Music for Film, TV, and Games

Become a Better Composer with Berklee

Discover the opportunities available in writing, creating, and placing music in visual media, including film, television, and video games.

Courses

Courses are best for students who are looking to meet a specific need, or simply want to get started with Berklee Online. No application necessary.

  • Next semester starts April 1
  • 12 Weeks
  • 5-10 Hours Per Week
OLART-160
Level 1 Level 1
Undergraduate Course
Learn effective techniques for producing any kind of video, including a music video or short film.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OCOMP-110
Level 1 Level 1
Undergraduate Course
Gain a solid understanding of music fundamentals by taking a detailed look at the major and minor keys, and the tools to comprehend scales and chords.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OLSOC-150
Level 1 Level 1
Undergraduate Course
Gain a thorough understanding of film and TV, and learn to communicate effectively with directors, producers, and others involved in the production process.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OCOMP-285
Level 2 Level 2
Undergraduate Course
Develop a unique compositional voice to write music through the study of modern twentieth century compositional techniques.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OCWPR-260
Level 2 Level 2
Undergraduate Course
After a quick overview of the media industry today, students will learn the technical and aesthetic challenges in this highly competitive field. They will analyze and spot a film score and become better storytellers through various writing exercises.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OLART-205
Level 2 Level 2
Undergraduate Course
Learn video game design by drafting ideas, prototyping, testing, and revising. This is the process that is at the heart of the video game industry.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OMPRD-295
Level 2 Level 2
Undergraduate Course
Gain a solid foundation of sound production and engineering skills that will prepare you to work at a game development company or as a freelancer.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OCOMP-111
Level 2 Level 2
Undergraduate Course
Further your own musical language by expanding your knowledge of major and minor key harmony and melody, in addition to scales, chords, and drum grooves.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OCOMP-210
Level 2 Level 2
Undergraduate Course
Continue developing the foundation for your musical knowledge as you explore and express yourself through composition for film, TV, and video games.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OCOMP-211
Level 2 Level 2
Undergraduate Course
Building on the foundation of the previous three levels, learn compositional techniques first pioneered by twentieth century European and American composers.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OMPRD-250
Level 2 Level 2
Undergraduate Course
Learn all the steps and tools necessary to create a high-quality audiovisual experience and maximize the use of video, audio, and graphic content on Final Cut Pro.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OMPRD-389
Level 3 Level 3
Undergraduate Course
Become a more marketable and in-demand producer by learning the fundamentals of audio post production for film and television: sound design, foley, dialogue, and more.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OCOMP-385
Level 3 Level 3
Undergraduate Course
Gain a solid knowledge of modern instrumental writing and competence using twentieth century techniques in composition. In addition, you will gain enhanced listening skills to identify and appreciate new musical styles, and be capable of implementing these skills in your writing, enriching your capacity to express yourself in this intellectually stimulating musical idiom.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OMPRD-345
Level 3 Level 3
Undergraduate Course
Learn how to compose music, unique sounds, and voices for video games and explore the creative process and practical challenges of game audio production.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OSONG-430
Level 3 Level 3
Undergraduate Course
Learn how to write music that will appeal specifically to music supervisors, editors, directors, and producers across a number of genres.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OCWPR-385
Level 3 Level 3
Undergraduate Course
Gain a practical working knowledge of composing, producing, marketing, and monetizing commercial music, from jingles to television theme music and scoring.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OCOMP-492
Level 4 Level 4
Undergraduate Course
Learn the fundamental music approaches and skills that professional composers use to create interactive scores for games.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OCOMP-490
Level 4 Level 4
Undergraduate Course
Learn to write music in the style of big budget Hollywood productions and gain a recipe book for writing for film and TV.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OCOMP-491
Level 4 Level 4
Undergraduate Course
Analyze specific genres of film and TV music in terms of melody, harmony, and orchestration, and form a template that you can apply to your own writing.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OMBUS-496
Level 4 Level 4
Undergraduate Course
Learn how to make money through creative licensing of your music and how to introduce it to music supervisors, ad creatives, video game producers, and more.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OMBUS-495
Level 4 Level 4
Undergraduate Course
Explore the ins and outs of music supervision so that you can achieve the best possible outcome for yourself or client on either side of a licensing transaction.
  • Credit: $1,545
  • Non-Credit: $1,290
OMPRD-507
Level 5 - Enrollable Level 5 - Enrollable
Graduate Course
This course will help you understand, design, and implement a professional music production environment for the projects you embark on.
  • Credit: $2,817
  • Non-Credit: $2,615
OCOMP-590
Level 5 - Enrollable Level 5 - Enrollable
Graduate Course
Compositional Voice Development in Film Scoring provides you with methods and exercises for expanding your compositional voice.
  • Credit: $2,817
  • Non-Credit: $2,615
OCOMP-525
Level 5 - Enrollable Level 5 - Enrollable
Graduate Course
Learn how film composers use an effective musical vocabulary while you expand your own overall knowledge of film, and start seeing films through the lens of a filmmaker.
  • Credit: $2,817
  • Non-Credit: $2,615
OCOMP-588
Level 5 - Enrollable Level 5 - Enrollable
Graduate Course
Explore the tools, techniques, workflows, and creative considerations specific to the creation of music for film and television.
  • Credit: $2,817
  • Non-Credit: $2,615
OCOMP-507
Level 5 - Enrollable Level 5 - Enrollable
Graduate Course
Learn how to emulate live orchestral performances and recordings in the most musical and expressive way, using industry-standard tools and techniques.
  • Credit: $2,817
  • Non-Credit: $2,615
OCOMP-662
Level 6 - Enrollable Level 6 - Enrollable
Graduate Course
Learn how to research and make appropriate choices for films that require music from a culture other than your own.
  • Credit: $2,817
  • Non-Credit: $2,615
OCOMP-677
Level 6 - Enrollable Level 6 - Enrollable
Graduate Course
Work with raw and electronic sound using software synthesizers and samplers to develop your own unique sounds and create dramatic musical soundscapes for films.
  • Credit: $2,817
  • Non-Credit: $2,615

