CORSO DI
SCREEN
SCORING
JANUARY 7 - FEBRUARY 1st, 2025
SIENA, ITALY
SCREEN SCORING INTENSIVE PROGRAM
composition, orchestration, technologies and sound design applied to images
a project of the LuceLab Cinecittà in collaboration with the Accademia Musicale Chigiana.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: NOV. 25, 2024
THE PROGRAM
The intensive SCREEN SCORING program offers a comprehensive curriculum meticulously designed to prepare students and young professionals in the rapidly evolving and highly specialized field of music composition and production for visual media. With modules ranging from composition and analysis to dramaturgy and storytelling, from sound sampling and manipulation for expressive purposes to the use of Artificial Intelligence in sound, the program aims to impart both theoretical and, above all, practical knowledge essential for successfully working in this niche sector of the film industry.
OBJECTIVES
The primary objectives of the course are to develop expertise in music composition and analysis tailored for visual storytelling, specifically in feature films, documentaries, and video productions. Participants will gain advanced knowledge in sound design and manipulation, recording and post-production techniques, with a particular emphasis on sound spatialization (Dolby Atmos). Each participant is required to compose, record, mix, and finalize the soundtrack for two film scenes (either selected or assigned), each lasting three minutes.
THE PROGRAM AT GLANCE
COURSE DATES:
Tuesday Jan. 7 – Saturday Feb 1, 2025
ONLINE Jan. 7 – 11 and IN PRESENCE Jan 13 – Feb. 1st, 2025
DAILY CLASSES: 9am – 1pm & 2 – 7pm
WHERE: Accademia Chigiana, Siena
NO. of PARTICIPANTS : 15 (NO AGE LIMIT)
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
online application, CV, video portfolio
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Nov. 25, 2024
INSTRUCTION BEGINS: Tuesday Jan 7th
FINAL SCREENING:
Feb. 1st, 2025 – Cinema Barberini, Rome, Italy
TUITION FEES: FREE
COURSE MODULES
FSC 301 COMPOSITION AND MUSICAL ANALYSIS
FSC 301.1 COMPOSITION AND MUSICAL ANALYSIS – INDIVIDUAL LESSONS
FSC 201 PRINCIPLES OF ORCHESTRATION
FSC 321 SOUND MANIPULATION AND SYNTHESIS
REC 502 RECORDING AND SAMPLING
FSC 351 POST-PRODUCTION MIXING AND MASTERING – PRINCIPLES OF SPATIAL SOUND
FSC 400.1 COMPOSITION MASTERCLASS
REC 501 RECORDING SESSIONS
LAB 311 VISUAL ANALYSIS SYSTEMS AND AI CORE TECHNOLOGY FOR SOUND PRODUCTION
LAB 201 PREPARATION FOR RECORDING SESSIONS – STEMS AND PARTS
FSC 211 SCREENING AND LISTENING GUIDE
LAB 200 LABORATORY (SUPERVISED)
Admission applications must be submitted exclusively through the CinelabCinecittà online platform, accessible here, by following the provided instructions. The deadline for submission is November 25, 2024, at 12:00 PM.
All details regarding the official calendar will be published on the LuceLab website (www.lucelabcinecitta.com) on the course’s dedicated page, following the candidate selection process and the announcement of the admitted students’ ranking.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- Age: Candidates must be over 18 years old.
- Educational qualification: Candidates must possess a high school diploma (or a foreign equivalent translated in accordance with current regulations) at the time of submitting the enrollment application.
- Knowledge of the Italian language: Candidates are required to have a good knowledge of the Italian language, which will be verified by the Examination Committees during the selection process.
- Knowledge of the English language: Candidates are required to have a good knowledge of the English language, which will be verified by the Examination Committees during the selection process.
- Ability to read music: Fundamentals of music theory, including all major and minor scales, major and minor keys, circle of fifths, intervals and inversions, types of chords, symbols and inversions, triads, seventh chords, and basic notions of orchestration.
- Good knowledge of a DAW software package (chosen from ProTools, Logic Pro X, Cubase, DP) and related plugins.
- Knowledge of basic sound synthesis and sound design techniques.
