Music, sound, and the moving image

What is the course about?

This course offers an overview of the way that sound and music have used in film and cinema throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. The film soundtrack is often something we take for granted, or perhaps don’t even notice as viewers some of the time, but the craft of scoring and sound-designing films is indeed often extremely subtle, complex, rich, and wildly diverse.

This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.

What will we cover?

- The Silent Age to Talkies
- The Golden Age of Hollywood
- Artists film
- The Pop Music soundtrack
- Musicals and musicians on screen.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- understand some of the key approaches composers and directors have taken in terms of thinking about the relationship between music and image.
- have gained critical listening skills applicable to cinema more broadly
- have learned about key composers in the history in the cinema.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is designed as an overview for those with a keen interest in music and cinema. Prior musical education or experience is not essential, but the course will cover and use a range of technical terms, which we will apply during in-class practical listening exercises.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

- Sessions will comprise combinations of lecture, discussion, guided listening, and classes exercises.
- Course materials (handouts, and links to online videos) will be shared via google classroom.
- You will be encouraged to try extra reading, viewing, and listening outside class.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

No.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

To find out more about music history classes Music history courses in London and online which lists our full programme of classes ordered by term, and by day of the week. You may then click on each title to read the full course outline.