Certificates

Gain the professional credentials and marketable skills you need to succeed in your specific area of the music industry. Certificates range from foundational-skill building to graduate-level. No application necessary.

  • Next semester starts April 1
  • 3-18 Months
  • 5-10 Hours Per Week
Graduate
3 Courses · 9 Credits
Learn to analyze, compose, and stylistically adapt scores for film, while also studying dimensions of music that you can employ to support a narrative.
Graduate
3 Courses · 9 Credits
Learn industry-standard programs for film scoring and explore essential skills of the craft like developing orchestral mockups, mixing, sampling, and synthesis.
Advanced Professional
8 Courses · 24 Credits
This customizable program allows you to earn an Advanced Professional Certificate in General Music Studies by choosing eight courses from any interest area.
Advanced Professional
9 Courses · 27 Credits
Become a more marketable composer with in depth instruction of orchestration, where you’ll learn placement techniques that will help your music find a home.
Professional
5 Courses · 15 Credits
Study the classics as well as contemporary films and learn how to compose scores that will both complement the visuals and elicit strong emotions from viewers.
Professional
3 Courses · 9 Credits
Develop a solid foundation in sound production and engineering that will prepare you to work in-house or as a freelancer in the video game industry.
Professional
5 Courses · 15 Credits
Learn the ins and outs of music supervision, strengthening your ability to determine whether a given piece of music would fit a mood or scene for film or TV.
Professional
4 Courses · 12 Credits
This customizable program allows you to earn a Professional Certificate in General Music Studies by choosing four courses from any interest area.

Degree Programs

Degree programs are the most affordable and flexible option for earning your music degree from Berklee College of Music. They are the best option for students who want a music education degree and the full Berklee experience.

  • Apply for June 24 semester start.
    • Get a decision within 2 weeks
  • Master's Degree: 1-3 Years
    Bachelor's Degree: 2-4 Years
  • 5-10 Hours Per Week
36 Credits
Build your compositional portfolio and take part in live film scoring sessions where your pieces will be performed and recorded by a professional orchestra.
36 Credits
Expand your knowledge and skills in four areas critical to advancing a career in the music industry: music business, music production and technology, songwriting, and film scoring.
120 Credits
Gain the practical skills to compose, arrange, and orchestrate effective dramatic music for visual media, including film, TV, and interactive media.
120 Credits
“Build your own” music major by selecting coursework from a number of disciplines that align with your personal career goals.
45 of 120 Credits
This major is geared specifically for new and entering students who are not yet ready to declare their major.

New! Masterclasses

With Berklee Online’s new Masterclasses, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from Berklee's acclaimed instructors over the course of one live session for only $99.

Get Access to Free Handbooks

Gain access to real course content from Berklee Online's 12-week, instructor-led online courses. From foundational concepts to advanced techniques, these free handbooks cover a variety of topics, all designed to provide you with marketable skills in music.

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