Film Scoring:
A film’s score can truly make or break a film. Just think of a well-known film. Almost immediately, the main theme of the film will come to mind. Where would films such as Star Wars, Gladiator, and Gone with the Wind be without the music? In fact, the music is often the first thing that comes to mind when one hears the title of a film. What do you think of first when you hear the word, “Jaws?” Learn how to use compositional techniques to move the audience’s emotions, to create moments of tension and release, to create a theme that sums up the film’s plot, and to create music that brings out the personality of each character. In this course, you will also learn to choose popular pieces that help make a scene authentic without clashing with the main score of the film. Our experienced instructors have studied the musical structure that characterizes film scores, and can teach you to create a score that people will remember long after they have left the theater.
Composition, Arranging, and Improvisation:
Designed for those who are seeking to reach a level of competence on the guitar that will enable them to compose, arrange and play music in their favorite styles. The student will develop a solid understanding of improvisation, arrangement, and composition. The student will become familiar with modern notation software such as Finale and Sibelius through hands-on coaching.
Songwriting:
To blend music and words into a memorable tune that will catch the attention of an audience is an art in and of itself. It involves a basic knowledge of composition and theory, a good ear for music, and a talent for condensing one’s thought into words that can capture the listeners’ hearts. To get the song into a format that showcases its unique attributes, learning some of the fundamentals of arranging and improvisation can be a great benefit. Students will get hands-on experience using software such as Finale and Sibelius. Our instructors have a superb ear for music, and are experts at composition and arranging. Let them teach you how to write songs that will get you noticed!
Music Theory 101:
Starting with an introduction to the fingerboard layout, this course covers basic concepts such as intervals, triads, chords and cadences are covered. Mapping major scale forms on the fingerboard is covered. Each concept is illustrated on the guitar.
Music Theory 102:
This course is an in-depth study of more advanced topics such as modulation, sequences, seventh, ninth, thirteenth chords, and secondary dominants. Music theory from a mathematical perspective will also be covered, but no past mathematical knowledge or interest is necessary.
Music theory, composition, arranging, improvisation, and songwriting courses are taught in our Los Angeles guitar studios and through our private webcam guitar lesson program.