Composition for Film, Games & TV
About the Course
This elective gives student composers and musicians the opportunity to explore how music shapes emotion, storytelling, and atmosphere in film, television, and interactive media. Working in a creative, hands-on studio environment, students learn to compose original music for visual scenes while gaining practical skills in digital audio production using Apple’s Logic Pro X.
Students will:
- Discover how music interacts with image, dialogue, and sound design
- Explore melody, harmony, and texture as storytelling tools
- Score scenes from existing films, video games, and TV clips
- Learn sequencing, MIDI editing, and beat-building using Logic Pro X
- Experiment with virtual instruments, synthesizers, and sampling
- Develop short musical cues and projects that demonstrate mood, pacing, and dramatic intent
No prior experience with Logic is required, though familiarity with GarageBand or digital recording is helpful. Both new and experienced composers are welcome! Students will leave with practical skills in composition and digital production, plus a deeper understanding of how music brings visual media to life.
While this elective can be taken on its own, is is designed to pair perfectly with the core Summer@Cornish morning Musical & Theater Intensive program.
We encourage students to enroll the morning intensive to build a strong foundation, then expand their skills and interests through these afternoon electives.
Explore the morning Musical & Theater Intensive [here], or email plus@cornish.edu with any questions.
How the Summer@Cornish Program Works
Design your own schedule: full days, morning Intensive only or afternoon Electives only!
Three Ways to Participate
• Full-Day Program
• Half-Day Program
• Single Elective
Full-Day Program
• Morning Intensive: Monday–Friday, 9 AM–12 PM
+
• Afternoon Electives: Monday/Wednesday/Friday) & Tuesday/Thursday, 1 PM–4 PM
Half-Day Program
Students can select a combination of:
• Only morning Intensive
• Only two afternoon Electives
Residency Program (Optional Add-On)
Available to Full-Day students:
• Evening & weekend activities
• Extra studio time
• On-campus supervision and housing