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Graduate Certificate

Compositional Approaches to Film Scoring

In the Compositional Approaches to Film Scoring graduate certificate, you’ll learn to balance your artistic voice with a filmmaker’s vision. Analyze how music supports narrative, compose cues across styles, and adapt your writing to different genres and cultures—all while developing the musical instincts needed to score stories with clarity and character.

Level
Graduate
Modality
Online
Courses
3 (9 Credits)
($2,874 per course)
Tuition
$8,622
($7,760 single payment)
Semester Starts
Jan 12, 2026
Accreditation
NECHE

What You'll Learn

  • To analyze film scenes through both musical and cinematic lenses, identifying how score choices shape narrative, character, and emotional impact
  • To develop an adaptable compositional voice that responds to directorial vision while maintaining your artistic identity
  • To research, interpret, and incorporate musical traditions, styles, and instrumentation from diverse cultures into story-driven film cues
  • To compose, revise, and present scoring options that demonstrate stylistic versatility, thematic clarity, and effective creative collaboration with filmmakers

    • Proof of a Bachelor's Degree Required
Overview Course Requirements Enrollment Requirements About this Certificate Related Music Career Roles Enroll Now No application required. Request Info
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Course Requirements

3 Courses to Complete this Certificate

  • Film Score Analysis (OCOMP-525 • Level 5 - Enrollable 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.

  • Compositional Voice Development in Film Scoring (OCOMP-590 • Level 5 - Enrollable Course)

    Compositional Voice Development in Film Scoring provides you with methods and exercises for expanding your compositional voice.

  • Stylistic Adaptations in Film Scoring (OCOMP-662 • Level 6 - Enrollable Course)

    Learn how to research and make appropriate choices for films that require music from a culture other than your own.

Enrollment Requirements

Proof of a Bachelor's Degree

Proof of a bachelor's degree is required to enroll in this non-degree, graduate-level course.
Ready to submit an unofficial copy of your transcript?

Upon Completion of this Certificate Program, You'll Receive:

  • Professional credential from the world leader in music education
  • Credits that may be eligible for transfer toward a Master's degree program
  • A physical certificate from Berklee College of Music
  • A verified, digital certificate that you can share

Related Music Career Roles

Employers look for skills learned in this certificate program, when hiring for the following music career roles:

Assistant to the Composer

Composer (Film)

Composer (Television)

Orchestrator (Film and TV)

Session Conductor

Supervising Sound Editor (Film and TV)

Questions?

Contact our Academic Advisors by phone at 1-866-BERKLEE (U.S.), 1-617-747-2146 (INT'L), or by email at advisors@online.berklee.edu.

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