The Fundamental Elements of Film Music

Explore the role of music in film from it’s importance in silent film to the elements and tools that modern composers use to create music for the silver screen. See how minor changes in momentum, depth and power can drastically alter the feel of a scene. Then take your turn at creating a score for a classic Georges Méliès film: A Trip to the Moon.

If you have any further questions be sure to check out our questions page on Filmmaker IQ:

[PullMyFocus]

Brilliant stuff. Jazz fans would appreciate the fact that Count Basie and Fats Waller also played music for movies "back in the day!"

[Chloe-zjsi]

Hi john my survey of media class watches your videos almost every week. We love you so much you are a class room hero.

[SaturnCanuck]

Awesome. As a musician and film maker, all I can say is you hit the nail right on the head.

[wado]

Expression; something I wish more desktop composers and musicians in general would understand better. People have asked for advice on countless scores, usually frustrated that their scores have no impact or "just don't sound right." They're almost always sample libraries either played on keyboards or sequenced via MIDI. Most ask about using different samples, more processing or some kind of specialty hardware device but I always tell them that won't work. One of my proudest achievements in working on a movie was regarding some incidental MIDI "orchestral" music. The composer said he was about ready to give up on the piece he wrote and start again, but gave me free reign to do what I want with it. I simply brought in some string players to replace most of the MIDI tracks with real musicians and it worked beautifully. As the great Victor Wooten said "I can program a computer to produce any note I want but it can't make music."

[crtstrubelj]

The amount of knowledge I gained from watching your channel is incredible! Amazing what you can condense into a 20min video...

[HeavenestStCyr]

I've been searching for this video for the past years but could never remember the name. I'm super happy to have refound it.

The music in the last example was heavenly

[LuderSatan]

When I watch these vidoes I just get this feeling that I dont know anything about anything.

[mychalsimmons]

I’m a musician/composer/songwriter who decided to pursue my film making quest. This episode of your channel really made me realize why I chose to pursue my film making desire. Thank you Jon

[kevinryan]

I love how a completely finished film is a culmination of so many different works of art forming a masterpiece. I truly appreciate the videos you make because they help me appreciate a medium I’ve loved my whole life on a deeper level. I learn something new with each one and I am truly inspired!

[jackohare]

Amazing lesson to a father of a brilliant musical daughter.... I am grateful for your channel in that it informs me of how a musician and cinematographer becomes so inspirational to us laymen/laywomen. Thank you and keep doing these lessons in film making.

[VacationChris]

As a content creator and a music producer... I say this is one of THE BEST beginner explanations of music types of beats!!!! This is EXCELLENT!!! Anyone can learn from this from music producers to tv and film creators!!!

[HitechProductions]

Just saw this, and WOW! I haven't quite finished yet, but what a great breakdown of music theory, and in just a few minutes. This is going to be something that I watch over and over. The best explanation of music in films I've seen yet. Outstanding.

[rationalraven]

Every time I watch your videos I gain more appreciation for the art of filmmaking. Now when I go to the cinema I sit there thinking about how many people over the last century or so have dedicated their careers to perfecting the technologies bringing those images and sounds to my senses, it enhances the experience a thousand fold.

[MushisCow]

I am amazed that I found this channel. Hess, you're doing one hell of a fantastic job explaining and broadening my vision in the film making world. What I like the most about all of this is how you explain history/theory/practise - Guide us through examples and really teaches the viewer (At least for me) How to use the knowledge beyond what you're telling us. It's like you're teaching me how to learn. I absolutely love it.

[Mecal]

The example of adding music to Trip to the Moon was fantastic! I love the layers and how they change the feel.

[NatesFilmTutorials]

One of the best educational channels out there!

[dralbertpakin]

I teach middle school music and we are talking about music in film. This is great! I love your series. I'm going to keep using them! Thanks.

[appelelle]

I used to be interested in films. Now, I'm interested in film making. Thank you, John.

[minuscolochao]

state of art channel ! can't stop watching all your vids

[thebeltwaybandit]

This is a superb presentation to those of us musical illiterates.