USB connector to the computer's USB port. Turn on the MIDI keyboard. Load up the music recording software. Play some notes on the MIDI keyboard to ensure that everything is connected properly and the keyboard can be heard through the computers speakers.

    • 2

      Read the written synopsis of the movie to get an understanding of the story and the atmosphere of the movie. Insert the movie into the DVD player. Turn on the TV and watch the movie if you are still unsure of the storyline.

    • 3

      Continue playing and watching the movie. Play some musical ideas so that you can develop the score as the film progresses. After formulating basic ideas for musical pieces, select scenes from the movie to focus on and develop pieces for each individual scene.

    • 4

      After each piece of music has been written, use the music recording software to write a score of each piece. Use the printer to print out each piece and so that you have a hard copy of each composition. Use the computer recording software to make recordings of each composition as well and burn them on to CD.

    • 5

      Play the CD on the computer, along with the movie in the DVD player. This will enable you to hear how the film score meshes with movie properly.

Recording Music

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