- Knowledge of a music notation software (Finale, Sibelius, Dorico).
- Good knowledge of film and audiovisual language.
Further infos on admission requirements and selection criteria can be found in the official documents linked below:
– BANDO DI SELEZIONE (CALL FOR ADMISSIONS)
– DISCIPLINARE DI SELEZIONE (SELECTION CRITERIA)
– PROGRAMMA DIDATTICO (PROGRAM)
PROGRAM
MUSIC COMPOSITION AND ANALYSIS – INDIVIDUAL LESSONS AND MASTERCLASSES
Through modules FSC 301 and FSC 301.1, students will develop specialized skills in composition that seamlessly integrate with visual storytelling. Additionally, they will enhance their analytical abilities to examine and understand current trends in music for films and visual media.
PRINCIPLES OF SOUND DESIGN AND SOUND MANIPULATION
Modules FSC 201 and FSC 321 provide students with a comprehensive understanding of orchestration techniques, sound design and manipulation methodologies, and sound synthesis. These skills are essential for creating rich and immersive sound textures.
RECORDING TECHNIQUE AND TECHNOLOGY
Modules REC 501 and REC 502 enable participants to acquire and refine practical skills in recording, sampling, and preparing studio recording sessions.
POST-PRODUCTION AND SPATIAL SOUND
(Dolby ATMOS)
Module FSC 351 covers post-production techniques, including mixing and mastering, with a focus on the principles of spatial sound (Dolby Atmos). This module prepares participants to create mixes that creatively and effectively utilize sound space.
APPLICATIONS OF TECHNOLOGY, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, AND VISUAL ANALYSIS
A dedicated module that explores the principles and techniques of crafting unique auditory elements, utilizing sound manipulation tools and artificial intelligence applied to sound production. Students will learn how to shape compelling soundscapes and textures, vital for enhancing the narrative and emotional depth in film.
SUPERVISED LAB
Lab hours are dedicated to practicing synchronization techniques, aligning music with visual cues using tempo maps and time codes. Students will develop thematic material and orchestrate it for scenes, while also integrating sound design to create a cohesive sonic atmosphere. In peer review, participants will present works-in-progress for feedback on all technical technical elements learned in class.
FACULTY
PATRICK KIRST
Composition and Analysis
Professor Thornton School of Music
USC Los Angeles
LAWRENCE SHRAGGE
Composition and Analysis
Professor Thornton School of Music
USC Los Angeles
JEFF WOLPERT
Post-production – Spatial Sound & Dolby ATMOS
Professor University of Toronto DesertFish Studios
GIUSEPPE VASAPOLLI
Sound Manipulation and Synthesis, AI
Professor Conservatorio “A. Scarlatti” Palermo
SARAH BELLE REID
Sound Manipulation and Synthesis
Visiting Artist
PETE ANTHONY
Orchestration (online only)
Professor Thornton School of Music
USC Los Angeles
FRANCO PIERSANTI
Composition Masterclasses
Visiting Artist
ANTONIO ARTESE
Program coordinator
Dean Chigiana Global Academy
FEDERICO TORRI
Assistant
MATTIA CELLA
Tech Assistant
STUDENT ASSISTANT
TBA
RECORDING SESSIONS
The program includes multiple sampling sessions dedicated to recording single instruments, where students will capture high-quality audio of individual instruments such as piano, violin, or woodwinds. These recordings will be used to create custom sample libraries, which students can later share and manipulate and integrate into their compositions. Additionally, two days will be dedicated to recording sessions with small groups of musicians. Both types of sessions will provide hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment and software, allowing students to understand the technical and creative processes behind individual instrument recordings and ensemble.
FINAL SCREENING
The final screening of students work will take place in Rome on February 1st, bringing together professionals such as directors, producers, and composers. This event will offer students a unique opportunity to showcase their work to key figures in the industry. It will be a pivotal moment for networking and exposure, set in the state-of-the-art ATMOS Sala 5 at Cinema Barberini.
OUR PARTNERS
The Screen Scoring Intensive Program is a project of the LuceLab & Cinecittà in collaboration with Accademia Musicale Chigiana and top level academic and technical partners.
