Master of Music

Film Scoring Degree

Apply for June 24 semester start. • Get a decision within 2 weeks

Program Highlights

  • Live orchestra recording sessions of your original compositions
  • Private instruction as part of your Culminating Experience

The Master of Music in Film Scoring program will empower you with the skills and confidence to compose music to match any visual presentation that a filmmaker provides. You’ll develop your own unique compositional voice through a number of unique opportunities like working with live orchestras to bring your scores to life, and creating realistic-sounding MIDI sequences using professional-level sample libraries. By studying the works of a wide range of film composers, you’ll learn how to effectively incorporate music from different cultures and countries into feature films, television shows, or documentary film scores. The Master of Music in Film Scoring will help you become not only a more effective composer, but a more effective dramatist. You’ll build your business acumen, and learn how to make significant professional connections in the industry. 

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Take the Master of Music in Film Scoring Self-Assessment Quiz

Check your readiness for the program

You’ll focus on maximizing your relationship with directors and producers, and work hands-on with student filmmakers to gain experience collaborating directly with clients. And, perhaps most importantly, through this program you’ll build your demo reel with recordings of exceedingly high production value, which will be suitable for use as promotional material.

You will also learn advanced techniques to create fresh and interesting electronic textures, configure a professional composer’s studio, land professional scoring opportunities, negotiate fees, and manage working relationships. You will also receive one-on-one instruction and mentorship in two of the courses designed to focus on your culminating experience for the program. 

Film scoring is an industry driven by professional networks, and the instructors in this program, all of whom are working professionals, will be able to guide you in identifying pathways that will be helpful in building industry connections and finding and scoring film projects. 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the program, you will be able to: 

  • Analyze a given film score on multiple musical and dramatic levels 

  • Articulate your own unique compositional voice

  • Compose in a wide variety of styles

  • Compose using a broad palette of advanced compositional techniques

  • Orchestrate your compositions with a deep understanding of orchestral best practices

  • Prepare record-ready Pro Tools sessions, scores, and parts

  • Produce a remote recording session with a professional orchestra

  • Mix your music at a high production level

  • Create exceedingly real-sounding orchestral mock-ups

  • Create intriguing and evocative electronic textures

  • Navigate the complexities of working in the film industry and strengthen your business acumen

  • Effectively collaborate with directors and others

  • Promote yourself as a professional composer 

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Video score composed / produced by Gabriel Ryfer Cohen, a 2015 Berklee Film & Video Game Scoring graduate.
Video score composed / produced by Gabriel Ryfer Cohen, a 2015 Berklee Film & Video Game Scoring graduate.
  1. Fill out the online application (15 minutes)
  2. Statement of Purpose: Create a 500-750 word essay, or a 3-5 minute video essay
  3. Provide two examples of original compositions set to film
  4. Attach your official transcripts
  5. Ask for two letters of recommendation

Read full graduate admissions requirement details .



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Online graduate degree tuition vs. competitor's campus-based programs

Affordable Tuition

Online graduate degree tuition is $36,480 for 36 credits (includes associated fees). To get started, this degree program includes a non-refundable $75 application fee.

Read full tuition and associated program fee details for this, and all other graduate programs here.


Note: September 2023 Semester Price Increase

In September 2023, online graduate degree tuition will increase to $36,804 for 36 credits (includes associated fees).



Available Financial Aid